Forage characteristics of Vicia sativa L. and Trifolium resupinatum L. in catch crop systems under Central European conditions

In a field experiment the development of dry matter yield and forage quality of the catch crop Vicia sativa L. compared with Trifolium resupinatum L. was investigated and the suitability for cultivation in a mixture with Lolium multiflorum ssp. gaudinii (Parl.) Schinz et Keller was tested. The legumes and mixtures sowed in early July or August, respectively, were harvested at different dates from early September until late October/early November. The sowing date had the greatest impact on dry matter yield, crude protein content and net energy for lactation (= NEL). Vicia sativa yielded more dry matter than Trifolium resupinatum, especially at low temperatures and under short-day conditions. At late sowing Vicia sativa should be preferred to Trifolium resupinatum due to a better stability of yield. Vicia sativa had a higher crude protein content but a lower NEL than Trifolium resupinatum. In a mixture with Lolium multiflorum the differences in energy concentration between late sowed legumes were less distinct. In view of NEL, Trifolium resupinatum is superior at early sowing, whereas late sowed mixtures of Vicia sativa and Lolium multiflorum might enable it to feed fresh forage of acceptable quality until early November and in that way to save it for winter feeding and eliminate expensive sources of crude protein.