Stability of alfalfa and wheatgrass pasture under dry farming in a pastoral agronomy area

doi:10.11686/cyxb2015287

Abstract

Abstract: We conducted a 3-year field experiment to analyze the stability of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) pastures under dry farming in Duolun County, Inner Mongolia. The structural and functional stability of pastures were studied by analyzing yield, competition, proportion of weeds, quality, and soil nutrient contents. The results showed that the yields of monocultures and a mixed culture were significantly higher than those of natural grassland, except in the year of establishment. The highest yields were in year 2, and the lowest yields were in year 1. Interspecific competition between alfalfa and wheatgrass in the mixed culture weakened the stability of the pasture because wheatgrass was more competitive than alfalfa. Weeds were controlled in the first and third year; therefore, it would be effective to conduct weeding in year 2. The quality of forage was significantly better in mixed cultures than in monocultures. The contents of soil organic carbon and nitrogen increased in the wheatgrass monoculture, providing adequate nutrition to support pasture stability.

WANG Bo-Jie, TANG Hai-Ping, HE Li, LIN Guo-Hui, ZHAO Shi-Jie, ZHAO Ming-Xu. Stability of alfalfa and wheatgrass pasture under dry farming in a pastoral agronomy area[J]. Acta Prataculturae Sinica, 2016, 25(4): 222-229.

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