P. Virkajarvi et E. Varis, THE EFFECT OF CUTTING TIMES ON GOATS RUE (GALEGA-ORIENTALIS LAM) LEYS, Journal of agricultural science in Finland, 63(5), 1991, pp. 391-402
The effect of four different cutting times, both in spring and autumn,
on goat's rue was studied at Viikki Experimental farm of the Universi
ty of Helsinki in 1983-89. Goat's rue showed good persistence. The plo
ts remained in good condition, the average yield being even in the six
th year 9000 kg DM per hectare. The development of goat's rue starts e
arly in the spring. The growth rate and development of CP content are
similar to those of red clover. The development of CF is, however, mor
e similar to grasses. Thus, the crude fiber content limits the cutting
times of goat's rue more than the changes in crude protein content. T
he most suitable cutting time in spring is at the beginning of floweri
ng in mid-June, and in autumn during the second week of September. Wit
h this management a yield of 8360 kg DM per hectare per year was reach
ed during the experimental years. The pooled CP content was 19.9 % and
the CP yield was 1660 kg/ha. The CF content was in the first cut 27.9
% and in the second cut 29.1 %. The amount of weeds in the five to si
x year leys was 12-18 %.