Irrigation and Nitrogen Treatments Slightly Affected Teff Yield and Quality in the Southwestern USA

Abstract

Interest exists in using teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] for horse hay in the southwestern USA. Randomized complete block studies in 2007 and 2008 at New Mexico State University's Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari compared teff forage yield and quality when all or alternate furrows were irrigated (full or limited irrigation, respectively) after the first harvest, with nitrogen treatments [60 or 90 lb N/acre preplant (Single60 and Single90, respectively) and 30 lb N/acre preplant and after the first two harvests (Split30)]. Neither irrigation nor nitrogen treatment affected yield (2.75 vs. 2.60 tons/acre for full and limited irrigation, respectively). Split30 had greater forage crude protein (P < 0.05) compared to Single60 (14.05b, 15.67ab, and 16.61a% crude protein for Single60, Single90, and Split30, respectively). Teff nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) were higher than reported elsewhere with Single60 being lower than Single90 and Split30 (17.65b, 19.56a, and 18.82a% for Single60, Single90, and Split30, respectively). Teff yield and quality may be optimized with a preplant application of 90 lb N/acre and approximately half the irrigation typically applied to alfalfa in the southwestern USA. Due to inconsistencies among studies, teff NFC should be analyzed before feeding to obese horses or those with metabolic disorders.