The effect of different harvesting times on yield and quality in some berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) varieties

Objective: the aim of this study was to determine the effect of cutting times on yield and quality of Berseem clover cultivars. Material and Method: study was carried out at the Aegean Agricultural Research Institute in the 2020-2021 production season, Experiment was set up in randomized block design with 4 replications. Derya and Efsane varieties were used. The cutting times are 30 cm the plant height, budding time, first flowering and 100% (full) flowering time. Results: In the study, the green yield ranged from 3424,87 to 6606,67 kg/da. The highest green yield was obtained at the budding time, and the lowest green yield was obtained from the cutting at 30 cm height. Dry matter yield varied between 368,41 – 1225,38 kg/da. The highest dry matter yield was obtained at the full flowering, and the lowest dry matter yield was obtained from the cutting at 30 cm height. Efsane variety had the highest green yield and dry matter yield at all cutting times. In terms of quality, the crude protein ratio is 16,76% - 28,03%, the highest crude protein ratio was obtained from the 30 cm hight, and the lowest crude protein ratio was obtained during the full flowering period. Derya variety had the higher crude protein contents. ADF rate ranged from 20,36% to 32,03% and NDF rate ranged from 29,66% to 40,15%. The lowest values were obtained from the cutting at 30 cm, the highest values were obtained at the full flowering. Conclusion: in the light of the findings, it was concluded that both varieties could be used in the production of high quality forage. Derya variety is earlier and single-cut, Efsane variety is late and multi-cut. Cultivars, can be cultivated as a winter intercrop at maize-maize monoculture. Efsane variety, could have a wider use at livestock farms. Cultivars, gave more quality dry matter yield at full flowering time. Keywords: Berseem Clover, dry matter yield, ADF, NDF, cutting time