Determination of optimum mixture rate and cutting time for Hungarian vetch and rye mixtures

This study was conducted to determine the best mixing ratio and cutting time for Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) + rye (Secale cereale L.) mixtures in Kirşehir ecological conditions during the vegetation period 2020-2021. The experimental design was completely randomised in split plots with three replications. The main plots were cutting times, while the sub-plots were mixing ratios. According to the results of the one-year study, the highest average of green herbage, dry matter, crude protein, and digestible dry matter yields were obtained from the mixture of 20% HV + 80% R (2084.7, 710.3, 68.42, and 417.5 kg/da, respectively). The highest crude protein (14.82%) and lowest ADF and NDF ratio averages (31.47% and 44.50%, respectively) were obtained from plain Hungarian vetch. The higher rye ratio means, the higher the yield, and the higher Hungarian vetch ratio means, the higher the quality. Depending on the progression of the cutting time from the booting period to the milk dough period, while the yields of green herbage, dry matter, crude protein, digestible dry matter yields and ADF and NDF values increased, the crude protein ratio decreased. For legume + cereal mixtures to be grown in Kırşehir ecological conditions, 20% HV + 80% R mixture should be cut in the milk dough period for higher yield, 80% HV + 20% R mixture should be cut in the booting period for better quality. When the yield and quality were evaluated together, it was concluded that the mixture of 40% HV + 60% R would be suitable for cutting during the flowering period of the rye in the mixture.