Effects of plant density on quantitative and qualitative of three Amaranths in Gorgan region

Amaranths is one of the new forage crops that less studies have been done about it in Iran. In order to investigate the effects of plant density on quantitative and qualitative forage of three Amaranths in Gorgan region, an experiment was conducted in 2017. The experiment was a factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. This experiment was carried out at Gorgan research station of Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. The experimental factors included: The cultivar in three levels (Cim, Loura and Kharkovski) and plant spacing on rows at three levels (5, 10 and 15 cm). Based on the results of the experiment, the spacing on the row and different cultivars caused a significant difference in fresh forage yield, dry forage yield, percentage of crude protein, crude protein yield, non-soluble fiber in neutral detergent (NDF), percentage of lignin, calcium and phosphorus. Interaction effects were significant only on lignin, calcium and phosphorus percentages. The highest fresh forage yield, dry forage yield obtained at a spacing on row of 5 cm. In three genotype with increase spacing on row, calcium and lignine decreased. But the amount of phosphorus did not follow a particular trend. Also the highest percentage of crude protein, crude protein yield, NDF and crude fat observed in Loura. The dry forage yield of Loura less than other genotypes. However, in terms of qualitative and nutritional characteristics, forage was favorable. Therefore, using this genotype is desirable in order to achieve high quality forage.