The Rural Voice, 1979-08, Page 35Alternative forages tested for adaptability
Studies of alternative forages at the
Elora Research Station could help improve
crop and pasture production in Ontario.
Professor J.E. Winch, Department of
Crop Science, University of Guelph, says
he is contantly looking for forage plants
that will produce at low points in the
growing season. Traditionally grown leg-
umes and grasses lag in growth during
early spring, late July and August and late
fall.
"We are testing many species of grasses
and legumes from Europe, Africa and the
United States for their adaptability to our
climate and soils, and their suitability to
beef, dairy and sheep operations," says
Professor Winch.
For example, tall oat grass promises
high yield and early production in the
spring. It produces at least as much forage
as orchard grass or bromegrass, and
sometimes more. Mixed with alfalfa, tall
oat grass is well suited to the production of
stored feed. To overcome the problem of
sowing its long, slender, fluffy seed,
researchers are coating seeds for smoother
flow through the drill.
Another grass species, tall tescue, is
noted for its lush growth in the fall which
allows the grazing season for beef cattle on
pasture to be extended. Tall fescue is not
always palatable to cattle, but a newer
variety developed in Kentucky combines
the superior nutritional value of annual
ryegrass with the production performance
of tall fescue. Called Kenhy, this new
variety has proven more appealing in
grazing trials.
A native grass of Ontario, meadow
foxtail, looks profitable for its early spring
and late fall production, good total yield,
and adaptability to many soils and
drainage conditions.
Ontario farmers depend chiefly on alfalfa
or bird's -foot trefoil for legume production
But Professor Winch says there are other
legumes that could increase production on
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Ontario's 400,000 hectares (1 million acres)
of shallow soils (0-61 cm or 0-24 in.) in the
very droughty, sandy soils.
One of these is crown vetch. It is difficult
to establish, but once germinated, is a
productive forage and an excellent ground
cover in erodible areas.
Likewise, cicer milkvetch does well on
shallow soils. It is a prolific creeper, is
productive and develops a densely -packed
sod that resists erosion. Glyco vetch (no
relation to crown or cicer vetch) is a new
species that looks promising for sites prone
to drought. It will probably flourish on
light, sandy, droughty soils.
(hese grasses and legumes are planted
in test plots where they are surveyed for
total seasonal yield and growth patterns
during the year. The search for new forage
species, funded by the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food, also considers
fertilizer and the cultural practices neces-
sary for a productive crop.
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•UI10S EVERVTI.4 NO
LETTER FOR
THE RURAL VOICE/AUGUST 1979 PG. 33