Influence of time of sowing and last cut for fodder on the fodder and seed yields of Egyptian clover

Abstract

Field investigations were conducted during the winter seasons of 1992/93 and 1993/94 to find the optimum sowing time and time of last fodder cut for the fodder and seed production of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). The delay in sowing from 1 October to 15 November decreased the green and dry fodder yields but increased the seed yields. Total green and dry fodder yields (of all cuttings) for 1 or 15 October sowings were significantly higher than the 15 November sowing in both years and 1 November sowing in 1992/93. Increase in seed yield from the 15 November sowing was greater than from the 1 and 15 October sowings. Straw yields followed similar trends. Delay in the last cut for fodder, however, increased green and dry fodder yields but decreased the seed yield. The percentage increase in dry fodder yield with each successive delay in last cut for fodder was higher than that of green fodder yield. The 11 April cutting date of fodder produced the highest green and dry fodder yields but the lowest seed yield. Two years mean data showed that the 2 March cutting date of last fodder gave the highest seed yield. It is concluded that higher seed yield of Egyptian clover can be produced by sowing on 15 November and giving the last fodder cutting on 2 March.