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Timothy Hay Variety Trial
R.L. Dovel and J. Rainey l
INTRODUCTION
Timothy is a short-lived perennial forage grass that is in high demand for high
quality hay. In the race horse industry, it commands higher prices than dairy quality
alfalfa hay. Interest in timothy hay is increasing in the Klamath Basin, but little variety
yield data is available for prospective producers. This trial was established to compare
the relative yield potential of various commercially available timothy varieties in the
Klamath Basin.
PROCEDURES
Plots were established in August, 1988. The trial consists of 10 commercially
available Timothy varieties arranged in a randomized complete block design with four
replications. Soil samples from the field were analyzed and appropriate fertilizer applied
prior to planting. Seed was drilled to a depth of 1/4 inch or greater using a modified
Kincaid drill at a rate of 4 lb/A. Plots were 5 x 20 feet with a 3-foot alleyway. Water
was supplied with a solid set sprinkler system. Plants were allowed to grow uncut
through the first growing season. Three harvests per year were taken in 1989, 1990, and
1991 when plants started heading. Only two harvests were taken in 1992. Crops were
harvested using a flail harvester with a 3-foot wide cutting head. All yields are reported
on a dry weight basis. Crops were fertilized with 100 lb N/A in 1989 and 1990, 300 lb
N/A in 1991, and 150 lb N/A in 1992.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Establishment was poor due to deep planting. Timothy should be planted no
deeper than 1/4 inch. It appears that seedling vigor of the various varieties was not the
same. Some varieties established much better than others in spite of the depth of
seeding. Although stands initially appeared to be marginal, individual plants greatly
increased in size, and by the second year stands appeared to be quite adequate for
commercial production.
Clair was the highest yielding variety in the trial over the four-year period. The
only other entry that produced yields close to Clair was Richmond. Although Richmond
had the highest yields in 1989, it was not an outstanding yielding variety in 1990, and
yielded less than Clair in 1991 and 1992 (Table 1). All other varieties produced similar
forage yields except Drummond. It yielded significantly less than other entries. Due to
the importance of stand persistence in this crop, more emphasis should be placed on
1
/ Assistant Professor and Biological Sciences Research Technician, respectively,
Klamath Experiment Station, Klamath Falls, OR.
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the third and fourth year yields. Fourth year yields of Clair, Timfor, Richmond, and
Basho were similar. The generally higher yields observed in 1991 are probably the result
of higher fertilizer applications in that year (see discussion on page 113).
The average yield for four years exceeded 4.5 ton/A. At current market prices, this
yield would result in comparable or superior net profits to alfalfa hay. However, market
establishment for this commodity can be difficult, and should be arranged before crops
are planted.
Forage quality was evaluated on the second harvest in 1990. Quality was very
similar to tall fescue, with average CP of 9.0 percent and average ADF of 40.3 percent
for the ten varieties. Basho had the highest quality with 10.4 percent CP and 39.4
percent ADF.
Table 1.
Four-year summary of forage yield of 10 timothy hay varieties established
in the fall of 1988 at the Klamath Experiment Station, OR.
Entry
1989
1990
Yield
1991
1992
Average
lb DM/A
Clair
Drummond
Timfor
Mariposa
Richmond
11,920
8,390
9,840
10,970
12,210
9,330
6,290
6,980
7,120
8,670
11,930
9,970
11,980
10,480
11,330
11,220
8,310
10,300
9,930
10,470
11,100
8,240
9,780
9,630
10,670
Bounty
Basho
Climax
Champ
Salvo
9,090
7,810
8,040
9,820
11,000
6,980
8,380
8,160
6,530
8,080
9,970
11,390
10,650
10,800
10,040
9,660
10,190
9,590
8,650
9,410
8,930
9,440
9,110
8,950
9,630
9,910
12
1,780
7,650
9
950
10,860
8
1,060
9,770
12
1,700
9,550
5
640
Mean
CV (%)
LSD (0.05)