[Effects of cutting on biological characteristics of three Hedysarum species]

The study with 3 species of Hedysarum showed that no significant difference was observed in many of their biological characteristics between treatments cutting and un-cutting, but the number of new branches sprouted from base stem was 1.91 times higher in treatment cutting than in un-cutting. Cutting could not only rejuvenate the plants, but also increase the yield and ratio of edible parts (leaves and tender stems). From May to August, the plants in treatment cutting had more leaves and tender stems but less old stems, and in September, their inedible part for livestock was 69.26% of the total biomass while that in treatment un-cutting was 77.79%. The appropriate period of cutting was by the end of August in the second year of Hedysarum growth. After cutting in this month, the leaf area index of 3 species Hedysarum was higher, while the dispersion light coefficient was lower, indicating that Hedysarum was more flourishing under cutting.