Abstract
In 2022, the University of Vermont Extension’s Northwest Crop and Soils Program evaluated the performance of mixtures of peas with oats and triticale intended for use as forage for livestock. In the Northeast, cool season perennial grasses dominate pastures and hay meadows that farmers rely on. Often during the fall months, perennial pasture will decline in yield and quality. The addition of cool season annual forages into the grazing system during this time may help improve the quality and quantity of forage and potentially extend the grazing season. Depending on the species they may also be harvested for stored feed. Incorporating legumes into a mixture with grasses can help supply nitrogen, increase protein and fiber digestibility. However, forage legumes tend to be less aggressive and productive than grasses and therefore can be more challenging to establish in a mixture. We compared three varieties of oats and triticale in combination with three rates of forage peas to evaluate potential differences in forage yield and quality. While the information presented can begin to describe the yield and quality performance of these mixtures in this region, it is important to note that the data represent results from only one season and one location.
Keywords
Vermont, University of Vermont, UVM Extension, Northwest Crops & Soils
Publication Date
7-2023
Recommended Citation
Darby, Heather and Ziegler, Sara, "2022 Fall Annual Forages Trial" (2023). Northwest Crops & Soils Program. 501.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/nwcsp/501