Ramazan Acar

An investigation of artificial pasture establishment under dryland conditions

This study was conducted to determine the suitable mixtures of perennial forage species for the establishment of artificial pasture under dry conditions in Karapinar-Konya between 2004 and 2006. In this study, complex mixtures of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertner), tall wheatgrass ( Agropyron elongatum (Host) Beauv.), intermediate wheatgrass ( Agropyron intermedium (Host) Beauv.) , smooth brome (Bromus inermis Layss), sheep fescue ( Festuca ovina L. ), tall oatgrass (Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) Presl. ), alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.), sainfoin ( Onobrychis sativa Lam.) and garden burnet (Poterium sanguisorba L.) were used. The experiment design was conducted in a randomized block design with three replications. The highest fresh forage yields were obtained from crested wheatgrass, garden burnet and alfalfa mixtures in 2005 and 2006 (1708.1 and 1763.6 kg ha -1 , respectively) and the highest dry matter yield was obtained in 2006 (933.9 kg ha -1 ). The results showed that mixtures of crested wheatgrass, garden burnet and alfalfa may be used to establish artificial pasture under dryland conditions in similar ecology of Karaponar-Konya.

Effects of different mowing dates of plant top on tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.)

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different mowing dates of plant top on tuber yield of Jerusalem artichoke ( Helianthus tuberosus L) during 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. The experiment was designed according to the “split plots on randomized complete block” experimental design with three replications. Three different mowing dates [a: August 18 (before flowering), b: September 21 (beginning of flowering), c: October 20 (full flowering) and k: control (not-mowing)] and two varieties [red (K) and white (A) skin local Jerusalem artichoke] were taken as factors. Tuber yield and yield components were higher in the first mowing date and control than in the second and third mowing dates in 2005, 2006 and in the average of 2005 to 2006. Two years average maximum tuber yields per decare were 5149.78 kg in the control plots and 3327.27 kg in the plots of red skin of Jerusalem artichoke. The results suggest that first mowing date and control are suitable mowing times for tuber yield.