ABSTRACT
Comparison of two methods to evaluate plant population of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)

Ignacio Ruiz N.1 y Rodrigo Díaz L.
 

Two methods of evaluating plants number of alfalfa and red clover were compared: 1) Non - destructive, or ocular method in wich roots or crowns soillevel were counted, 2) True or destructive method, in which the soil was dug to extract plants in order to count the tap reots. By using the first method, values were 39 and 37% lower than the true measurement (destructive method) for alfalfa and red clover, respectively. As a consequence, when true values of population are needed, a coefficient should be applied to adjust data obtained with ocular method; the option is to keep specific arreas in order to use the destructive method.

Keywords: plant account, alfalfa, red clover.
1 Centro Regional de Investigación La Platina (INIA), Casilla 439, Correo 3, Santiago, Chile.