The effect of cutting times on goat’s rue (Galega orientalis Lam.) leys

Abstract

The effect of four different cutting times, both in spring and autumn, on goat’s rue was studied at Viikki Experimental farm of the University of Helsinki in 1983—89. Goat’s rue showed good persistence. The plots remained in good condition, the average yield being even in the sixth year 9000 kg DM per hectare. The development of goat’s rue starts early in the spring. The growth rate and development of CP content are similar to those of red clover. The development of CF is, however, more similar to grasses. Thus, the crude fiber content limits the cutting times of goat’s rue more than the changes in crude protein content. The most suitable cutting time in spring is at the beginning of flowering in mid-June, and in autumn during the second week of September. With this management a yield of 8360 kg DM per hectare per year was reached during the experimental years. The pooled CP content was 19.9 % and the CP yield was 1660 kg/ha. The CF content was in the first cut 27.9 % and in the second cut 29.1 %. The amount of weeds in the five to six year leys was 12—18 %.