Novel Approaches to Establishing Alfalfa-Tall Fescue Pastures in the Southern Great Plains

Abstract

Mixtures of cool-season perennial grasses and perennial legumes in pastures have potential to improve forage production, seasonal distribution, and animal performance. Two experiments were initiated at Vernon, TX (Wichita clay loam), Vashti, TX (Anocon loam), or Ardmore, OK (Durant loam), evaluating the effects of various row orientations on the establishment of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. Bulldog 505) and tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort cv. Flecha]. Row orientations in experiment I included alternating drill passes (5.6 ft), alternating drill rows (7.5 inch), and binary mixture of alfalfa and tall fescue planted in the same drill row. Row orientations in experiment II included perpendicular rows, alternating drill rows, and a combination of both alternating and perpendicular drill row orientations. In experiment I, both alternating drill passes and alternating drill rows resulted in successful establishment, while the binary mixture resulted in excessive competition. In experiment II, both alternating drill rows and the combination of alternating and perpendicular row orientation treatments generally resulted in successful establishment and adequate composition of alfalfa and tall fescue. The combination of alternating and perpendicular planting orientation offers best potential to minimize preferential grazing while maintaining adequate stand density and persistence in the southern Great Plains.