Yield and yield components of berseem clover cultivars in low nitrogen fertilizer input farming

Abstract

Nitrogen is one of the most important elements needed in clovers, and its deficiency has been seen in agronomical fields of the world. In order to determine the changes of yield and yield components of three cultivars of berseem clover in different levels of nitrogen starter fertilizer, an experiment was conducted in 2010, at Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch, Isfahan, Iran. A factorial layout within randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used. Cultivars were Karaj, Sacromont and Multicut, and nitrogen levels were 0, 40 and 60 kg/ha. The nitrogen fertilizer was provided from urea source (46% pure N). Cultivar had significant effect on plant height, number of leaves, total fresh yield, protein percentage and nitrate content. The effects of nitrogen were significant on plant height, number of leaves, total fresh and dry yield, protein percentage and nitrate content. Number of leaves was also influenced by interaction between cultivar and nitrogen. The highest plant height, number of leaves and total fresh and dry yield were obtained by Multicut. The maximum nitrate content was also related to Multicut, and the highest protein percentage was achieved in Karaj cultivar. Application of N 60 kg/ha gave the highest plant height, number of leaves, total and dry fresh yield and nitrate content. There was no significant difference in nitrate content between application of N 40 and 60 kg/ha. The maximum protein percentage was related to application of N 40 kg/ha. So, under similar condition, it seems that cultivation of Multicut and application of N 60 kg/ha were recommended to Isfahan farmers.