Effect of Planting Date and Plant Density on Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Guar Forage (Cluster Beans)

Despite the progress of the livestock industry in Iran, the production of forage plants commensurate with this development has not been considered. Therefore, this study has been conducted during 2017, with the need to produce feed for livestock and poultry and with the aim of determining the best density and planting date on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Guar forage. Taking place in the Rasht Rice research Institute-station located in the Village of GilPordehsar in the Sangar city, it evaluates four planting date (May 12, May 26, June 9, and June 23) and three plant densities (200, 400 and 600 plant.ha-1) factorially in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results show that the planting date of May 26 and the density of 600 plant.ha-1 in terms of fresh forage yield (35.02 t/ha), crude protein (19.02%), dry matter (54.35%), and carbohydrate (26.12%) are superior to other planting dates and plant density under test. The highest yield of dry forage (6.1 t/ha) and neutral detergent fiber (58.23%) has been observed on May 12 and a density of 600 plant.ha-1. The amount of crude fiber has increased with delay in planting, but the percentage of Ash is not affected by different planting dates and densities. According to the results, in order to obtain the highest quantity and quality of forage in Guilan Province, the planting date of May 26 and the density of 600 plant.ha-1 is recommended.