POSSIBILITIES OF GROWING VETCH (V. pannonica, V.villosa, V. dasycarpa,) AND CEREAL (Barley, Oat, Triticale) MIXTURES IN FALLOW FIELDS IN ESKIŞEHIR CONDITIONS

This study was carried out during growing seasons of 2001 and 2002 in Eskişehir to investigate the possibility of growing various vetch species in mixture with cereal crops in fallow areas of Eskişehir. A split plot design was arranged as cereals in main plots and vetch cultivars in sub-plots; in which three replicates of randomized complete blocks were used. Proportions of vetches and cereals in these plant mixtures were 75% and 25% respectively. Harvesting was performed at the stage in which 50% vetch flowering was evident. In relation to the plant mixtures, measurements were taken for herbage yield, hay yield, and crude protein yield. Results of the study showed that characteristics of the mixtures studied were significantly influenced by the year of growth. According to the two year averages, herbage yield varied from 3412.5 kg/da to 2312.1 kg/da depending on the mixture. The highest hay yield (780.3 kg/da) was obtained from the mixture of oat with vetch variety, Tarm Beyazı. The mixture of triticale + vetch cultivar, Efes had the highest crude protein yield (88.1 kg/da).