Effect of sowing density on the yield and quality of Yucao No.1

The effect of sowing density treatments, including 37 500 plants/hm2 (D1), 45 000 plants/hm2 (D2) and 52 500 plants/hm2 (D3), on the yield and quality of Yucao No. 1 was studied and the result indicated that the total fresh matter yields of D2 and D3 were 128 944 kg/hm2 and 133 167 kg/hm2 respectively and no significant difference was found, but they were significantly higher than that of D1 (117 370 kg/hm2). And there was no significant difference on dry matter yield among 3 treatments. The content and yield of crude protein and relative feeding value of D1 was the highest, and it was followed by D2, D3 was the lowest. The neutral detergent fiber content of D1 was the lowest and D3 was highest. As for the tiller number, total stem perimeter and dry matter percentage of D1 were the highest, and D3 was the lowest. It could be concluded that 45 000 plants/hm2 was the best in southern part of China.