Field performance of alternate wetting and drying furrow irrigation on tomato crop growth, yield, water use efficiency, quality and profitability

Sustainable irrigation method is now essential for adaptation and adoption in the areas where water resources are limited. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to test the performance of alternate wetting and drying furrow irrigation（AWDFI） on crop growth, yield, water use efficiency（WUE）, fruit quality and profitability analysis of tomato. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with six treatments replicated thrice during the dry seasons of 2013-2014 and 2014-2015. Irrigation water was applied through three ways of furrow： AWDFI, fixed wetting and drying furrow irrigation（FWDFI） and traditional（every） furrow irrigation（TFI）. Each irrigation method was divided into two levels： irrigation up to 100 and 80% field capacity（FC）. Results showed that plant biomass（dry matter） and marketable fruit yield of tomato did not differ significantly between the treatments of AWDFI and TFI, but significant difference was observed in AWDFI and in TFI compared to FWDFI at same irrigation level. AWDFI saved irrigation water by 35 to 38% for the irrigation levels up to 80 and 100% FC, compared to the TFI, respectively. AWDFI improved WUE by around 37 to 40% compared to TFI when irrigated with 100 and 80% FC, respectively. Fruit quality（total soluble solids and pulp） was found greater in AWDFI than in TFI. Net return from AWDFI technique was found nearly similar compared to TFI and more than FWDFI. The benefit cost ratio was viewed higher in AWDFI than in TFI and FWDFI by 2.8, 8.7 and 11, 10.4% when irrigation water was applied up to 100 and 80% FC, respectively. Unit production cost was obtained lower in AWDFI compared to TFI and FWDFI. However, AWDFI is a useful water-saving furrow irrigation technique which may resolve as an alternative choice compared with TFI in the areas where available water and supply methods are limited to irrigation.

Effect of Source-sink Change on Photosynthesis and Yield of Wheat

[Objective] The paper aims to explore the influences of source sink change of wheat at different densities on wheat yield.[Method] 225 （D1） and 320 plant/m2（D2） were adopted,then cutting flag leaf （L1）,the second last leaf （L2）,removing upper part of spike （L3） and controlling （CK） were used to conduct field experiment.[Result] The results showed that both of the two densities of wheat＇s 1 000-grain weight and grain filling rate after anthesis in a decreasing order of L3〉CK〉L2〉L1,and the grain weight per spike and dry matter amount translated after anthesis turned to be CK〉L2〉L1 〉L3.[Conclusion].Both of leaf-cutting and spikelet removing decreased the grain weight per spike and dry matter amount translated after anthesis.Removing upper part of spike increased wheat＇s 1 000-grain weight.But the decreasing of the sink and dry matter amount translated contributed to the decreasing of the yield of wheat.

Relations Between Photosynthetic Parameters and Seed Yields of Adzuki Bean Cultivars (Vigna angularis)

The study comparatively examined the leaf photosynthetic capacities of different adzuki bean cultivars, high-yield 2000-75 and Jihong 9218, and low-yield Hongbao 1 and Wanxuan 1 from flowering to ripening. It showed that after flowering, the leaves of the cultivars gradually aged, the leaf chlorophyll （Chl.）, soluble protein （SP） contents, net photosynthetic rates （Pn）, transpiration rates （Tr） and stomatal conductance （G） of the cultivars tended to decline, but the leaf intercellular CO2 concentration （Ci） of the cultivars tended to rise. The leaf photosynthetic capacities of the cultivars decreased gradually from the lower to the upper nodes. The dry seed yields of the cultivars were positively correlated with their leaf Chl., SP, Pn, and Tr and Gs, and negatively associated with their leaf Ci. At the late growth stages, the high-yield cultivars maintained higher leaf Chl. contents, SP contents, Pn, Tr, and Gs than the low-yield cultivars, indicating that leaf photosynthetic capacity was one of important yield-affecting factors of adzuki bean. Therefore, it was important for a crop at the crucial stage of yield formation to maintain a high leaf chlorophyll content and a high leaf photosynthetic capacity and delay leaf aging.

Effects of Cutting Interval between Harvests on Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in Alfalfa

Understanding the relationship between dry matter yield and nutritive value throughout the growing season will help optimize the cutting intervals between harvests in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The Ogallala Aquifer is a very important water source when growing alfalfa in Southwest Kansas and unfortunately, the water level of the Ogallala Aquifer is shrinking. The objective of this study was to determine the optimum cutting interval that optimizes dry matter yield and nutritive values of alfalfa. Alfalfa was harvested with different cutting intervals, i.e., every 28, 35, 42 and 49 day, which was equivalent of 5, 4, 4, and 3 cuttings per year, respectively in 2013 and 2014. Based on 2-yr total yield, by delaying alfalfa harvest by 21 days, i.e., from every 28th day to 49th day, alfalfa yield increased by 2.25 Mg/ha whereas by 5.58 Mg/ha by delaying cutting intervals from every 28th day to 42nd day. Although harvesting alfalfa every 42nd day had the same cutting frequency as the 35th day treatment (i.e., 4 cuttings per year), the treatment harvesting every 42nd day had significantly higher alfalfa yield than 35th day cutting interval. Alfalfa yield increased by approximately 20% by delaying one week for harvesting alfalfa from 35th to 42nd day interval, based on dry matter yields of 2013 and 2014. As cutting interval increased from every 28th to 49th day, crude protein (CP) content decreased. In contrast to CP, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber increased as the cutting interval and stage of maturity increased in 2013 and 2014. The results suggest that alfalfa producers in Southwest Kansas possibly could reduce the cutting frequency from 5 to 4 per year. Cutting interval of every 42nd day between harvests appears to be the optimum when considered a dry matter yield and nutritive values in alfalfa.

Temporal Stability of Sward Dry Matter and Nitrogen Yield Patterns in a Temperate Grassland

The objectives of the present study were to examine the spatial patterns of sward dry matter (DM) and nitrogen (N) yields in a grass silage field at first, second, and third cuts over a 3-year period; quantify their temporal stabilities with temporal stability maps; and assess the potential for site-specific management in each pasture-growing period using classified management maps. At cut 1, the spatial patterns of DM and N yields proved to be well defined and temporally stable and were likely to be due to differences in the net N mineralization rates across the field during spring. In contrast, at cut 2, the patterns of DM production were patchy and temporally unstable. It was concluded that, in principle, a simple site-specific approach to N fertilization would be possible in this field during spring at cut 1. At later harvests, the rationale for a site-specific approach to fertilizer management was less clear with logistics appearing to be more complex and less feasible.

Soil tillage methods by years interaction for dry matter of plant yield of maize (Zea mays L.)using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model

The objective of this study was to assess soil tillage methods by years interaction for dry matter of plant yield of maize(Zea mays L.) grown in West Poland by the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model. The study comprised four soil tillage methods, analysed in 12 years through field trials arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. Dry matter of plant yield of the tested soil tillage methods varied from 86.7 dt ha(for no-plough tillage in 2005) to 246.4 dt ha(for complete conventional tillage in 2012), with an average of 146.6 dt ha. In the variance analysis, 49.07% of the total dry matter of plant yield variation was explained by years, 12.69% by differences between soil tillage methods, and 10.53% by soil tillage methods by years interaction. Dry matter of plant yield is highly influenced by soil tillage methods by years factors.

The Effect of N-Fertilization on Rosmarinus Officinalis L. （An Upright Variety） Yield in Central Greece

The effect of three different N-fertilization levels （NI： 625, N2：385 and N3：770 kg hal; where in case of N1 was used the 3-6-10＋3MGO＋30% OM and in cases of N2-N3 the 26-0-0 fertilizers） on fresh and dry weight of the perennial Rosmarinus officinalis （upright cultivar） was investigated during the 2nd year after establishment at the Experimental Farm of the Technological Educational Institute of Thessaly in Greece （TEI; Larissa plain） in 2015. It is well documented that the crop reaches its potential yield on the third year of cultivation and continues producing biomass for as long as eight years. Complete weather data （air temperature, radiation, air humidity, precipitation） were recorded hourly in an automatic meteorological station, which was installed to the experimental farm of TEI. Upon harvest （November 3rd 2015）, the crop reached a maximum fresh yield of 11.67 tons per hectare and dry yield of 4.3, respectively. The average fresh weight was 8.2, 8.4 and 8.9 t hal and the dry weight were 2.6, 3.1 and 3.2 t ha-1 for the N1, N2 and N3 levels, respectively. Furthermore the higher moisture content was observed in the case of N1 level （68%）. Therefore, the above data show that rosemary cultivation could be a promising alternative crop, especially in case of the consideration that average selling price of dry rosemary in Greece is 3.5 ∈ kg^-1 and the average gross income exceeds the amount of 10,000 ∈ ha^-1.

Effect of Lime and Phosphorus on Yield and Yield Components of Groundnut Varieties [Arachis hypogaea L.] on Acidic Soil in Nedjo District, Western Ethiopia

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is an important cash crop for smallholder farmers in western Ethiopia. However, the yield of the crop is very low mainly because of strong soil acidity and poor soil fertility management. A study conducted to evaluate the effect of lime and mineral phosphorus fertilizer on yield components and yield of groundnut. The treatments consisted of three phosphorus rates (0, 46 and 92 kg P2O5·ha-1), three lime rates (0, 6, and 11 ton lime·ha-1), and three groundnut varieties (local cultivar, Werer-961, and Werer-963) was laid-out as a randomized complete design in a factorial arrangement with three replications. The corresponding rates of phosphorus applied per pot of soil (7 kg) amounted to 0, 107 and 215 mg kg·soil-1 and those of lime amounted to 0, 14, and 26 g kg·soil-1. The analysis of variance showed that phenological characters, yield, and yield components significantly affected by interaction of variety, phosphorus, and lime. The highest dry pod yield produced by Werer-963 (2 kg dry pod yield·pot-1) in response to the application 11 t·ha-1 lime and 46 kg P2O5·ha-1. However, Werer-961 produced medium (1.5 kg dry pod yield·pot-1) at 11 t·ha-1 lime and 92 kg P2O5·ha-1 and the local cultivar produced minimum (1 kg dry pod yield·pot-1) at the application of 11 t·ha-1 lime and 92 kg P2O5·ha-1. In terms of phosphorus yield efficiency index, Werer-963 was highly efficient (index of 1.71), and Werer-961 was moderately efficient (index of 0.6). However, the local cultivar was inefficient (index of 0.04). It is at, in acidic soil of the study area Werer-963 is the best to be cultivated with application of lime 11 t·ha-1 and 46 kg P2O5·ha-1 fertilizer, followed by Werer-961. The results of this pot experiment have revealed that farmers in the study area need to switch to cultivating the improved varieties of groundnut rather than local variety with the application of high rates of lime and moderate amounts of phosphorus.

Short-Term Effect of Grazing Exclusion and Uncontrolled Grazing on Species Abundance, Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value in an Invaded Area by Euryops floribundus in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Grazing exclusion (GE) is the most effective rangeland restoration technique which facilitates species diversity and forage quality. This study aimed at assessing short-term impact of GE and continuously grazed rangeland on relative frequency, dry matter yield and nutritive value of dominant grasses in an area invaded by Euryops floribundus. A plot of 2.5 ha was measured and the boundaries demarcated using tape measure and steal pins, the plot was further divided into two subplots of 1ha each which were 5 m apart. One subplot was fenced and protected from grazing livestock, while one subplot was grazed continuously and not fenced. Three parallel belt transects of 100 m × 2 m with 3 m apart were laid out in both subplots. Woody plants occurring within the transects were identified and recorded to determine density. In each subplot, a 0.25 m2 quadrant measuring was thrown randomly to take detailed records on plant species, relative frequency of species and herbage biomass. Four dominant species at the two sites were harvested to determine the nutritive value. Results indicate that grazing exclusion (GE) facilitates grass species diversity, subsequently sixteen and thirteen grasses species were recorded in the GE and uncontrolled grazed (UG) sites, respectively. Eragrostis chloromelas (21.7%), and Themeda triandra (13.2%) had high relative frequencies in the GE site. Highest biomass production was recorded in the GE site (1400 kg·ha-1) compared to UG site (1102 kg·ha-1). Crude protein content was relatively lower at UG site (5.4% - 5.8%) as compared to GE site (7.2% - 7.8%). It was concluded that, GE showed a positive impact on a relative frequency (%), dry matter yield and crude protein content. UG creates a conducive environment for Euryops recruitment. Further studies are required to examine the impact of GE in long-term trial setup.

The heterotic effects on dry matter production and grain yield formation in hybrid rice

We studied the characteristics of dry matterproduction and matter partitioning in hybridrice and the relationships of them with heterot-ic effect in 1993. Two popular indica hybrids, Shanyou 63(Zhenshan 97A/Minhui 63 ) and Teyou 63(Longtepu A/Minhui 63), as well as theircommon restorer line, Minhui 63 (elite cultivar

Economic Benefits of Rubber Plantations in Longjiang Farm in Hainan by the Application of Optimized Fertilization Formula

The influence of formula fertilization optimization on dry rubber yield and economic benefits of the rubber plantation in Hainan Longjiang Farm were studied by using ＂contrast＂ design method of fertilizer field experiments. The results showed that the actual production rate reached 4.61% and the net production rate of dry rubber reached 3.97% by application of optimized fertilization formula. Analysis of variance showed that the average dry rubber yield in optimization of formula fertil- ization area was significantly higher than that of conventional area. The results also indicated that the optimization of formula fertilization had obvious economic benefits, and each rubber tree reduced cost and increased 9.95 yuan on average after the test.

Potentials of NPK and Organic Fertilizers on Growth Performance of Cashew （Anacardium occidentale L,） Seedlings on Degraded Typic Alfisol Soils in Ibadan, Nigeria

Sequel to complaints by cashew farmers on poor establishment rate of cashew seedlings on rehabilitated moribund cashew plantations in south western Nigeria, a fertilizer trial involving the use of organic materials （cow-dung, poultry droppings, cocoa and kola pod husks） compared to NPK and control （no fertilizer） treatments was conducted on the growth performance of cashew seedlings at Ibadan, Nigeria. The fertilizers were applied to supply 15 g N seedlingl in 3 replications. Cashew seedling growth parameters and dry matter yield were determined. Fertilizers resulted to consistently general higher plant height, girth, number of leaves and leaf area compared to NPK and control. The differences in the mean values were however not significantly different for girth but it was significant （P 〈 0.5） for plant height, number of leaves and leaf area, while there was no particular regular trend for plant number of branches. Plant root lengths were significantly higher using the organic fertilizers than NPK and control. Similar trend was obtained in the dry weight values for plant leaf, stem, root and total dry matter yield. There was however no consistent significant effect on NPK usage over control for all the parameters. It was therefore deduced that optimal growth performance and better establishment of cashew seedlings could be obtained with the use of organic fertilizers rather than inorganic fertilizer. The use of cocoa pod husk followed by cow-dung and poultry droppings were outstanding in better growth and dry matter yield performance of cashew seedlings and were advised for this purpose.

Effect of Sowing Rate on Agronomic Traits of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) in Southern Kyushu, Japan

Newly released sudangrass-type sorghum cv. “Tarzan” was bred for use as a bioenergy-resource feedstuff in Germany. Since the genotype was collected at a high altitudinal site in the Central Africa continent, its early growth is vigorous at low temperature. As vigorous growth at low temperature is derived from high tillering ability, the sowing rate of this genotype should be reduced from the ordinary rate for sorghum. Thus, in the present study, the optimal sowing rate of cv. “Tarzan” in southern Kyushu was determined by the effect of sowing rate at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g·m-2, designated as low (L), middle (M), and high (H) levels, respectively, on growth habit compared with the normal sudangrass cultivar “Roll-king II”. Early growth was retarded by heavy precipitation in June, after which the growth was comparable for the two genotypes. Dry matter yield of “Tarzan” increased with higher sowing rate;the H level yield was 1298 g·m-2, and the yield was not adversely affected by the humidity and heat in the summer growing season, compared with “Roll-king II”. This suggests that “Tarzan” can adapt to the humid, hot climate in southern Kyushu, and the optimum sowing rate of “Tarzan” should be as low as 1.0 - 1.5 g·m-2, which is less than one-fifth to one-third that of forage sudangrass grown in the region.

Variation of Morpho-Agronomic and Biomass Quality Traits in Elephant Grass for Energy Purposes According to Nitrogen Levels

Elephant grass is a tropical forage plant widely spread in Brazil, used mainly in the livestock sector and in cattle feeding. Because of its high productivity and photosynthetic capacity, this culture has also been considered an alternative source of renewable energy. Six clones of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) were evaluated under five levels of nitrogen fertilization (100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 kg·N·ha-1), in a randomized-block design with a split-plot arrangement with three replicates, from April 2010 to December 2012, in the city of Campos dos Goytacazes— RJ, Brazil. The objective was to obtain estimates of variation in morpho-agronomic traits and biomass quality. We observed that genotypes Cameroon-Piracicaba and Gua?u I/Z2 have great potential to be used, with maximum dry matter yields of 60.97 and 44.10 t·ha-1 per cut for energy purposes among the studied genotypes.

Canola and Oat Forage Potential Evaluation in Four Early Planting Dates

Canola and oat forage potential may be affected by climatic conditions when sown early.The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage canola and oat potential in four early sowing dates(September 11 and 25;October 9 and 23)during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 cycles in Matamoros,Coahuila,Mexico.Growth cycle duration,chemical composition,dry matter(DM),crude protein(CP),and net energy for lactation(NEL)yields were determined.High temperatures and long photoperiods affected crops seeded on September 11,accelerating growth and reducing canola(26.6%-31.7%)and oat(15.8%)DM yields.As of September 25,canola cv IMC 205 reached DM yields(7746 kg ha^(-1)-9276 kg ha^(-1))similar to those obtained by oat(8115 kg ha^(-1)-9507 kg ha^(-1)),while canola cv Hyola 401 obtained such yields only until October 23.Canola chemical composition was better than that found in oat,with higher CP,but lower acid detergent fiber(ADF)and neutral detergent fiber(NDF)contents.Canola equaled oat CP yields(972 kg ha^(-1)-1215 kg ha^(-1))in the first sowing date,while in the other three other canola sowings reached higher yields(1193 kg ha^(-1)-1889 kg ha^(-1)).As for NEL yields,no difference was observed between both species.The best sowing date for canola is from September 25 on,with CP production advantages over oat.

Response of Amaranth to Irrigation and Organic Matter

The study investigated the response of Amaranth to irrigation depth and irrigation interval as well as poultry waste incorporation. A replicated 4 ×3 × 3 factorial arrangement with treatments consisting of percent organic matter incorporation （0%, 2%, 4% and 6% by weight）, irrigation interval （1, 3 and 5 days） and irrigation depth （4, 6 and 8 mm） was used for the experiment which was conducted in pots in a green house. The result of the experiment showed that percent organic matter incorporation, irrigation interval, and irrigation depth significantly （P 〈 0.05） affected the dry matter yield of the vegetable. However, only the percent organic matter incorporation and irrigation interval were significant （P 〈 0.05） in their effects on the plant height. The highest plant height of 12.03 cm occurred when 2% organic matter was incorporated into the soil while the lowest plant height of 9.04 cm occurred with 6% organic matter incorporation. The maximum plant yield （47.44 kg/ha） occurred when 2% poultry litter was incorporated into the soil while the lowest plant yield （31.57 kg/ha） occurred with the control experiment. Irrigation interval of three days as well as irrigation depth of 6 mm resulted in the highest plant height and maximum dry matter yield of the vegetable. From the result of the experiment, the factor combination of 2% organic matter incorporation with 6 mm irrigation depth applied at three days irrigation interval resulted in the highest plant height of 16.7 cm above ground surface and maximum yield of 67.8 kg/ha.

Uptake of Phosphorus from Modified P-Enriched Douglas Fir Biochar and Its Effects on Crop Growth and P Use Efficiency

The potential use of biochar as a sustainable soil amendment has recently gained global recognition. The use of biochar as a soil additive is attributed to its ability to improve soil chemical, physical and biological properties. Studies have shown that biochar amendments can enhance soil nutrient retention and availability, pH, water holding capacity, microbial activity and sequester carbon. In this study using corn (Zea mays L.) as an experimental crop, the influence of P availability from modified P enriched Douglas fir biochar (PEB), triple super phosphate fertilizer (SPF), and modified Douglas fir biochar (MB) on plant growth and P Use Efficiency (PUE) were compared. The rate of P applied (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg·ha-1) was calculated based on % P content of each soil additive. Except for MB treatments, P recovery, crop growth and P Use Efficiency increased with application rates. The maximum above ground dry matter yields corresponding to PEB, SPF and MB treatments were estimated at 3488 kg·ha-1, 2449 kg·ha-1 and 639 kg·ha-1, while their respective agronomic P use efficiency (AGE) rates were 32 kg·kg-1, 17 kg·kg-1, 0.5 kg·kg-1. Also, recovery of K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, B and Mn improved in both PEB (p value 0.9) and SPF (p value < 0.0058, r2 > 0.9) treatments. More studies at field scale are needed to demonstrate the practicability of using modified P enriched Douglas fir biochar for soil amendments.

Combining Ability in Mixtures of Prairie Grass and Clovers

Our objective was to evaluate the combining ability among cultivars of forage species, commonly sown in temperate regions of Argentina using a short rotation system. Three genetically diverse cultivars of prairie brome grass (Bromus catharticus, cv Copetona, cv ?andú and cv Tango), a white clover cultivar (Trifolium repens, cv Lucero) and a red clover cultivar (T. pratense, cv Tropero) were evaluated. A randomized complete block design experiment was established in 2005. The treatments included five monocultures and ten binary mixtures. The experiment was harvested 6 times over an 18-month period. Cumulative dry matter yield (kg?ha–1) was calculated as the sum of the six individual harvests. Diallel analysis provided estimates of the general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA). Red clover in monoculture and mixtures produced the highest yields, with significant positive GCA effects (P P P P < 0.01). Given the short-term nature of this study, we must limit our inference to short-term pastures (<2 years). Under these conditions, red clover had the best combination with prairie brome grass.

Exploring the impact of soil water variability and varietal diversity on alfalfa yield,nutritional quality,and farm profitability

Background:Despite high nutritional and economic value,alfalfa yield has not been improved in the United States.Soil moisture critically influences alfalfa's yield and quality,affecting its physiological processes,nutrient uptake,and stand growth.Additionally,the maturity stage at harvest can significantly impact both hay yield and quality.Thus,this study aimed to assess the effect of different soil moisture levels and harvesting times on forage yield,nutritive value,and the overall profitability of commercially cultivated alfalfa.Methods:Two conventional and three lower-lignin alfalfa varieties were planted in a randomized complete block with split plot design under drought,rainfed,and irrigation conditions in 2020 in Manhattan,Kansas,USA.The dry matter yield(DMY)and forage nutritive value were evaluated at late bud,early flowering,and 7 days after early flowering stages,respectively.Results:DMY varied with production year,soil water availability,and growth stages,with drought conditions causing a decline in DMY of 5%to 38%in the second production year.Water conditions and maturity stages influenced crude protein(CP)and in vitro dry matter digestibility(IVDMD).Higher soil moisture and advancing maturity stages negatively impacted CP,IVDMD,and relative forage quality.The study revealed net profit margins of 62%,64%,and 52%for drought-prone,rainfed,and irrigated production,respectively.Conclusions:Harvest timing and irrigation practices were found to have substantial implications for forage yield and nutritive value of alfalfa.The yield-quality trade-off differed under drought and irrigation,with early harvesting leading to lower yields but higher protein content and digestibility.The study findings provide potential guidance for improving alfalfa hay yield,quality,and profitability.

Forage yield and nutritive value of plantain and chicory for livestock feed at high altitudes in Peru

Background:Evaluation of forage resources is vital for the sustainability of livestock farming in the South American Andes,especially under conditions of low water availability for irrigation and acid soils.Methods:We evaluated the productivity and nutritive value of two cultivars of chicory(Cichorium intybus L.)and one of plantain(Plantago lanceolata L.)in three high-altitude sites(AL)of the northern highlands of Peru:AL-Ⅰ:2300–2800 m.a.s.l,AL-Ⅱ:2801–3300 m.a.s.l.and AL-Ⅲ:3301–3800 m.a.s.l.,for 1 year.The parameters evaluated were dry matter yield(DMY),plant height(PH),growth rate(GR)and nutritional value.Results:Plantain achieved the greatest annual DMY(ADMY),PH and GR compared to the two chicory cultivars(9.34,9.56 and 13.39 Mg ha−1 for Puna Ⅱ and Sese 100 chicory and Tonic plantain,respectively;p=0.0019).The greatest ADMY and GR occurred at AL-Ⅰ.Regarding nutritional value,differences were observed only for in vitro digestibility of dry matter and metabolisable energy with chicory cultivars higher than plantain.Conclusions:The results indicate that the three cultivars evaluated may be used as a nutritional supplement in cattle feed,associated with grasses because they have high nutritive value suitable for milk production in the mountain regions of Peru.