Evaluation of Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] as an annual forage crop in Michigan

Forage producers in Michigan could benefit with a forage crop that can produce high yields during the summer slump where environmental conditions are warm and dry. Teff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotters is a warm season, annual grass from Ethiopia that tills this need. Teff is an aggressive crop with good seedling vigor that continues to grow well under high temperatures, is drought tolerant, and grows rapidly. This study compared forage yield and quality (crude protein [CP], acid detergent fiber [ADF] and neutral detergent fiber [NDF]) of teff to four warm season grasses Brown midrib sudangrass [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], hybrid pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.)], and the foxtail [ Setaria italica (L.)] cultivars, Siberian millet and golden German millet under multiple planting dates over two years (2008-9) and two locations (East Lansing DEL] and Lake City ILCI, MI). Teff forage yield and quality responses were also under five nitrogen rates (0, 56, 84, 112, and 168 kg N ha-1). The millets and the sudangrass resulted in greater dry matter yield than teff however, teff exhibited greater forage quality (crude protein and fiber). Post harvest re-growth of teff was faster (about 40 days to harvest) than for millet and sudangrass. Nitrogen rate of 84 kg N ha-1 was optimal for higher yields and desirable forage quality. The increase of nitrogen had a positive effect on teff yields and forage quality. Teff appears to be a desirable alternative forage crop for forage producers in need of an emergency forage crop that grows well in warm air temperatures with adequate moisture.