17 



year of establishment (Table 6), the slower growth from sod seeding resulted 

 in about 30% lower yields than conventional seedings. 



In 1978 rainfall was about average in May, but considerably below average 

 in June and July (Table 2). There was only 1.78 inch of rainfall from 

 June 10 to August 1, with the greatest amount of only 0.52 inch. Seasonal 

 yields were affected to the extent that slightly over half of total forage 

 yield was harvested on June 2. The total of July 11 and August 22 harvests 

 was less than half of the seasonal yield. 



There was an interaction in 1978 seasonal yield in that with sod seeding 

 alf alf a-orchardgrass yielded somewhat lower than birdsfoot trefoil-timothy; 

 however, the difference in forage mixtures was not significant with con- 

 ventional seeding (Table 6) . The lower yield of alf alf a-orchardgrass with 

 sod seeding may have resulted from the lack of pH adjustment through the 

 plow layer, since lime was not incorporated and is noted for slow downward 

 movement. Birdsfoot trefoil is somewhat more tolerant of acidity and may 

 have benefitted by way of moisture conservation with sod seeding, in which a 

 mulch is left intact. Regrowth of birdsfoot trefoil-timothy following the 

 first harvest was about 20% higher on sod-seeded, compared with conventionally- 

 seeded treatments (data not shown) . 



In 1979 the largest rainfall in June and the first half of July was 

 0.39 inch. The yield distribution was similar to that in 1978. Birdsfoot 

 trefoil-timothy yielded better with sod seeding than with conventional 

 seeding. Yields were similar at the first harvest, but some 15% higher in 

 favor of sod seeding, with summer regrowth. Alf alf a-orchardgrass produced 

 higher yields on sod-seeded plots than in 1978. 



