THE EFFECTS OF CHANGING PROPORTION OF MIXTURES AND SOWING METHODS ON FORAGE CHARACTERISTICS OF ANATOLIAN CLOVER (TRIFOLIUMRESUPINATUML.) AND ITALIAN RYEGRASS (LOLIUMMULTIFLORUM LAM) UNDER ANKARA CONDITIONS

Intercropping provides a significant advantage to improve forage yield and forage quality and increase the efficiency of alternative new forage crops. The aim of this study to investigate the effects of changing propotions and sowing methods on forage yields and quality of Anatolian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.) and Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) under Ankara conditions during 2015-2016 growing season. The field experiments were carried out using randomized complete split block design with three replications. As main plots, four sowing methods [mixtures in same rows (E1), alternate rows (E2), perpendicular rows (E3) and broadcast seeding (E4)] and the five mixture proportions [sole Anatolian clover and sole Italian ryegrass, as a mixture % 25 Anatolian clover +% 75 Italian ryegrass (K1), % 50 Anatolian clover + % 50 Italian ryegrass (K2) and % 75 Anatolian clover +% 25 Italian ryegrass (K3)] were applied as sub-plots. In this study; plant length, botanical compositions, green leaf yield, hay yield, dry matter yield, crude protein percentage, crude protein yield were investigated. In the light of the research results, sole Anatolian clover and perpendicular rows sowing (E3) were outstanding applications under Ankara conditions.