Prediction of forage yield and quality of clover in Loess Plateau under simulated rotational grazing

To investigate the relationship between forage yield, nutritional quality of clover, growth time, and ≥ 0 ℃ accumulated temperature, Trifolium repens ‘Kopu Ⅱ’ and Trifolium pretense ‘Sensation’ were used. The correlation between growth time and ≥ 0 ℃ accumulated temperature, and forage yield, neutral detergent fiber,, acid detergent fiber, crude protein, ether extract, water soluble carbohydrate, and ash content through simulated rational grazing field experiments were analyzed. The results showed that growth time and ≥ 0 ℃ accumulated temperature of clover were significantly correlated with forage yield and each nutrient index (P < 0.05). Accordingly, forage yield and nutritional quality of clover were predicted based on the growth time and ≥ 0 ℃ accumulated temperature. The accuracy of these prediction models was high and they could provide a scientific basis for the cultivation, management, and harvest of clover in the Loess Plateau.