Effects of Organic Fertilizers and Mowing Times on Grass Yield and Feed Value of Italian Grass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.)

Abstract

This study was carried out in the research field of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops in the summer season of 2021-2022. The study aimed to determine the effects of mowing at different maturity periods and three different organic fertilizers on the yield and quality of Italian grass (milkweed). A master variety of milkweed was used in the study. Vermicompost, humic acid, and seaweed were applied as organic fertilizers, and DAP (Dıammonıum Phosphate) and ammonium sulfate were applied as standard fertilizers. Mowing was done at pre-flowering, early flowering, and late flowering periods. The experiment was established using the factorial trial design in randomized blocks with three replications. According to the results, plant height varied between 38.4-72.5 cm, and the highest value was obtained from vermicompost application in the late flowering period. Green grass yield varied between 3130.0-1347.5 kg ha^-1 and the highest yield was obtained from vermicompost application during the early flowering period. The highest crude protein content was obtained from all organic fertilizers in the early flowering period. Digestible dry matter and relative feed value reached the highest values in humic acid application before flowering. As a result, the early flowering period was determined as the most suitable harvesting time in terms of yield and the pre-flowering period in terms of quality. Organic fertilizer applications, especially vermicompost and humic acid, came to the forefront in increasing the yield and quality of the plant.