Population dynamics of orchard grass stalks (Dactylis glomerata L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) associated with white clover (Trifolium repens L.)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate four associations of two grass and a legumein different percentages. Sowing was done in February 2010, in the Graduate College, Campus Montecillo, Mexico; based on the densities of 20, 30 and 5 kg ha-1 for orchard grass (Ov), perennial ryegrass (Ba) and white clover (Tr), respectively. Treatments consisted of the following associations: 20-40-40, 00-50-50, 40-20-40, 50-00-50% Ov, Ba and Tr. The four treatments were randomly distributed in 12 experimental plots of 9 by 8 m according to a design of a randomized complete block with three replications. The association 50-00-50 of Ov-Ba-Tr is the one with greater density orchard grass stalks with an average of 4,250 m2 stems, and lower the association 20-40-40 of Ov-Ba-Tr with an average of 3,400 m2 stems (p = 0.05). The association 20-40-40 of Ov-Ba-Tr showed greater weight orchard grass stem in both years with an average of 0.3 g stem-1 and lower weight partnership 50-00-50 with 0.23 g stem-1. In conclusion it is recommended to use the association 20-40-40 of Ov-Ba-Tr since I obtained the highest weight per stem in both grasses and the smallest population dynamics of stems, therefore, there was compensation size/density, which was reflected in the increased forage yield; with a frequency of 4 weeks in spring-summer and every 5 to 6 weeks in autumn and winter.