Production of Orchard-Grass Cultivars (Dactylis glomerata) in Mixtures with Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), under Grazing Conditions

In the Lower Valley of the Río Negro (northern Patagonia, Argentina), six binary mixtures of orchard-grass (Dactylis glomerata) cultivars (Porto, Currie, Filox, a Local ecotype, Pergamino El Cencerro MAG) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) Monarca SP INTA, were tested under grazing and irrigation. Mixtures were evaluated during three growing seasons (96/97; 97/98 and 98/99). Total forage production of mixtures and botanical composition was measured (orchard-grass cultivars and alfalfa). Porto, Currie, Filox, Local and Cencerro cultivars reached similar yield, while Amba produced less forage (p< 0.05). Mixture yield showed no significant difference, except Porto + alfalfa, which was lower (p< 0.05). The grass was higher in spring (1st grazing) of three growing seasons. Orchard-grass + alfalfa showed highest dry matter production in 2nd and 3rd grazing. Alfalfa increased production along the three seasons in replacement of the declining tendency of orchard grass cultivars.