The forage production Comparison of alfalfa and wheatgrass as affected by seeding rate on mixed and pure cropping.

Intercropping is considered for increasing and stability of yield in per unit. In general, mix cropping legumes and grasses species has been applied to enhancement of nutrient value and supply energy and protein on grasses and legumes respectively. A field experiment, was conducted to compare forage production of mixed alfalfa (Medicago sativa v. cody) and wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum) species with proportion of 33, 50 and 66 percent and pure cropping in the north Khorassan (Sisab station) from 1994 to2001 with two levels 15 and 20 kg/ha of seeding rate. The seeds were sown into furrows with 40 cm wide for row intercropping and broadcasting for mixed cropping treatments. The treatments were arranged in split plot and randomized complete block design with four replications. Forages harvested at flowering and heading stage of alfalfa and wheatgrass, respectively. Dry matter weight considered for comparison of yield production of the treatments. The average forage yields of alfalfa and wheatgrass were 1.8 and 1.2 ton/ha respectively in pure stands. Alfalfa standes gradually dominated the wheatgrass in mixed and row intercropping. The highest yield was obtained in the mixed cropping of 66% alfalfa and 33% wheatgrass. There were no differences between seeding rate treatments. However, the results suggest that the best combination species for improving production is 66% alfalfa and 33% wheatgrass. This ratio could be used for renovation of pastures in the poor and dry areas in north Khorassan province.