Harvesting interval changes yield and nutritive value of kenaf in a dry tropical climate Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) could be a forage alternative to the cattle production in the dry tropics of Mexico. The objective of this study was to evaluate harvest intervals on yield and nutritive value of kenaf Everglades 41. Intervals evaluated were 20, 40, and 60 d, and a single harvest in October when growth ceased. Since rainfall varied between 1998 and 1999, there was a year effect (P < 0.05) for yield and plant height. Total dry matter (DM) was lowest from the 20d harvest interval and highest from the Octoberonly harvest (P < 0.05) both years. Multiple harvest treatments resulted in greater leaf:stem ratios. The Octoberonly harvest had the lowest (P < 0.05) crude protein (CP) with 189 g kg1 and the multiple harvest ranged from 237 to 286 g kg1. Leaf neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased, as harvest interval increased, from 148 g kg1 DM in the 20d treatment up to 175 g kg1 DM in the Octoberonly treatment. Stems harvested in Octoberonly had the greatest NDF. The lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentration (P < 0.05) resulted from regrowth of 20d harvests, with 131 g kg1 DM. October plant density was 27% lower (P < 0.05) at the 20d harvest interval than in Octoberonly harvest. A harvest interval of at least 40 d is required for kenaf persistence and vigorous recovery.

published proceedings

  • AGRONOMY JOURNAL

author list (cited authors)

  • Gonzalez-Valenzuela, E. A., Avila-Curiel, J. M., Ortega-S., J. A., Gonzalez-Padron, M. A., & Muir, J. P.

citation count

  • 5

complete list of authors

  • Gonzalez-Valenzuela, Eduardo A||Avila-Curiel, J Miguel||Ortega-S., J Alfonso||Gonzalez-Padron, Miguel A||Muir, James P

publication date

  • July 2008

publisher