Productive longevity analysis of perennial grass mixtures growing in Karelia

The results of the study on productive longevity of two-component and three-component mixtures of perennial grass used for pastoral purposes and found in the southern part of the Republic of Karelia (2006-2013) are presented in this article. A mixture consisting of timothy and meadow fescue was employed for the purpose of control. It is the most common method applied in conditions of Karelia. The study of 11 different perennial plants’ mixtures by two quantitative (productivity of green mass, dry matter) and three qualitative (content of feed units, metabolizable energy and crude protein) performance indexes helped to identify the most stable mixtures to the local environmental conditions. The analysis showed that in the southern part of Karelia plants growing on sod-podzolic loamy soils for pastural use are characterized by strong longevity. The notable productive longevity of the plants is provided by cereals - orchard grass, timothy and meadow fescue in conjunction with rhizomatous grasses - brome and Kentucky bluegrass. The above-mentioned species maintain their high productivity even in conditions of changing environment, which testifies of their high adaptive potential.