Effects of Cutting Interval on Dry Matter Yield, Nutritive Value and Competitive Ability of Imperata cylindrica and Paspalum notatum Intercropping

Abstract

Background: Imperata cylindrica is an aggressive plant capable of invading a wide range of sites, including grassland area. In this area, control of this plant may be better conducted through intercropping with other aggressive grass, like Paspalum notatum (bahia grass) and improving their cutting management. Methods: Effect of cutting interval on Imperata – bahia grass intercropping on dry matter yield, nutritive value and competitive ability were studied according to the replacement series principle. The species ratio used were 0: 100, 33.3: 66.7, 66.7: 33.3 and 100: 0 of Imperata to bahia grass. Results: At all species ratios and cutting intervals, bahia grass had higher dry matter yield and competitive ability than Imperata, however, at 25 days cutting interval, dry matter yield and competitive ability of bahia grass decreased. Relative yield total of Imperata and bahia grass were around one, showing that the two species compete for the same sources. Crude protein content of Imperata was comparable with bahia grass at all cutting intervals, and as increasing cutting interval, crude protein content decreased. Digestiblities of bahia grass were higher compared to Imperata and as increasing cutting interval, digestibility of both species decreased Conclusion: Cutting interval is an important factor determining dry matter yield, competitive ability and nutritive value of Imperata - bahia grass intercropping.