Objective  Broussonetia papyrifera is an important ecological and economic species, which is widely planted in karst area. However, at present, research on the impact of mowing patterns on its yield and quality is seldom, resulting in low resource utilization, low yield and quality of B. papyrifera stand. Therefore, this research studied the effects of different mowing frequencies and stubble heights on the yield and nutrient contents of B. papyrifera, in order to determine the optimal mowing modes and guide the harvesting and utilization of B. papyrifera.

  Method  Research objects were two-year-old B. papyrifera in Zhenfeng County, Guizhou Province of southwestern China. Three mowing frequencies (cutting 3 times, 4 times and 5 times a year) and three stubble heights (stubble 0 cm, 15 cm and 30 cm) were randomly set up. The number of sprouting, biomass of harvested branches and leaves, crude protein and crude fat contents among different treatments were studied.

  Result  The number of resprouting of B. papyrifera under 4 and 5 time mowing a year was significantly higher than 3 times. With the increase of mowing times and stubble heights, stem to leaf ratio decreased gradually. The biomass, crude protein were not affected by mowing frequency. However, stubble heights significantly affected biomass, and showed that the biomass of stubble 30 cm was the highest (2.63 t/ha). The crude fat content of neat mowing was significantly higher than that of stubble 15 cm and 30 cm.

  Conclusion  There is little difference in yield and quality of B. papyrifera among 3−5 times mowing a year. Yield with stubble of 30 cm is the highest, but the crude fat content decreases slightly. Therefore, it is recommended that mowing 3−4 times a year and stubble height of 30 cm for harvesting and utilization in B. papyrifera forage forest.