Comparison of Yield and Some Forage Qualitative Characteristics of Corn, Sorghum and Amaranth in Response to Density and Sowing Date in Fars Province

Field studies were conducted at Marvdasht area of Fars province in 2013 to investigate the effects of planting date and density on yield and some qualitative characteristics of three forage crops; corn, sorghum and amaranth . Split split plot experiments were conducted in a complete randomized block design with 3 replications at two locations. Treatments were plant species (forage corn 704, forage sorghum cultivar Speedfeed and a new forage crop: amaranth), plant density (66000, 83000 and 110000 plants per hectare) and planting date (June 22, July 6, July 21). Combined analysis of variance indicated that, plant species, planting density and date significantly affected hay yield, grain protein percentage, iron and zinc content, calcium percentage, fiber and crude protein content. Highest hay production (11279.70 g.m-2 ), grain protein percentage(14.85%), iron content ( 446 mg kg-1 dry matter), calcium percentage (3.66%), and the lowest fiber content (9.44%) were obtained from amaranth with density of 66000 plants per hectare planted on July the 6th. The highest content of zinc(113.50 mg kg-1 dry matter) was observed with corn planted on June 22 with density of 66000 plants per hectare. The highest content of crude protein was in corn planted on July 21 with density of 66000 plants per hectare( 1.69%) without significant difference against amaranth planted on July 6 (1.65%). Maximum fiber content (26.39%) belonged to sorghum plant. The results of this experiment showed that quality of 3 forage species were reduced with delaying planting date and increasing plant density. The results of this experiment, as a whole, showed that amaranth with density of 66000 plants per hectare at sowing date of July 6 can be recommended as appropriate and superior forage plant to Fars province based on the traits evaluated.