Abstract

In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team initiated a trial investigating forage yield and quality of varieties of different legume species seeded in monocultures. The species selected were alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, red clover, and white clover. These legumes were chosen as they have been shown in previous research to have adequate survivability and forage production in this region. Organic and grass-based dairy systems rely on legumes to help provide balanced nutrition to their animals while also reducing the crop’s need for additional nitrogen compared to a pure grass stand. This information therefore, may help enhance forage production and quality, thereby reducing producers’ forage and supplemental feed costs. These varieties were selected and seeded in the late summer of 2017 and were ready for harvest in the 2018 growing season. This report reflects data collected in the 2019 growing season.

Keywords

Vermont, University of Vermont, legume

Publication Date

2019

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