| Inter-specific interactions of six cool-season annual legumes grown with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) were evaluated in north-central Texas for forage yield and quality. Soil was evaluated for organic matter, CEC, and moisture among the legume species, switchgrass, and legume-switchgrass mixtures. Switchgrass forage yields were not decreased by the interaction with cool-season annual legumes. Legume yield and quality varied among species. Arrowleaf clover (Trifoluim vesiculosum Savi.) had higher dry matter production and produced more in a monoculture than mixed with switchgrass. Soil organic matter, CEC, and moisture were undifferentiated among legume species in the two year study. Cool-season annual legumes can be beneficial in a forage system with switchgrass, resulting in a higher quality forage in early spring when switchgrass is not as productive. |
