Evaluation of biological characteristics and yield of selected varieties of Dactylis glomerata, Festuca pratensis and Phleum pratense in pure stands and mixtures

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate yielding of varieties of some tall grass species in pure stands and two meadow mixtures differentiated in earliness. Three cuts were made. The first one was made in full of heading phase, in pure stands – of individual varieties and in mixtures – of varieties dominated in sward. Cover, growth rate of sward height, contribution of generative shoots, their number and mass in the first cut, annual DM yield and R/S ratio (root/shoot) was evaluated. In pure stands the yield varied most among varieties of F. pratensis and Phl. pratense but least – with D. glomerata. The results show that yield of the early mixture was better irrespective of re-growth. In early mixture dominated D. glomerata var. Amera while F. pratensis var. Pasja in mid-early mixture