Fall seeding date and species effects on spring forage yield of winter cereals

A current research priority in short-season growing areas of Alberta is to increase cost efficiency of ruminant livestock production by extending the grazing season. The use of winter cereals is a potential source of earlier spring pasture than is provided by perennial grasses. This study determines the effect of fall seeding date on spring forage production of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), fall rye (Secale cereale L.), and winter triticale (x Trificosecale Wittmack). One cultivar of each species (S) was seeded at Lacombe, AB, on 15 Aug., I Sept., and 15 Sept, in 1992 and 1993. Tiller and leaf numbers were recorded in the fall after dormancy. Spring clippings were taken when new growth was approximately 2 in, tall (as assessed by a disk height meter) and I wk later. Year and ear x planting date effects were significant for most variables measured. Winter triticale and wheat were generally similar in treatment response while fall rye differed in some respects. Each delay of seeding resulted in smaller plants in the fall with fewer leaves and tillers. First clip yield varied from year to year, but was positively related to tiller or leaf number in the fall. Within the range of seeding dates used, earlier seeding produced earlier spring pasture. Fall rye tended to produce forage earlier and in greater quantity than the other two species. Dry matter yield generally increased linearly with increasing fall growing degree days (GDD) after planting. The use of early-planted fall rye for spring pasture in the western Parkland of the Canadian prairies is recommended.