Trial Site: Fairview Research Farm
Research Coordinator: Dr. Akim Omokanye
From: Peace Country Beef & Forage Association 2016 Annual Report
The Regional Silage Variety Trials (RSVTs) are an important source of information for livestock forage based production regarding the forage yield potential and quality performance of new crop varieties as they become available. The RSVTs are carried out in small plot replicated trials. PCBFA provides unbiased, comprehensive information that assists producers to make better crop choices for silage or greenfeed production. In addition to the findings presented here from our trial, the results from the RSVTs across the different trial sites in the province will also be reported in the Alberta Seed Guide (www.seed.ab.ca).
Methods
Site: The study site was at the Fairview Research Farm (NW5-82-3W6) on RR #35, MD of Fairview. The site had soybeans in 2015. Soil test at 0-6” soil depth done at Exova laboratory (Edmonton) prior to seeding showed an organic matter content of 7.3%, a pH of 5.4 (acidic) and an electrical conductivity of 0.58 dS/m. The field was cultivated before seeding.
Experimental Design: Randomized complete block design in 4 replications. Small plots measuring 11.04 m2 (118.8 ft2) were used.
Treatments (Varieties): The following 13 barley varieties consisting of eleven 2-row & two 6-row varieties were seeded:
1. Amisk- 6-row, rough awned, semi-dwarf, general purpose barley
2. CDC Austenson (Check) - 2-row, rough awned variety, high feed yield
3. CDC Coalition - 2-row, feed barley
4. CDC Maverick - a new 2-row forage variety, smooth awned for improved palatability
5. Champion - 2-row, feed barley
6. Claymore - 2-row, semi-erect, feed barley
7. CDC Cowboy - 2-row, forage variety
8. CDC Meredith - 2-row, malting barley
9. Canmore - a new 2-row general purpose barley
10. Conlon- 2-row, feed and malting barley
11. Gadsby - 2-row, rough awned, general purpose barley