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Integration of the fodder legume sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) in crop rotations of organic agriculture
Project
Project code: 03OE081
Contract period: 01.05.2004
- 20.12.2006
Budget: 79,281 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
Field trials with five sainfoin cultivars as well as lucerne were carried out partly on four sites in southern Northrhine - Westphalia during 2003 to 2006. The objective of the experiments was to gain experience with the organic cultivation of sainfoin, an old fodder legume known for low yields but a high feeding value, particularly for horses. Crop development, dry matter yield and hay quality were determined. Crop dm yield of sainfoin on a loess soil site with a total lime content of 321 mg 100 g-1 and a shallow a sandy loam (221 mg 100 g-1 ) was very low (about 1t ha-1) in 2005. Dry matter yield on a loess soil site rich in lime (total lime content = 1397 mg 100 g-1) was comparatively high in 2004 (first cut: = 7.5 t ha-1), but decreased in 2005 (first cut: 1.6 t ha-1) partly due to increasing weed infestation. Dry matter yield of sainfoin cv. Visnowsky was always lower compared with Lucerne, while digestable energy content tended to be higher in sainfoin. The main problem of organic sainfoin cultivation was the low competition to weeds, which is mainly due to slow early development and week regrowth after cutting. To cope with weed problems it is recommended to install a false seed bed preparation and to sow a companion grass, e.g. timothy or fescue. Variety choice is less important due to the restricted availability. Thus, sainfoin production may be an interesting option for organic horse fodder production, if soils are rich in lime and if weed pressure is manageable.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Production
- Organic Farming
Framework programme
Federal Organic Farming Scheme and other forms of sustainable agriculture (BÖLN)
