Impact of row spacing and seed rate on the production characteristics of the perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and their valorisation

Abstract

In this paper are shown the results of the production characteristics of the perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cv. `Naki', which grown in rows with different row spacing and seed rate in the agroecological conditions of central Serbia in three successive analysed years. Four levels of two observed factors were used in the experiment: row spacing (12.5; 25; 37.5 and 50 cm) and seed rate (9, 16, 23 and 30 kg ha(-1)). Due to the analyses, the height of the tiller, the length of the spike and the number of spikelets per spike gave better results by sowing in wider rows (37.5 and 50 cm) using lower seed rate (9 and 16 kg ha(-1)). Seed yield and harvest index responded favourably to sowing in rows at a wider row spacing (37.5 and 50 cm) in combination with a lower seed rate (9 and 16 kg ha(-1)), while shoot dry weight gave better results by sowing in narrower rows (12.5 cm) with lower seed rate (9 and 16 kg ha(-1)). Using the appropriate row spacing in sowing and the optimum of seed rate provides the highest results of the production characteristics of the perennial ryegrass that can be applied to further production.