Determination of forage yield and quality properties of blue melilot (Melilotus caeruleus (L.) Desr.) under Edirne ecological conditions

The aim of this investigation was to determine forage yield and quality properties of blue melilot in spring sowing under Edirne ecological conditions. The study was conducted during 2020-2021 at Gazihalil village of the Uzunkopru-Edirne province in Thrace, Turkey. Seed was sown in plots of 20 rows, with a spacing of 25 cm and 5 m in length. A basal fertilizer containing 30 kg ha-1 nitrogen and phosphorus were incorporated into the soil at the time of land preparation. The plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaflet width, leaflet length, leaf/stem ratio, green fodder yield, dry matter yield, crude protein, crude protein yield, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber were determined. The highest plant height (38,03 cm), stem diameter (0,43 cm), green fodder yield (5,54 t/ha), dry matter yield (1,03 t/ha) and crude protein yield (189, 40 kg/ha) were found from blue melilot at the first year (2020). At the same time, blue melilot can be grazed at the end of march and in April until the start of grazing season at Edirne province. It will be appropriate to carry out the grazing in this period according to the range management.