Effect of seeding rate on seed and hay yield in common vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

Abstract

The effects of six seeding rates (50-300 seeds m(-2)) on some morphological traits with hay and seed yield were evaluated in common vetch (Vicia saliva L.) under fall and spring sowing conditions. The mutual correlations among yield and yield components were also determined. The sowing seasons and seeding rates significantly affected hay and seed yield, and most of the yield components. Fall sowings resulted in significantly higher hay and seed yield than spring sowings at all seeding rates, and the highest seed and hay yield was achieved in densities of 250 and 300 seeds m(-2). In spring sowings there was a positive response in hay yield up to 250 seeds m(-2) while no further increase in seed yield at the seeding rates higher than 150 seeds m(-2). Average protein content of hay and seed was found to be higher in spring sown crops than fall. The highest protein yields of hay and seed were obtained at 250 seeds m(-2) in fall sowings,and 150 seeds m(-2) in spring sowings. Most of the correlations between both hay and seed yields with the yield components were not consistent and differed with the sowing time. Only the correlations between number of the plants per unit area with hay yield, and number of the pods and seeds per unit area with seed yield were statistically significant in both sowing seasons. Close positive associations were obtained between hay and seed yield.