Effect of different cutting height on weed infestation and green fodder yield of hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus)

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal during 2023-24 to study the effect of different cutting height on weed control and green fodder yield of hedge lucerne (Desmanthus virgatus). The treatment consists of T1- Cutting at 5 cm height (ground level), T2- Cutting at 15 cm height, T3- Cutting at 30 cm height, T4- Cutting at 45 cm height, T5- Cutting at 50 cm height (recommended practice), T6- Cutting at 60 cm height, T7- Cutting at 75 cm height. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments replicated thrice. Data were collected on parameters like weed density, dry weight and green fodder yield of hedge lucerne. The experimental field was infested with following weeds like Cleome gynandra, Corchorus olitorius, Boerhaavia diffusa, Leucas aspera, Celosia argentea and Cyperus rotundus. Among these, Cyperus rotundus was found to be dominant weed in the experimental field. The results of this study explored that harvesting of hedge lucerne at 45 cm height and 50 cm height (recommended practice) can effectively control the diverse weed population and resulting in higher green fodder yield of 122.8 t ha-1.