Performance of Late-Summer Seeded Spring Oats as a Forage Crop in Northern Illinois

Performance of Late-Summer Seeded Spring Oats as a Forage Crop in Northern Illinois ABSTRACT: Spring oats ( Avena sativa ) seeded in late-summer is an option for livestock producers needing a forage crop that can be baled, ensiled, or grazed. Limited data exists in northern Illinois on forage yield and quality of spring oats seeded in late-summer. The objective of this study was to document such data and as a result, provide reference values for livestock producers developing their forage management strategies. A three-year study (2005-2007) was conducted at the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center, Shabbona to measure forage yield and quality of spring oats seeded in late-summer. Four oat varieties were drilled at three bushels per acre in a prepared seedbed in mid-August, late-August, and early-September. There were four replicates in a randomized complete block design. The previous crop was winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) harvested as grain. Oats were harvested in late October using a flail-type forage harvester. Forage “grab” samples were collected for nutrient analysis. Due to excess rainfall at the site in August 2007, seeding dates were delayed to September; even though harvest data were collected, they were not included in this report. Data were statistically analyzed using the SAS program. Averaged over the varieties and years, spring oats seeded in mid-August, late-August, and early-September yielded 1.8, 1.3, and 0.6 tons of dry matter per acre, respectively. Whole plant crude protein was 17.7, 22.1, and 21.4 percent for each seeding time, respectively. Relative feed value was 154, 164, and 168 for each seeding, respectively. Significant differences existed between varieties and seeding dates relative to yield and quality. INTRODUCTION: Spring oats seeded in late-summer is an option for producers needing a forage crop that can be baled, grazed, or ensiled. Limited data exists on the forage yield and quality of spring oats seeded in late-summer in northern Illinois. OBJECTIVE: Document forage yield and quality of four spring oat varieties seeded in late-summer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS:

The study was conducted in 2005-2007 at the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center, Shabbona.

Four spring oat varieties (Blaze, ForagePlus, Jerry, and Spurs) were drilled at 3 bushels per acre in a prepared seedbed in mid-August, late-August, and early-September (Table 1).

The previous crop was winter wheat harvested as grain.

Oats were harvested in late October using a flail-type forage harvester that left a 3- to 3 ½-inch stubble (Table 1).

The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replicates. Data were statistically analyzed using the SAS program.

RESULTS:

Averaged over varieties, replications, and years, spring oats seeded in mid-August, late-August, and early-September produced the following:

Yield of 1.8, 1.3, and 0.6 tons dry matter per acre, respectively (Table 2).

Crude protein content of 17.7, 22.1, and 21.4 percent, respectively (Table 3).

Relative feed value of 154, 164, and 168, respectively (Table 4).

Significant differences existed between varieties and seeding dates (Tables 2-4).

CONCLUSIONS:

Averaged over the varieties, yield per acre reflected seeding date with mid-August > late-August > early-September.

Averaged over the varieties, crude protein and relative feed value reflected the traditional plant maturity-quality relationship when harvested, especially with the first seeding.

Averaged over the seeding dates, there were variety differences in yield and relative feed value, but not in crude protein.

Relative feed value was acceptable (range of 142-182) across varieties and seeding dates.

The study documented forage yield and quality of late-summer seeded spring oats and provided reference values for producers.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Appreciation is extended to: IL-LIFT Project, Dept. of Animal Sciences; Variety Testing, Dept. of Crop Sciences; and Dr. Fred Kolb, Dept. of Crop Sciences for helping to make this study possible. Morrison,*J.A. 1 , Paul, L.E. 2 1 Extension Educator, Crop Systems, University of Illinois Extension, Rockford, IL 61107 2 Agronomist, Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois, Shabbona, IL 60550 October 29 September 1, 11, and 21 2007 October 31 August 18, 30, and September 8 2006 October 27 August 15, 25, and September 4 2005 Harvest Date Seeding Dates Year Table 1. Seeding and harvest dates by year. * Not significantly different from the highest variety on the same seeding date. 0.14 0.14 0.14 LSD 10%, 0.32 overall 0.6 1.3 1.8 Average 0.6* 1.3 1.9 Spurs 0.7* 1.6 2.1 Jerry 0.6* 1.2 1.6 ForagePlus 0.6* 1.2 1.8 Blaze Early-September Late-August Mid-August Variety Table 2. Yield (ton DM/a) by variety and seeding date, 2005-2006. * Not significantly different from the highest variety on the same seeding date. 3.6 3.6 3.6 LSD 10%, 6.8 overall 21.4 22.1 17.7 Average 20.8* 22.9* 18.7* Spurs 23.3* 22.0* 15.5* Jerry 21.7* 22.9* 18.0* ForagePlus 19.8* 20.5* 18.4* Blaze Early-September Late-August Mid-August Variety Table 3. Crude protein (percent) by variety and seeding date, 2005-2006. * Not significantly different from the highest variety on the same seeding date. 9.0 9.0 9.0 LSD 10%, 21.7 overall 168 164 154 Average 174* 166 149 Spurs 182* 163 160* Jerry 164 168 165* ForagePlus 152 159 142 Blaze Early-September Late-August Mid-August Variety Table 4. Relative feed value by variety and seeding date, 2005-2006. Plot harvest in late-October.