Forage production dynamics of cool-season annual grasses sowed at different times

Forage production evaluation according to forage species and period within growing season is important to adjust forage budget. The aim of this trail was to evaluate forage accumulation rate of cool-season annual grasses on four sowing dates. This study was carried out from March 2009 to November 2009 to evaluate forage accumulation rate on cool-season forage grasses (Black oat, rye, ryegrass, wheat, and triticale) on four sowing dates: March 11th, April 8th, May 6th, and June 3rd. Forage production was converted into daily accumulation rate. Significant forage species vs sowing date interaction was verified for all variables analyzed, indicating several possible combinations between forage species and sowing date. Highest production were observed for white oats 'UTF Iguacu' and 'IPR 126', black oat 'IAPAR 61', annual ryegrass cultivars and rye, which presented average of 51.4kg DM/ha after first cut, showing a great performance in terms of forage production and maintenance of their forage production, especially when sowed before early May.