Authors:
R.M. Sulc, Extension Forage Agronomist, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
J.S. McCormick, Research Associate, Department of Horticulture and Crop Science
L.H. Rhodes, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology
Chris Penrose, Extension Agent, Athens County, Ohio State University Extension
Ed Volborn, Grazing Leader, South District, Ohio State University Extension
Contributors:
Eugene Balthaser, Manager, Jackson Branch, OARDC
Paul Houdashelt, Manager, Northwestern Branch, OARDC
Clarence Renk, Manager, Western Branch, OARDC
Lynn Ault, Manager, Schaffter Farm, Wooster, OARDC
Table of Contents:
This report is a summary of performance data collected from forage legume variety trials in Ohio. The 1997 report includes performance data of commercial alfalfa varieties in tests planted in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997 across five sites (Tables 3 through 8); evaluation of potato leafhopper resistance in alfalfa (Tables 9 through 12); red clover varieties (Table 13); birdsfoot trefoil varieties (Table 14); tall fescue varieties planted in 1995 (Table 15 and 16); and orchardgrass varieties planted in 1997 (Table 17and 18).
Yield data are reported in Tables 3 through 18. Details of establishment and management of each test are listed in footnotes below the tables. Alfalfa, orchardgrass and tall fescue varieties are ranked according to their total performance. In addition, yield totals for previous harvest years are reported.
Least significant differences (LSD) are listed at the bottom of Tables 4 through 18. Differences between varieties are significant only if they are equal to or greater than the LSD value. If a given variety out yields another variety by as much or more than the LSD value, then we are 95% sure that the yield difference is real, with only a 5% probability that the difference is due to chance alone. For example, if variety X is 0.50 ton/acre higher in yield than variety Y, then this difference is statistically significant if the LSD is 0.50 or less. If the LSD is 0.51 or greater, then we are not as confident that variety X really is higher yielding than variety Y under the conditions of the test.
The CV value, or coefficient of variation, listed at the bottom of each table is used as a measure of the precision of the experiment. Lower CV values will generally relate to lower experimental error in the trial. Uncontrollable or unmeasurable variations in soil fertility, soil drainage, and other environmental factors contribute to greater experimental error and higher CV values.
Results reported here should be representative of what might occur throughout the state but would be most applicable under environmental and management conditions similar to those of the tests. The relative yields of all forage legume varieties are affected by crop management and by environmental factors including soil type, winter conditions, soil moisture conditions, diseases, and insects. These factors vary with the year and location.
Inclusion of entries in Ohio Alfalfa Performance Trials does not constitute an endorsement of a particular entry by The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, or Ohio State University Extension. Where trade names appear, no discrimination is intended, and no endorsement is implied by The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, or Ohio State University Extension.
All educational programs conducted by Ohio State University Extension are available to clientele on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or Vietnam-era veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Keith L. Smith, Director, Ohio State University Extension.
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