The Effect of Different Doses of Nitrogen and Mixtures with Berseem Clover on Yield and Quality of Italian Ryegrass

Considering the impact of producing and using nitrogen-based fertilizer on the environment, as well as the economic cost of nitrogen-based fertilizer application, growing high-protein grass such as Italian ryegrass mixed with berseem clover as an alternative for sustainable production could be an option. This study was carried out in 2020 to determine the effects of different nitrogen doses and berseem clover mixtures on the yield and quality of Italian ryegrass in Konya ecological conditions. Within the scope of the study, different nitrogen doses (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g m–2 as pure substance) and different mixtures of Italian ryegrass + berseem clover (monoculture Italian ryegrass, 75% + 25%, 50% + 50% and 25% + 75%) were conducted as two separate trials. As a result, it was found that as the amount of nitrogen given in Italian ryegrass increased, yield and quality increased, and in the mixtures, yield and quality increased due to the increase in the ratio of berseem clover. In Konya conditions, we can recommend a nitrogen dose of 15-20 g m–2 for Italian ryegrass, and 25% + 75% for mixtures of Italian ryegrass and berseem clover. In order to get high green grass yield from Italian ryegrass, it would be more appropriate to grow it in a mixture with berseem clover and to increase the ratio of berseem clover in the mixture instead of fertilizing with high doses of nitrogen.