An Investigation on the Establishment of Artificial Pasture under Ankara's Ecological Conditions*

Authors: SEBAHATTİN ALBAYRAK, HAYRETTİN EKİZ

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine suitable perennial forage species and their mixtures for the establishment of short-term artificial pastures under dry conditions in Ankara between 2000 and 2002. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa Lam.), smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leys.), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) and their binary and complex mixtures were used. The research was carried out in a randomized block design with 4 replicates. The results showed significant differences among the botanical composition ratio in mixtures. The highest green, hay and dry matter yield were obtained from alfalfa + smooth brome mixtures (16.05 t ha^{-1}, 5.04 t ha^{-1} and 4.71 t ha^{-1}, respectively) and the highest protein yield was obtained from alfalfa (0.859 t ha^{-1}). The highest mixture efficiency was found in the case of the alfalfa + smooth brome mixture (1.53). The results showed that mixtures of alfalfa and smooth brome may be used to establish artificial pastures in Ankara's climatic conditions, and that sainfoin might be a very suitable plant in the mixture including crested wheatgrass if some resistant varieties against root insects are improved.

Keywords: alfalfa, sainfoin, smooth brome, crested wheatgrass, mixed pasture

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