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Effect of Density and Control of Canada Thistle on Production and Utilization of Alfalfa Pasture

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 June 2017

Marvin M. Schreiber
Marvin M. Schreiber*
Affiliation:
Crops Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, U. S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana
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Abstract

A 4-year field study was conducted to determine losses and gains in alfalfa production and utilization due to direct competition of various densities of Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.) and their control. Regardless of initial Canada thistle density, within 4 years all stands under no control approached one plant/sq ft. Mowing after each grazing period for 4 years almost eliminated Canada thistle. Throughout the study, the rate of alfalfa stand reduction was the same under mowing treatment regardless of Canada thistle density. Mowing increased alfalfa production 6.2 T/A in 4 years over no control in plots having initial Canada thistle stands of two plants/sq ft. The production loss due to Canada thistle stands of two plants/sq ft was 7.4 T of alfalfa for a 4-year period. Alfalfa consumption was reduced 4.5 T/A.

Type
Research Article
Information
Weeds , Volume 15 , Issue 2 , April 1967 , pp. 138 - 142
Copyright
Copyright © 1967 Weed Science Society of America 

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References

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