The most Appropriate Planting Dates for Alfalfa and Barley Mix Cropping in Autumn Planting

This study planed to determine appropriate planting date and proportion of alfalfa and barley in mixed cropping. Experiment carried out in Khair Abad Station of Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center of Zanjan for five years (2004-2007), using split plot design which main plot was planting date (Aug .15, Sep.26 and Oct .6) and subplot contain alfalfa to barley ratio, barley, alfalfa, 30 kg/ha alfalfa plus 20 kg ha-1 barley, 30 kg ha-1 alfalfa plus 40 kg ha-1 barley, 30 kg ha-1 alfalfa plus 60 kg ha-1 barley and
30 kg ha-1 alfalfa plus 80 kg ha-1 barley respectively. Some trait such as plant height, leaf and stem weight in one sample of 50 g forage form each plot, ratio of leaf to stem and fresh and dry forage yield were recorded .Analysis of variance for collected data from forage yield (barley forage yield as well) and other traits were calculated. At the end of third year of study, combined analysis was done .Means comparison for planting dates proportion of alfalfa and barley and interaction and between planting date and proportions mixed by DMRT. Results showed that alfalfa in 15th Aug. planting date, 30 kg ha-1 plus 40 kg ha-1 barley for 26th Sep. and 30 kg ha-1 alfalfa plus 80 kg ha-1 are the most appropriate mixing ratio