Forage potential of Wapiti triticale mixtures in central Alberta

Tests were conducted at Lacombe, AB, from 1989 to 1991 to determine the forage yield and quality of Wapiti triticale (× Triticosecale Rimpani Witt.) grown as a monocrop and in binary mixtures with Cascade oat (Avena sativa L.), Empress barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) or Johnston barley. The Cascade monocrop and mixtures with Wapiti had the highest DM yields (12.37–13.42 t ha−1). Yields of the barley monocrops and mixtures with Wapiti (6.60–9.10 t ha−1 in 1989 and 8.96–11.49 t ha−1 in 1990) were similar to the Wapiti monocrop (8.06 and 8.99 t ha−1). In 1991, yields for the Wapiti monocrop and 25:75 barley:Wapiti mixtures (14.54 and 14.99 t ha−1, respectively) were higher than those for the barley monocrops and 50:50 and 75:25 mixtures (11.98–12.79 t ha−1). The yields of the mixtures in 1989 and 1990 were 108 and 106% higher than expected based on the yield of the components, although in 1991 this enhancement was not observed. Moisture contents at harvest were variable and not always as expected based on the re...