Biomass distribution during the harvest period ran affect the yield and qua
lity of silage produced from cereal crops. Our objectives were to determine
the changes in biomass distribution among morphological structures and how
management practices could affect those changes. Three field studies were
conducted to evaluate the productivity of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat
(Avena sativa L.), triticale (x Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm.), and rye (Sec
ale cereale L.) grown as monocrops and mixtures. Seeding rates ranging from
250 to 750 seeds m(-2) were evaluated to determine their effects on biomas
s distribution from heading to the soft-dough growth stages. While seeding
rate had a profound effect on per plant biomass, it had little effect on bi
omass per unit land area or the distribution of the biomass between leaves,
stems, and spikes. During the postheading period for all tests, the leaf c
omponent declined and the spike component increased, The stem component dec
lined for all tests, but variation was found for the tests harvested on the
basis of the oat and triticale components. Composition biomass Heights fro
m our spring cereal tests averaged across the three sampling times (heading
to soft dough) were 18% leaf, 50% stem, and 31% head for 'Noble' barley: 1
8% leaf. 44% stem, and 37% head for 'AC Mustang' oat; and 22% leaf, 43% ste
m, and 35% head for 'Wapiti' triticale. Plant populations and total, leaf,
stem, and spike biomass per plant for mixtures were found to be intermediat
e to the monocrops. Total biomass quantity and distribution among leaves, s
tems, and spikes were affected by genotype, production practices, and time
of harvest, with the latter having the greatest effect. Understanding culti
var, species, and management effects is important for optimum feed quantity
and quality.