EFFECT OF WEED CONTROL METHODS ON HAY YIELD, BOTANICAL COMPOSITION AND FORAGE QUALITY OF A MOUNTAIN PASTURE

This research was conducted to determine the effect of control methods on the weed composition of a pasture located at high altitude zone of the Cukurova Region, Turkey. The experiment was designed as randomized complete block with three replicates for three years. The mowing, fertilization, applications of 2.4-D, Picloram+2.4-D, Paraquat and Glyphosate were studied as weed control methods. The highest dry matter yield was obtained from the Picloram+2.4-D treatments. Dry matter yields in all treatments were greater as compared to the control. Grass contribution to the hay yield in the Picloram+2.4-D application was statistically significant (P<0.01) higher than the other treatments. Paraquat and glyphosate decreased the crude protein yield, while glyphosate increased higher crude protein and relative feed value contents compared with the other treatments.