Effect of last cut date and fertilizer systems on forage yield, seed production and its quality of Egyptian clover

Hassan, Hend, H. M.; Eraky, Hania A.M.

doi:10.21608/ejar.2022.96148.1149

Effect of last cut date and fertilizer systems on forage yield, seed production and its quality of Egyptian clover

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Forage Crops Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt

² Seed Technology Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, Agriculture ResearchCenter, Egypt

10.21608/ejar.2022.96148.1149

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The present investigation was conducted at Kafr Al-hamam Agricultural Research Station, Agric. Research Center (ARC) and at the laboratory of Seed Technology Research Department, Field Crops Research Institute, ARC, Giza, Egypt during the two successive seasons of 2018/2019 and 2019/2020. The study aimed to find out the of three last cut dates (15th March, 15th April and 15th May) and three of fertilizer systems (control, 15kgN fad-1 and 15 kgN fad-1+ foliar spray of micronutrients) on forage yield, seed yield and its component, seed quality and economic evaluation of Egyptian clover. (Helali cultivar). The results showed that delaying the last cut on 15th May significantly increased seasonal fresh and dry forage yields (44.00 and 8.63ton fad.-1) respectively. While, the last cut on 15th April gave the highest values for seed yield and its components as well as improved most quality traits.
The treatments of 15kg N fad.-1+foliar spray of micronutrients treatment showed superiority compared to the other treatments. Whereas, applying of 15kgN fad.-1+ foliar spray of micronutrients increased each of the seasonal fresh and dry forage yield by 25.06 and 28.70% respectively, seed yield by 21.31%, germination by 6.89% , seed vigor index by 7.04% and seedling vigor index by 58.38% as compared with control treatment.
It could be concluded that the time of last cut at 15 April is indicated as the optimal time to last cut with applying 15 kg N fad-1. +foliar spray of micronutrient for enhanced seed production and good quality.

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