ANÁLISIS DE CRECIMIENTO ESTACIONAL DE TRÉBOL BLANCO (Trifolium repens L.)

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the seasonal growth of the white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to determine the optimal moment for harvesting. A growth analysis per season was carried out in a four-year pasture established in Montecillo, Estado de México. The experimental plot was 9 m², with eight treatments and three repetitions, under a completely random design. The treatments consisted in weekly cuts in a successive manner. The variables evaluated were: dry matter yield, botanical and morphological composition, leaf area index, growth rate, and intercepted radiation. The highest fodder yield was obtained in the eighth week for spring, fall and winter (2953, 1592 and 1790 kg DM ha^-1) and in summer in the seventh with 1970 kg DM ha^-1. The growth rate varied between seasons (p<0.05). The highest leaf area index was found on week five in summer (P<0.05). The leaf was the greatest component, except in the summer. The results indicate that the white clover should be harvested in the eighth week in spring, fall and winter, and in the seventh in summer.