Defoliation effects on dry matter production of a perennial ryegrass-subclover pasture
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Authors: I. Motazendian, and S. H. Sharrow
Date: 1986
Journal: Agronomy Journal
Volume: 78
Number:
Pages: 581-584
Summary of Methods: This study was initiated in Oregon in 1980 to monitor the effects on forage production of simultaneously varying both defoliation frequency and defoliation intensity in a grass-clover (Lolium perenne-Trifolium subterraneum) pasture. Dry matter yield was directly related to defoliation interval. The relationship between dry matter yield and defoliation interval was generally a power curve with yield increasing rapidly as the period between defoliation events increased from 1-49 days. The erect-growing perennial ryegrass-dominated sward in 1980 had its highest yield under high stubble heights. The more prostrate subclover-dominated pasture of 1982 yielded more when defoliated closer to the ground. It appears that dry matter is more sensitive to the interval between defoliation than it is to severity of defoliation. This was true for defoliation intervals greater than 3 weeks. These data suggest that the short-duration grazing practice of increasing the interval between grazings, even if it is achieved at a cost of increased severity of each defoliation event, is compatible with high forage production.
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: perennial ryegrass, lolium perenne, subclover, trifolium subterraneum, mowing, grazing management, short-duration grazing
Annotation: A 20 x 40 m exclosure was built in March 1980 to protect plants for sheep grazing. The pasture in the study area was established prior to 1970 and was moderately stocked with sheep in years prior to exclosure. Defoliation treatments included all possible combinations of 4 defoliation intervals (DI= 7, 21, 35, or 49 days between 2 consecutive defoliations), and 3 stubble heights (SH: high=70 mm, medium= 55 mm, and low= 40 mm stubble height remaining after defoliation. There were 3 control plots that were undefoliated.,Defoliation treatments commenced each spring when plant height reached 15 cm. Defoliation treatments began on April 5, March 24, and April 7 on continued through July in 1980, 1981, and 1982, respectively.
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