Effects of planting method, harvesting frequency, and cultivar on growth, yield, and nutritive value of birdsfoot trefoi

Birdsfoot trefoil is an important forage legume and major contender for an alternative to alfalfa. Unfortunately, limited information is available on its agronomic management and cultivar performance in Wyoming. Two field studies were conducted at James C. Hageman Sustainable Agriculture Research and Extension Center at Lingle and at a producer's farm in Torrington with the goal to determine the effects of planting method, harvesting frequency, and cultivar on growth, yield, and nutritive value of birdsfoot trefoil ( Lotus corniculatus L.). The Lingle study included three treatment levels: three cultivars ("Leo", "Norcen", and "Bruce"; three planting methods [clean-tilled, planting in standing wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.), and planting in wheat stubble]; and three harvesting frequencies (one time, two times, and three times in a growing season). The Torrington study was at a producer's large field and included two treatment levels: three cultivars and three harvesting frequencies same as Lingle. Both studies were planted in June 2015 and growth, yield, and quality data were recorded for two years (2015 and 2016). The clean tilled method had the highest dry matter (DM) accumulation and all cultivars used in the study performed equally well at both locations in respect to growth, yield, and quality. Three harvests in a growing season produced the highest DM, however, two harvests in a growing season was economical. Difference in planting methods and harvesting frequencies did not affect carbon mineralization in soil. Forage production and nutritive values of birdsfoot trefoil were high and comparable to values found in alfalfa for this region (average DM accumulation: Alfalfa - 6277 kg ha-1 and birdsfoot trefoil -- 5560 kg ha -1). Overall, birdsfoot trefoil shows promise to be a good alternative to alfalfa, particularly in conditions where issues related to crop rotation and livestock performance exists.