Competitive Effects of Several Grass Species and Weeds on the Establishment of Birdsfoot Trefoil¹

Abstract

Establishment of legume‐grass mixtures on highway rights‐of‐way is complicated by the requirement that seedings be made over an extended period as construction proceeds and erosion control become critical. Permanent seedings are frequently required during the late spring‐early summer period and the late summer‐early fall period when weather conditions are likely to be critical and competition from grasses and weeds may severely retard legume growth. Studies were conducted to determine the competitive effects of three grasses, perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) and also weeds on establishment of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) in the field at four times of the year, September, April, May and June. Plots were established on Enfield silt loam (mixed Typic Distrochrepts). Birdsfoot trefoil plant counts at the seedling and bloom stages showed that ryegrass was the most and red fescue the least competitive grass. Plant establishment of birdsfoot trefoil was significantly higher for the April seeding than for other seeding dates. Growth of birdsfoot trefoil was greater when seeded with Kentucky bluegrass or red fescue than when seeded with ryegrass. Weed competition reduced establishment of birdsfoot trefoil and growth of the legume at all seeding dates. When birdsfoot trefoil was grown alone, weeds produced more competing growth than grasses. However, grasses virtually eliminated weed growth. Reduced stands and yields of birdsfoot trefoil when grown with perennial ryegrass appeared to be due to rapid seedling emergence of the grass at a critical stage in the early growth and development of birdsfoot trefoil. The slower growing grasses, Kentucky bluegrass and red fescue, did not inhibit growth of birdsfoot trefoil since yields were comparable to the legume grown alone. An exception was the September seeding when winter‐killing severely depleted stands of birdsfoot trefoil grown alone.

Effet de la densité et de la proportion des plantes lors de renvahissement de la luzerne par Taraxacum officinale Weber

“…Les resultats ont aussi indique que, sous les conditions de I'experience, l'envahissement de la luzerne par le pissenlit pourrait avoir comme consequence de diminuer la biomasse racinaire de la luzerne. A long terme, cette reduction pourrait entrainer une diminution de la resistance au froid (Deschenes, 1974) ou de la survie de la luzerne durant l'hiver (Laskey & Wakefield, 1978).…”

THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS.: 41. Lotus corniculatus L.

“…Although l,. corniculatus is not a serious agricultural weed, it is a common weed in turf, sports surfaces (Fryer and Makepeace 1977), on lawns, and along roadsides (Crockett 1977 (Laskey and Wakefield 1978) and for increasing production in poorer permanent pastures (Templeton et al 1967 (Fig. 2) (Zandstra and Grant 1968). It is widely distributed throughout the U.S.A. (Crockett 1977) and most of Europe to 7l'N (Clapham et al 1962) (b) SubstratumBird's-foot trefoil "may be found in any soil or situation which is not strongly shaded, very sour, or continuously water-logged, whilst on poor, dry soil at high altitude it is more likely to succeed than any other leguminous plant" (Robinson 1934).…”

A trait‐based approach to plant species selection to increase functionality of farmland vegetative strips

“…In addition, internal factors, such as the life history of a plant species, and external factors, such as the established competitive strategy of plant species in the same community, can significantly affect the establishment of the desired plant community. For example, if a plant species has a perennial life history it should return each year (Marshall & Moonen, ), and if noncompetitive grasses are sown with the forbs, this could enhance the chance of the desired forbs establishing (Laskey & Wakefield, ). Therefore, they should also be considered when selecting species for a seed mix.…”

“…Sapproensis and Burylo, Dutoit, and Rey (2014) showed that a plant's leaf area positively correlated with its ability to trap sediment. In addition, in- (Marshall & Moonen, 2002), and if noncompetitive grasses are sown with the forbs, this could enhance the chance of the desired forbs establishing (Laskey & Wakefield, 1978). Therefore, they should also be considered when selecting species for a seed mix.…”