AGRONOMIC STUDIES WITH FODDER RAPE (BRASSICA NAPUS VAR. BIENNIS)

Abstract

Production practices that included two seeding methods and seven seeding rates in one study, and a combination of seven seeding and five harvest dates in another, were compared in field studies over a five-year period. Data were collected on dry matter yield and several plant characteristics. The lowest seeding rate in the row plantings produced the highest yield of dry matter every year. Seeding rates had no effect on yield within the broadcast method. Plant weight, stem diameter and leaf content were greater under the row seeding method than under the broadcast system, but none was affected strongly by seeding rate under either method. Plant height and dry matter content at harvest were not affected either by the methods or by the rates of seeding used. On the other hand, date of seeding had a marked effect on the final dry matter content and yield. Early seeding dates produced the highest yields. Dry matter yield increased several-fold throughout the autumn harvest period where mid- to late-season seedings were employed.