Dry matter yield and response to nitrogen of an Agrostis stolonifera‐dominant sward

Abstract

A small-plot cutting trial was carried out 1983-85 at North Wyke Research Station, Devon to compare the dry matter (DM) production and response to nitrogen (N) of a naturally occurring Agrostis stoloniferadominant sward, developed under low fertility conditions on a poorly structured soil, and a sward of Lotium perenne cv. Melle, directdrilled in 1982 at the same site. All plots received standard inputs of P, and graded inputs of K, related to the four annual N treatments (0, 200, 400 and 800 kg ha"', in seven equal applications). All plots were cut six times each year, except in 1983; DM yield, herbage digestibility, herbage N concentration, response to applied N, apparent recovery of applied N, and botanical composition of the swards were recorded.On average, A. stolonifera gave 69% of the DM yield of L. perenne. A. stolonifera did not out-yield L. perenne at the low N levels (0 or 200 kg N ha"' a"'), or in mid-season, and yielded significantly (P<0-001) less in drought conditions in 1984 (4-4 t DM ha"' and 6-9 t DM ha" ', s.e.d.±0-22). Average digestibility of A. stolonifera was 3 units of D-value lower (P<0-001) than L. perenne, but N concentrations were higher (3-Ol<7o and 2-53'?'o, s.e.d. ±0-074). However, total yields of N froni A. stolonifera were lower. Responses in DM production per kg N applied were lower in

A survey analysis of grassland dairy farming in Ireland, investigating grassland management, technology adoption and sward renewal

“…The improvements required in both physical performance and grazing management can only be achieved if productive swards are present on the farm. For example, in a study by Sheldrick et al. (1990) it was shown that newly sown swards dominated by perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) out‐yielded Agrostis stolonifera ‐dominant permanent pasture swards by an average of 0·30.…”

Advanced analysis of dry‐weight‐rank data to discriminate direct and indirect interactions between white clover and grasses in a multi‐species pasture under a range of management strategies

“…The preference of creeping bentgrass to grow under frequent, lax grazing is less well understood. In the current experiment, the increase of bentgrass on the paddocks that were exclusively grazed for long periods could possibly be related to its continuous elongation of vegetative stems, decreasing its digestibility (see also Sheldrick et al ., 1990). Lodging of these stems was observed during the grazing periods, which arguably reduced its accessibility, and hence intake by the grazing animals.…”

“…He reported exceptionally low yields and white clover contents in mixtures with creeping bentgrass, and related these to the dense tillering of the latter. Sheldrick et al . (1990) also observed a lower proportion of bare ground in the bentgrass‐dominated swards, especially under low nitrogen inputs (0 and 200 kg ha −1 ).…”

“…Care should be taken with the alternative approach of reseeding infested pastures as Sheldrick et al . (1990) noted that bentgrass benefits from disturbed soil conditions.…”

Impacts of Sward Renewal Method with Perennial Ryegrass (&lt;i&gt;Lolium perenne&lt;/i&gt;) on Dry Matter Yield, Tiller Density and Nitrate Leaching

“…Assuming that all environmental and management factors under the farmers control are at their optimum, the botanical composition of the sward can become a limiting factor to production [5]. As there is a high cost associated with the sward renewal process, considerable benefit must be gained to make it a viable undertaking [4] [6].…”