A COMPARISON OF PERENNIAL GRASSES UNDER SHEEP GRAZING ON THE CENTRAL PLATEAU

Details are given on the production and survival over four years of five perennial grasses under rotational sheep-grazing on a pumice soil. The comparison involved three perennial ryegrasses ('Grasslands Nui and Ruanui', and Yates Ellett), and mixtures of Ellett with 'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue and Ellett with 'Grasslands Maru' phalaris. All pastures were sown with white and red clovers. Annual dry matter yields from Nui and Ellett pastures were similar, at about 6,500 kg/ha. Ruanui pastures were on average 600 kg/ha lower. The pastures containing tall fescue and phalaris were similar to Ellett. The major seasonal yield effects were in autumn and winter, when Ruanui pastures were substantially poorer than those with Nui and Ellett. Ryegrass yield of Ellett pasture was greater than Nui, and Nui was greater than Ruanui at all seasons. Ellett ryagrass was a higher proportion of the total yield at all times, and had higher tiller populations than Nui and Ruanui. Neither tall fescue or phalaris were, able to compete with Ellett ryegrass. It is suggested that neither of these be sown with ryegrass. Clover yields were higher in Ruanui than Ellett pastures, with Nui intermediate. The use of Nui, Ellett and Ruanui ryegrasses is related to the problems of seasonal distribution and total annual yields of pastures on the Central Plateau. It is suggested using Nui or Ellett as the base for perennial pastures will give substantial increases in production. Ellett ryegrass had higher survival than Nui which was considered an advantage, though this was achieved at the expense of a small reduction in clover vields. Keywords: Perennial ryegrass, Ellett, Nui, Ruanui, Roa tall fescue, Maru phalaris, canary grass, sheep grazing, central North Island, Central Plateau, grass grub, Argentine stem weevil, Lolium endophyte.

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A comparison of diploid and tetraploid Lolium perenne L. sown alone and in mixtures with particular reference to the effect of treading

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859600046608 ◽

1978 ◽

Vol 91 (2) ◽

pp. 487-495 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

A. H. Charles ◽

J. Valentine

Keyword(s):

Lolium Perenne ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Detrimental Effect ◽

Total Yield ◽

Seasonal Distribution ◽

Sheep Grazing ◽

Main Trial ◽

The Third ◽

Farm Survey ◽

Harvest Year

SUMMARYDiploid and tetraploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars were compared sown alone and in mixtures, with and without cattle treading for 4 years after the year of sowing. Data were also obtained on the survival of tetraploid ryegrass in mixtures under farm conditions.The overall effect of treading was not large but annual yield of dry matter was reduced by cattle treading every year (mean 9%). Sheep grazing and treading also reduced yield below that of cut plots. The reduction depended on the sampling date and varied from 40% to nil. In two instances treading increased yield.Interactions between cultivars/mixtures and treading occurred in 22% of the occasions when treading influenced yield. In the first harvest year the tetraploid Reveille was more resistant to treading than the diploid S. 24. In older swards (3rd and 4th harvest year) the situation was reversed. The occurrence of cultivar/mixtures × treading interactions and the effect of mixing diploid and tetraploid ryegrass on resistance to treading were unpredictable.The evidence from the main trial and the farm survey showed that tetraploid ryegrass could persist for at least 3 years after the seeding year when exposed to periods of high stock density. In addition, in mixtures there was no initial domination of the sward by either component when cut or when subjected to severe treading. In the third harvest year of the experiment the proportion of tetraploid ryegrass decreased considerably. Total yield of the mixtures was not significantly different from that of pure swards of the components though seasonal distribution of yield could be modified. The contribution of tetraploid ryegrass to swards up to 4 years old was in proportion to the percentage of tetraploid in the seeds mixture. Evidence from both the experiment and farm survey demonstrates that it is possible to exploit advantages claimed for tetraploids in mixtures for three harvest years without detrimental effect on sward performance.

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Effects of the MaxP (TM) endophyte in tall fescue on pasture production and composition, and the sheep grazing preference in a dryland environment

NZGA: Research and Practice Series ◽

10.33584/rps.13.2006.3073 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

pp. 259-262

Author(s):

K.N. Tozer ◽

S. Ates ◽

N.R. Mapp ◽

M.C. Smith ◽

R.J. Lucas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Zealand ◽

Tall Fescue ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Early Spring ◽

Botanical Composition ◽

Sheep Grazing ◽

Pasture Production ◽

Basal Diameter ◽

Matter Production ◽

Annual Grasses

Pasture growth, botanical composition and sheep grazing preference were measured over 20 months in tall fescue (cultivar Advance), without endophyte (Nil) or infected with AR542 (MaxPTM) endophyte, and clover pastures sown into a dryland soil, Canterbury, New Zealand. Pastures were rotationally grazed with sheep, with grazing preference for the two endophyte treatments measured in late autumn and early spring. Annual dry matter production from April 2004 to April 2005 was not significantly different between AR542 (6293 kg DM/ha) and Nil (5864 kg DM/ha) tall fescue. The number of tall fescue plants/m2 and their basal diameter was greater for AR542 (35 plants/m2, 7.5 cm diameter) than Nil endophyte tall fescue (28 plants/m2, 6.8 cm diameter). AR542 endophyte tall fescue pastures had fewer weeds, mainly annual grasses, than Nil endophyte pastures throughout the trial. Grazing preference, measured by the number of sheep grazing each plot, and decline in pasture height did not differ between Nil and AR542 tall fescue. Keywords: tall fescue, novel endophyte, AR542, botanical composition, weed, grazing preference

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Testing of new cultivars of perennial grasses in year of sowing

Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry ◽

10.2298/bah0606081t ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 22 (5-6) ◽

pp. 81-88

Author(s):

Zorica Tomic ◽

Z. Nesic ◽

V. Krnjaja ◽

Miroslav Zujovic ◽

M. Vorkapic

Keyword(s):

Tall Fescue ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Organic Matter Content ◽

Animal Husbandry ◽

Perennial Grasses ◽

Crude Fibre ◽

Meadow Fescue ◽

Precipitation Difference ◽

Significant Difference ◽

New Cultivars

Testing of new cultivars of perennial grasses cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis L.) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Huds.) was carried out on experimental field of the Institute for Animal Husbandry in year 2005. Trial was set according to random block system, on 10m2, soil type carbonate chernozem. Climatic conditions in year of sowing were at the level of average values for several years for daily temperature, 12,40C compared to 12,10C, and for precipitation difference was even greater 831,6mm compared to average calculated for several years of 645,2mm. Main morphological and phenological traits of plants were investigated, plant growth, height at 1st cut, plant regeneration after 10 days, as well as production of green mass and dry matter. All five cocksfoot cultivars had considerably higher yields per cuts, total (2,12-2,69 t ha-1). Two cultivars of meadow fescue showed no significant difference in yield of dry matter (1,84-2,03 t ha-1), whereas cultivars of tall fescue differed highly significantly in this regard (1,84-1,62 t ha-1). Also, main parameters of plant quality, organic matter, content of crude protein, crude fibre and crude fat in the 2nd cut were determined. Investigated cultivars of cocksfoot and tall fescue differed significantly, whereas cultivars of meadow fescue were very similar. Obtained results were processed using variation statistical methods and mean values were tested using LSD test.

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Pasture management and pasture species for improved dry matter production in south Taranaki

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association ◽

10.33584/jnzg.1990.51.1926 ◽

1990 ◽

pp. 109-112

Author(s):

T.G. Judd ◽

N.A. Thomson ◽

D.A. Mccallum

Keyword(s):

Tall Fescue ◽

Festuca Arundinacea ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Seasonal Distribution ◽

Annual Production ◽

Pasture Management ◽

Pasture Production ◽

The Difference ◽

Alternative Species ◽

Dactylis Glomerata L

Dry matter (DM) production and seasonal distribution of old ryegrass/white clover pasture defoliated at 14- and 28day intervals, and new sowings of 'Grasslands Maru' phalaris (Phaluris aquatica L.), 'Grasslands Roa' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and 'Grasslands Kara' cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) at 28day defoliation intervals were evaluated in an environment prone to grass grub damage and dry summer/autumn periods. Under a 28&y defoliation interval old ryegrass produced 2O%more DM that the 14-day defoliation interval, the difference occuring mainly in spring. Annual production, in the initial 4 years, of phalaris and tall fescue was respectively 17 % and 20 % more than that of old ryegrass. Phalaris was superior to old ryegrass in all seasons. Cocksfoot annual production was similar to that of old ryegrass, producing more in summer (9%) and autumn (19%) but 15% less in spring. Results from year 5 and 6 suggest that phalaris may not be as persistent as tall fescue. A 28-day rotation in spring is recommended to maximise production of old ryegrasslclover pasture. Phalaris and tall fescue are recommended as alternative species to old ryegrass in a grass grub prone and/or summer dry environment. Cocksfoot is not recommended. Keywords pasture production, seasonal distribution, cow requirements, old ryegrass, phalaris, tall fescue, cocksfoot

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EFFECT OF RATE AND TIME OF NITROGEN AND INTERVAL OF PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION ON HERBAGE PRODUCTION ON PERMANENT PASTURE

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/cjss65-022 ◽

1965 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 153-164 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

L. B. MacLeod ◽

L. P. Jackson ◽

R. F. Bishop ◽

C. R. MacEachern

Keyword(s):

Soil Moisture ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Total Yield ◽

Late Summer ◽

Seasonal Distribution ◽

Botanical Composition ◽

Nitrogen Application ◽

N Application ◽

Permanent Pasture ◽

Phosphorus And Potassium

In two 3-year cycles of a field experiment annual N treatments were superimposed on mineral treatments applied annually and triennially to a permanent pasture sward.Applications of P and K were reflected by changes in exchangeable K and acid-soluble plus adsorbed P. There was somewhat greater penetration of K than of P and soil levels of both were generally lowest where rate of N application was highest.Yields varied from year to year but tended to be more uniform with annual than with triennial mineral treatments. In the 6-year period average yields for all 0-, P-, K-, and P–K-treated plots were approximately 1.3, 1.6, 1.5, and 2.0 tons per acre of dry matter. Time of nitrogen application had little influence on total yield but seasonal distribution of herbage was much more uniform with nitrogen applied in summer than in spring. Soil moisture, which was a major factor in the response obtained with nitrogen applied in summer, was limiting during the late summer in two of the three years measured.Percentages of P and K in grass reflected the mineral treatments which had much less influence on botanical composition and species foliage cover than N. This element suppressed legumes, increased grass, and markedly influenced the K level in grass.

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Dry matter yield, forage quality and persistence of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) cultivars compared with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in a subtropical environment

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea02001 ◽

2003 ◽

Vol 43 (9) ◽

pp. 1093 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

M. N. Callow ◽

K. F. Lowe ◽

T. M. Bowdler ◽

S. A. Lowe ◽

N. R. Gobius

Keyword(s):

Protein Content ◽

Perennial Ryegrass ◽

Tall Fescue ◽

Festuca Arundinacea ◽

Crude Protein ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Forage Quality ◽

Crude Protein Content ◽

Autumn And Winter ◽

Subtropical Environment

The dry matter (DM) yield, plant persistence and forage quality of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were compared in the subtropical environment of southern Queensland, Australia. The field study was conducted under irrigation with pure, nitrogen fertilised stands of 10 commercial tall fescue cultivars (Advance, AU Triumph, Bombina, Cajun, Dovey, Maximise, Midwin, Torpedo, Quantum and Vulcan), 3 experimental cultivars (ITF 97010, ITF 97020 and PWF 29) and Dobson perennial ryegrass. From July 1997, plots were defoliated at 4-week intervals for 3 years. Changes in crude protein content and in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) were determined at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 weeks post-defoliation in October (spring) 1997, January (summer), March (autumn), June (winter) and September (spring) 1998.Some cultivars of irrigated tall fescue were shown to be better adapted to a subtropical environment than perennial ryegrass. After 3 years, cumulative DM yields were in excess of 30 t/ha for Dovey, Quantum, ITF 97010, AU Triumph and Cajun tall fescue compared with 12 t/ha from Dobson perennial ryegrass swards.Plant development had a considerable influence on crude protein content and IVDMD of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass, more so than the length of the regrowth period. As plant tissue matured, the forage quality during spring declined linearly for crude protein content and for IVDMD (1998 only), and declined exponentially for IVDMD during spring (1997), summer, autumn and winter (1998). Quality losses may be minimised if tall fescue cultivars are defoliated every 2–3 weeks during spring and summer and every 3–4 weeks during autumn and winter.

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The influence of sowing method on perennial grass establishment. I. Dry matter yield and botanical composition

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar9890301 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 40 (2) ◽

pp. 301 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

WD Bellotti ◽

GJ Blair

Keyword(s):

Perennial Ryegrass ◽

Tall Fescue ◽

Festuca Arundinacea ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Perennial Grass ◽

Perennial Grasses ◽

Dry Matter Yield ◽

Botanical Composition ◽

Pasture Production ◽

Effect On Yield

'Demeter' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and 'Victorian' perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were sown separately into a white clover (Trifolium repens L.) dominant pasture in June 1981. Eight sowing methods were compared to assess the ability of perennial grasses to establish from direct drill sowing methods relative to conventional seedbed and aerial sowing methods. Within direct drill treatments, two drill implements were factorially combined with three herbicide treatments. Pasture production and botanical composition were sampled over a 27 month period following sowing. After a dry summer, 22 months after sowing, sown grasses dominated pasture composition (69-94% of total dry matter yield) in the high yielding treatments. At this time, the successful direct drill treatments were similar in yield to the conventional seedbed treatment. Within direct drill treatments, sowing implement had little effect on yield and composition, whereas herbicide application markedly increased sown grass yield. Pre-sowing blanket application of herbicide in the triple disc treatment increased tall fescue yield from 82 to 1504 kg ha-1 and perennial ryegrass yield from 98 to 807 kg ha-1. An inverse relationship was described between dry matter present at sowing and eventual yield of sown grasses. These perennial grasses can be successfully established by using direct drill sowing methods provided resident vegetation is adequately suppressed.

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Perennial grasses of Mediterranean origin offer advantages for central western Victorian sheep pasture

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture ◽

10.1071/ea98103 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 275 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

M. W. Anderson ◽

P. J. Cunningham ◽

K. F. M. Reed ◽

A. Byron

Keyword(s):

Tall Fescue ◽

Dry Matter ◽

Nutritive Value ◽

Growing Season ◽

Perennial Grasses ◽

Selected Lines ◽

Matter Production ◽

Mediterranean Origin ◽

Western Victoria ◽

Rainfall Region

Perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, cocksfoot and phalaris were evaluated under a rotational grazing regime in the 600 mm rainfall region of western Victoria. Over 4 years, seasonal dry matter production, persistence and nutritive value were assessed. Several selected lines and commercial cultivars were compared. Melik selection tall fescue and Sirosa phalaris significantly (PPP The benefits of Mediterranean genotypes of perennial grasses for improving winter yield and plant longevity is discussed in relation to the need to maximise pasture productivity and improve pasture longevity in environments with a short growing season.

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Ryegrass populations from intensively managed leys III. Reaction to management, nitrogen application and Poa trivialisL. in field trials

The Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.1017/s0021859600032172 ◽

1972 ◽

Vol 79 (2) ◽

pp. 205-215 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

A. H. Charles

Keyword(s):

Dry Matter ◽

Field Trials ◽

Nitrogen Application ◽

Sheep Grazing ◽

Small Reduction ◽

High Nitrogen ◽

N Application ◽

Poa Trivialis ◽

Intensively Managed ◽

High Level

SUMMARYPopulations of Lolium perenneL. derived from fields where the management was paddock grazing were compared with plants from breeder's seed of the cultivars originally sown at the collection sites. In the first trial the ‘survivor’ population derived from an S. 24 ley was better adapted to withstand intensive sheep grazing and high nitrogen application (672 kg/ha/ annum) than either S. 24 or Stormont Zephyr. Extra treading by sheep in addition to that involved in the high stock density (1186sheep/ha) used at the time of grazing produced only a small reduction in yield of dry matter. In the second trial, the ‘survivor’ population derived from an S. 23 ley had a higher yield of dry matter than S. 23 at the high level of N application (672 kg/ha/annum). There was no difference in the yields when 168 kg N/ha/annum was applied. In both field trials yield in the year of sowing was high for all swards, although the survivor populations were slower to establish than the original cultivars. The evaluation of the ryegrass populations in terms of dry-matter yield was affected by the small quantity of Poa trivialispresent when this grass was sown with the ryegrasses. In the second trial this conclusion also applied to yield of nitrogen in the herbage.

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