Yield and quality responses of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) to changing sowing time and cutting intervals

Egyptian clover ( Trifolium alexandrinum L.) is valued for its excellent forage quality and ratooning capacity, especially as a winter fodder crop. This study examined the effects of sowing dates and cutting intervals on the yield and quality of Egyptian clover. The experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a split-plot layout and three replicates. Two factors were studied: sowing dates (D1 = 16 October, D2 = 31 October, D3 = 15 November) and cutting intervals (C1 = 60 days after sowing (DAS), C2 = 75 DAS, C3 = 90 DAS). Sowing dates were kept in main plots while the cutting interval were in subplots. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's analysis of variance, and significant differences were evaluated with the LSD test at 5% probability using Statistix (v8.1) software. Results indicated that the highest plant population (164), plant height (84.3 cm), green forage yield (50.03 t ha⁻¹), and dry matter percentage (33.47%) were achieved in plots sown on 16th -31st October and harvested at 90 DAS (D1C3), whereas a decline in quality was observed when harvesting was done at 90 DAS. A balanced forage yield and quality was observed when harvesting was done 75 DAS. Based on these findings, sowing Egyptian clover in Mid-end October and harvesting at 75 DAS is recommended to optimize both forage yield and nutritional quality.