The Impact of Accumulating Herbage Masses in Autumn on Perennial Ryegrass Sward Characteristics

Abstract

Autumn grazing management aims to accumulate herbage for defoliation prior to a decrease in growth rates for the extension of the grazing season. The current study investigated the impact of building different target herbage masses (THMs) in autumn and imposing one of three different defoliation dates (DDs) between mid-October and late November on light transmitted to the base of the sward, free leaf lamina (FLL), leaf stage and internode elongation. Four THMs (low, medium, high and very high) and three DDs (DD1—15 October, DD2—7 November and DD3—21 November) were assigned to a 4 × 3 split plot design over two years. Light transmitted to the base of the sward was greatest in the low THM and decreased in all other THMs. Internode elongation increased in tillers in the medium to the very high THMs. Defoliation of the medium, high and, in particular, the very high THMs earlier in autumn reduced the effect of decreased light transmission on internode elongation. This study highlights that, as light transmitted to the base of the sward decreases, internode elongation increases, and this could negatively impact sward structure.