EVALUATING THE EFFECTS OF PLANTING DATE AND CUTTING HEIGHT ON TEFF GRASS IN IDAHO.
Sagers, J.1; Findlay, J.R.2; Shewmaker, G.3; Rohmer, R.41Extension Educator, University of Idaho, Rigby, ID, 83442
2Extension Educator, University of Idahoo, Pocatello, ID, 83201
3Professor, University of Idaho, Kimberly, ID, 83341
4no title given, University of Idaho, Kimberly, ID, 83341
Abstract:
Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a relatively new forage crop to Idaho. Teff trials were established in Kimberly Idaho to determine basic agronomical practices such as optimal planting date and cutting height. Plots were planted at three different planting dates in late spring. Plots were harvested for the first time at 3 different cutting heights 6 weeks after the last planting date. A second harvest was taken. There was no statistical difference in yield between the May 13th and the June 3rd Planting dates, however there was a difference between those dates and the June 14th planting date. Cutting height on the first harvest did have a significant impact on yield for the first harvest as well as regrowth and yield on the second harvest, however it did not have an impact for the overall yield in the growing year. The later planting dates have an effect on forage quality on the first cutting. Later Planting dates improved RFQ, RFV, Crude Protein and TDN values. Planting date did not have a significant effect on the second harvest. Cutting height had little effect on forage quality in both the first and second cuttings.