Tag Archives: green manure legumes

498-504 J. Slepetys
Green manure legumes for organic seed production of Phleum pratense
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Green manure legumes for organic seed production of Phleum pratense

J. Slepetys

Lithuanian Institute of Agriculture, Instituto al.1, LT 58344, Kedainiai District, Lithuania;e-mail: jonas.slepetys@lzi.lt

Abstract:

Experiments conducted during the period 2003–2008 were designed to study the effects of six legume species (Trifolium pratensis, Medicago sativa, Trifolium repens, Galega orentalis, Medicago lupulina, Trifolium resupinatum) ploughed down as green manure on the seed yield of timothy (Phleum pratense). Legumes were undersown into barley. In the first year of production legumes were chopped and ploughed down for green manure in June. The sown timothy was used for seed for three years. Trifolium resupinatum grew luxuriantly in the year of sowing, however, it completely disappeared after winter. Depending on the legume species before ploughing down, the content of nitrogen accumulated in the above ground part and roots was 165–272 kg ha-1, phosphorus 16–25 kg ha-1, and potassium 75–165 kg ha-1. According to the data averaged over three years of production, the highest timothy seed yield was obtained having ploughed down a mixture of the three legumes (Trifolium pratensis + Medicago sativa + Trifolium repens). Having ploughed down legumes, the positive effect on seed yield of timothy was more substantial in the second and third years of production.

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