Effect of defoliation frequency and N-P-K fertilization on maidencane
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Authors: R. S. Kalmbacher, and F. G. Martin
Date: 1988
Journal: Journal of Range Management
Volume: 41
Number: 3
Pages: 235-238
Summary of Methods: Kalmbacher and Martin determine the effects of clipping frequencies and fertilization on maidencane (Panicum hemitomon) forage production, quality, and mineral content in order to determine proper grazing management for this plant. In general, more frequent clipping enhanced forage quality and reduced forage production, tiller density and rhizome yield, especially in the second year of the experiment. Fertilizer was able to overcome the reduction in plant production and tiller density sometimes, but did not affect rhizome yield and in most cases the benefits of fertilizing maidencane plants were limited and depended on the clipping frequency. The authors suggest that a rotational grazing system, in which grazing cycles were repeated every 5-7 weeks, would be appropriate for maidencane plants and that applying fertilizer to grazed plants would not effectively increase yield or forage quality for grazing.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: southeastern range, florida range, fresh water marsh, maidencane, panicum hemitomon, fertilizer, grazing management, simulated grazing
Annotation: The experimental area was cut to a 7.5-cm stubble early in May 1982 and 1983, after which maidencane was recut at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 24- week intervals depending on treatment. Half of the plants also received fertilizer treatments every 6 weeks from May until October.
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