Seasonal Effects and Harvest Frequency Influence the Growth and Forage Yield of Hedge Lucerne More Than Planting Density
Maria Nágila Ferreira da Costa, Mércia Virginia Ferreira dos Santos, Márcio Vieira da Cunha, Valdson José da Silva, Djalma Euzébio Simões Neto, Williane Patrícia da Silva Diniz, Aurielle Silva Medeiros, Thamyres Priscylla Silva de Oliveira Felix, Geoge Carlos Vieira da SilvaContext : Hedge lucerne is a legume adapted to tropical conditions, standing out for its resistance to drought, and high crude protein concentration.
Objective : The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting density (10,000; 15,625 and 40,000 plants ha −1 ) and harvest frequencies (90 and 150 days) on morphological and production traits of hedge lucerne during different seasons of the year.
Methods : The experiment was conducted using randomized block design in a split‐plot arrangement with four repetitions. Planting densities were evaluated in the plots, while harvest frequencies were in the split plots. Harvests were performed in the dry and rainy seasons.
Results : Planting densities did not affect morphological characteristics. At 150 days, during the rainy season, plants were taller (106 cm) and showed longer branches (54 cm), with higher number of leaves per branch, leaf length, width and area, besides higher number of leaflets, branch diameter, and survival. Higher dry matter yield per plant, branch yield, forage yield, and forage accumulation rate were also observed at the 150‐day harvesting frequency. At 90 days, during the rainy season, a higher leaf/branch ratio and pod/leaf ratio were observed. The annual DM yield was not affected by the factors, and higher values were observed for 40,000 plants ha −1 and harvest frequency of 90 days.
Conclusions : Planting densities did not affect the morphological and production characteristics, while the 150‐day harvesting frequency favored higher hedge lucerne growth and productivity in the rainy season.