Monday, November 5, 2007
65-8

Feasibility of Tall Fescue Seed Production in An Alley-Cropping System.

James Houx III1, Robert McGraw2, and Thomas A. Settle1. (1) University of Missouri, University of Missouri, 110 Waters Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, (2) 210 Waters Hall, University of Missouri, University of Missouri, Agronomy Department, Columbia, MO 65211

Alley cropping is an agroforestry practice that utilizes the space between rows of trees to produce an alternate crop. Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum [Shreb.] S.J. Darbyshire) demonstrates shade tolerance and may be well suited for seed production in alley-cropping systems. The objective of this research was to evaluate three seed-production management practices in alley cropping (row spacing, N fertilization, and post-harvest residue management). In fall 2002, foundation seed of ‘Houndog V' tall fescue was seeded in 40- and 60-cm rows in an existing hardwood tree plantation and in open areas adjacent to the plantation. In March and April in 2004 and 2005, three N fertilization treatments (0, 84 and 168 kg N ha 1) were split-applied. Post-harvest residue removal treatments (cutting or not cutting regrowth after harvest) were implemented each year. Data were taken for seed yield and for seed yield components (culms per m2, seed weight, and seeds per culm). Seed yields were greater in 2004 than in 2005 due to climatic conditions, specifically abundant moisture in 2004 and drought in 2005. In 2004, seed yields in the alley-cropped plots were similar to the open plots; however in 2005 the alley-cropped plots yielded significantly less than the open plots. Both years the center rows of the alley-cropping plots yielded significantly greater than other rows within the alleys. Seed yields were greater in the 40-cm row spacing than the 60-cm row spacing. Nitrogen fertilization improved yield, however plots receiving 168 kg N ha 1 yielded no more than the plots receiving 84 kg N ha 1. Post-harvest residue removal had no significant affect on yield. Seed yield was closely related to the number of reproductive culms per m2; however, there were no differences among treatments for seed weight and seeds per culm.