Effect of defoliation frequency on an irrigated perennial pasture in northern Victoria. 1. Seasonal production and sward composition

1997 ◽  
Vol 48 (6) ◽  
pp. 811 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Lawson ◽  
P. W. G. Sale ◽  
K. B. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Defoliation Frequency ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Pasture Yield ◽  
Clover Pasture ◽  
Ryegrass Growth

A field experiment was carried out to investigate whether changes in winter and post-winter defoliation frequency would increase the white clover content of an irrigated perennial ryegrass–white clover pasture in northern Victoria. Pastures defoliated every 4 weeks during winter had higher white clover growing point (stolon apices with at least 2 nodes) density at the end of winter than pastures defoliated every 8 weeks or those receiving a single defoliation after 16 weeks, but these differences did not affect the clover content in the spring. Reasons for this are suggested. Pastures defoliated at 8-week intervals in winter were the most productive over winter{early spring. Less frequent defoliation (4 v. 2 weeks) during the post-winter, September–May period reduced white clover growing point and perennial ryegrass tiller densities. However, the white clover growth rate during this period was increased by less frequent defoliation, whereas the ryegrass growth rate was reduced, resulting in an increase of 10% in the white clover content, and a 1·9 t dry matter (DM)/ha increase in total DM produced. This higher clover content and pasture yield during spring–autumn with less frequent defoliation has important implications for the management of irrigated perennial pastures for the dairy industry in northern Victoria.

The effect of cutting frequency and root segregation on the yield from perennial ryegrass-white clover associations

1967 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 391-397 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. F. Bland
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
The Third ◽  
Nitrogen Yield ◽  
Cutting Frequency ◽  
Nitrogen Yields ◽  
Below Ground ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Defoliation Frequency

1. Dry-matter and nitrogen yields were recorded from perennial ryegrass-white clover associations which were defoliated 2, 4 or 6 times a year during the period 1963 to 1965.2. The average yearly output of dry matter was approximately 4000, 7000 and 6000 lb/acre for 1963, 1964 and 1965 respectively. Nitrogen harvested amounted to 132, 184 and 179 lb N/acre.3. The mean annual dry-matter yields from 2, 4 and 6 defoliations were 5300, 6100 and 6000 lb/acre and the corresponding figures for nitrogen yields were 112, 166 and 217 lb N/acre.4. Both segregation of the species below ground and increasing the defoliation frequency were responsible for higher contributions towards drymatter and nitrogen yield from the clover component.5. A comparison of the nitrogen yields between the plots with species segregated rather than integrated below ground suggests that the effects of underground nitrogen transference from 30–31 lb N/acre could first be demonstrated in the spring of the third year.

scholarly journals Liveweight changes in lambs grazing six perennial ryegrass cultivars

1999 ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
C.T. Westwood ◽  
M.G. Norriss
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Moisture Stress ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Independent Research ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Research Organisation ◽  
Clover Content

Liveweight changes were measured for lambs grazing six high endophyte perennial ryegrasses, in a grazing experiment run by an independent research organisation in Canterbury, New Zealand. Ryegrass cultivars were sown under code in a binary mix with white clover in February 1997. Plots were strategically irrigated to avoid moisture stress, and stocked at approximately 27 Coopworth ewe lambs per ha in May 1997. Common pasture residual mass was maintained across cultivars by strategic addition of extra lambs, with extra grazing days recorded for each replicate. Lamb liveweight gains and botanical composition of replicates were assessed quarterly. Lamb liveweight gains differed significantly between treatments in Years 1 and 2 of this ongoing 3 year study. Lambs grazing 'Quartet' tetraploid perennial ryegrass gained, on average, 37.4 kg and 36.1 kg liveweight during Years 1 and 2 respectively, and together with 'Aries HD' (35.0 and 35.9 kg) produced significantly greater liveweight gain compared with 'Grasslands Nui' (22.0 and 23.7 kg) and 'Bronsyn' (22.5 and 24.1 kg), LSD0.05 = 6.0 and 7.4. Lambs grazing 'Embassy' gained 31.6 kg and 28.7 kg, and 'Vedette' 29.8 kg and 28.0 kg. Extra grazing days expressed as a percentage of base grazing days were between 3.8 and 6.7% across cultivars for Year 1 and between 2.0 and 6.5% across cultivars for Year 2. This study demonstrated significant differences in animal productivity between perennial ryegrass cultivars that produce comparable yields of dry matter. Differences may reflect variation in forage quality, endophyte toxins, clover content in the sward or other unidentified cultivar characteristics. Keywords: digestibility, endophyte, lamb, liveweight, perennial ryegrass, tetraploid

scholarly journals A review of the use of chicory, plantain, red clover and white clover in a sward mix for increased sheep and beef production

2015 ◽  
Vol 77 ◽  
pp. 89-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
L.M. Cranston ◽  
P.R. Kenyon ◽  
S.T. Morris ◽  
P.D. Kemp
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Plantago Lanceolata ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Cichorium Intybus ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
Clover Pasture

Many farmers are sowing mixed swards containing chicory (Cichorium intybus), plantain (Plantago lanceolata), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (T. repens) (hereafter termed herb and clover mix). This herb and clover mix has comparable annual dry matter (DM) production to perennial ryegrass white clover pasture (rye/wc), however, it has a different pattern of growth, producing more DM during summer and autumn. The herb and clover mix also has a higher nutritive value and is able to support greater rates of animal production, especially over summer, than rye/ wc in both sheep and cattle. The herb and clover mix is most suited to a rotational grazing interval of 3-4 weeks to an 8 cm residual height, with no winter grazing. When managed appropriately the herb and clover mix is able to persist for at least 2 years and up to 5 years under both sheep and cattle grazing. Keywords: Cichorium intybus, Plantago lanceolata, Trifolium pratense, Trifolium repens, legume, perennial, nutritive value.

Long-term performance of white clover varieties grown with perennial ryegrass under rotational grazing by sheep with different nitrogen applications

2003 ◽  
Vol 140 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-159 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. WILLIAMS ◽  
D. R. EVANS ◽  
I. RHODES ◽  
M. T. ABBERTON
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizer ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Rotational Grazing ◽  
General Decline ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
High Yields ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Applied Nitrogen

Three experiments were carried out to investigate the dry matter production of nine white clover (Trifolium repens L.) varieties grown with the same variety of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and subjected to rotational grazing by sheep over a period of 10 years. The experiments differed only in the nitrogen fertilizer added: no nitrogen, 100 kg/ha per year and 200 kg/ha per year. Dry matter (DM) yields of white clover and perennial ryegrass components of the sward were recorded at approximately 6-week intervals during the growing season.Without applied nitrogen, 10-year mean white clover annual DM yields ranged from 2·89–4·54 t/ha. Mean clover content for all varieties ranged from 31–50% for the first 9 years, declining to 20% in the 10th year. The most consistently high yielding variety, AberVantage, gave yields greater than 3·5 t/ha in every year. Similar results were observed for the variety Aran. The 10-year mean annual DM yield of the perennial ryegrass companion (variety Talbot) ranged from 4·41–5·57 t/ha depending on the white clover variety in the mixture. Variation in perennial ryegrass DM yield was of a similar range and pattern as for white clover.In the experiment in which 100 kg N/ha per year was added, 10-year mean white clover annual DM yields ranged from 2·27–3·87 t/ha. The varieties AberVantage and Aran showed yields that fell below 3 t/ha per year in only 1 or 2 years, respectively. Mean clover content for all varieties ranged from 26–38% for the first 9 years, declining to 17·5% in the 10th year. There was no consecutive annual decline in white clover DM yields. The 10-year mean annual DM yields of the perennial ryegrass companion ranged from 6·03–7·57 t/ha.With applied nitrogen fertilizer of 200 kg N/ha per year (Experiment 3), 10-year mean white clover annual DM yields ranged from 1·21–2·67 t/ha. Mean clover content ranged from 12–27% for the 10 years. AberVantage and Aran showed yields consistently above 2 t/ha. No general decline in white clover DM yields was observed although some varieties showed consecutive annual reductions in years 8, 9 and 10. The 10-year mean annual DM perennial ryegrass yields ranged from 7·27–8·68 t/ha.The results show that, under rotational grazing by sheep, white clover can give reliably high yields over a 10-year period. With moderate to high applications of nitrogen fertilizer white clover yields were lower than without nitrogen but they were consistent and sufficient to make a considerable impact on forage quality. There was no evidence for a general decline in clover content until the 10th year of the experiment and no cyclical pattern of annual variation in white clover yield was observed. The implications of these results for the role of white clover in UK agriculture are discussed.

scholarly journals Different combinations of perennial ryegrass and white clover phenotypes do not affect mixture yield under cutting management during establishment

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 251-256
Author(s):  
L. Rossi ◽  
D.F. Chapman ◽  
G.R. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Significant Yield ◽  
Cutting Management ◽  
Pasture Yield

Abstract A field experiment was conducted for 12 months under irrigation and cutting management to determine if interactions between perennial ryegrass and white clover cultivars of different phenotypes could affect pasture yield and botanical composition during establishment. Four ryegrass and four clover cultivars, differing in leaf and tiller/stolon traits, were grown in all combinations (n=16), along with monocultures of each (n=8), as sub-plots under two nitrogen fertiliser levels (100 or 325 kg N/ha/ year). Dry matter yield and botanical composition were measured on nine occasions and ryegrass and clover population densities were determined four times. Total annual yield was similar for all mixture combinations due to substitution between the sward components. While there were significant yield differences among ryegrass or clover cultivar monocultures, these seldom explained differences in mixture yields. Mixtures yielded more DM than ryegrass monocultures under both N treatments (+1.3 to +3.9 t DM/ha/year). Keywords: perennial ryegrass, white clover, dairy, dry matter yield, nitrogen fertiliser, phenotype, competition

scholarly journals Tolerance of newly sown cocksfoot-clover pastures to the herbicide imazethapyr

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 173-180 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.R. Lewis ◽  
R.J. Lucas ◽  
R.W. Hofmann ◽  
D.J. Moot
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Herbicide Application ◽  
Trifoliate Leaf ◽  
Leaf Stage ◽  
Lincoln University ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Clover Pasture

In New Zealand, subterranean clover is recommended as a companion legume in mixed swards, particularly in dryland cocksfoot-based pastures. However, establishment of cocksfoot is slower than perennial ryegrass and therefore weed ingress is more common. An experiment at Lincoln University, Canterbury showed imazethapyr applied when clover was at the 3-4 trifoliate leaf stage, and cocksfoot at the 2+ leaf stage, increased the subterranean clover content of the pastures by at least 1000 kg DM/ha, despite initial visual phytotoxicity responses. Balansa and white clover pasture yields were not different to their unsprayed unweeded controls. Imazethapyr application controlled broadleaf weeds from early in the season. The herbicide application reduced cocksfoot yields by 70% in early spring, but yields recovered and were not different to the unsprayed unweeded controls at 1350 ± 260 kg DM/ha after grazing. Imazethapyr application improved subterranean clover pastures through an increase in clover content by suppressing weeds and temporarily reducing the rate of cocksfoot growth. Keywords: subterranean clover, Spinnaker herbicide, seedling, white clover, balansa clover

The effect of defoliation interval in winter on pasture productivity in winter and spring: a regional comparison

1990 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 357 ◽  
Author(s):  
JM Belton
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Dry Matter Accumulation ◽  
Regional Comparison ◽  
Winter Grazing ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Clover Pasture ◽  
Pasture Productivity

Forty-five plots (3 by 2 m) of perennial ryegrass-white clover pasture were randomly allocated within 3 sites to 5 winter defoliation interval treatments to determine the effect of site on best defoliation interval as measured by winter and spring herbage accumulation. Defoliation intervals were 14, 28, 42, 56, and 84 days. The defoliation intervals resulting in maximum total winter dry matter (DM) accumulation at sites 1 and 3 were 42, 56 and 84 days. Available feed accumulated at the end of winter was highest for the 84-day defoliation interval at both sites (2.0 and 1.4 t DM/ha, respectively). At site 2, maximum total winter DM accumulation was achieved for defoliation intervals of 28, 42 and 56 days. Available feed accumulation at the end of winter was 1.2 t DM/ha for the 42-day interval and did not increase thereafter. The difference in response was associated with pasture composition. The results of the experiment showed that there is scope for flexibility in winter grazing management to suit livestock requirements without compromising total winter dry matter accumulation.

Strategic nitrogen fertiliser use on perennial ryegrass and white clover pasture in north-western Tasmania

1998 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Eckard ◽  
D. R. Franks
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Nitrogen Efficiency ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
N Application ◽  
Clover Pasture

Summary. The strategic application of nitrogen (N) fertiliser on temperate pasture is a popular management tool for boosting pasture production, particularly when low soil temperatures limit clover-derived N availability. The responsiveness of a perennial ryegrass and white clover pasture to increasing rates of N fertiliser (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg N/ha), applied as a single application, was investigated for 5 pre and 5 post mid winter N application dates. The trial was laid out in a randomised split-plot design, replicated 4 times, with N application date in the whole plots and N fertiliser rate in subplots. Herbage yields were estimated by mowing small plots, with animals excluded for the duration of a single regrowth period on each plot. The data are presented as averages for the 5 pre and 5 post mid winter responses separately, as the means of the pre and post winter partitions were significantly (P<0.001) different at all rates of N fertiliser for both years. Significant (P<0.05) yield responses were noted between increments of N fertiliser up to the 45 kg N/ha application rate. In contrast, no significant (P>0.05) increases in dry matter yield were noted between the 45 and 60 kg N/ha rates in all but one response, consistent with diminishing returns. The efficiency with which N fertiliser was utilised ranged between 9.0 and 15.9 kg N dry matter/kg. Nitrogen efficiency was consistently lower at the 60 kg N/ha rate than for lower rates of N fertiliser. The application of N fertiliser increased pasture dry matter yields by between 582 and 703 kg dry matter/ha. Based on the 1997 cost of urea, the additional forage produced cost between 6.4 and 10.1 cents/kg dry matter. The data are reviewed in terms of the potential for strategic N fertiliser applications during the winter, while still maximising utilisation of clover-derived N during the warmer months.

scholarly journals ROLE OF IMPROVED CLOVERS IN NON-ARABLE PASTURE RENEWAL IN MID-CANTERBURY

1989 ◽  
pp. 261-264
Author(s):  
S.M. Francis ◽  
N.C. Merrick
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Average Length ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Economic Returns ◽  
The Third ◽  
Clover Content ◽  
Clover Pasture

Trials under sheep and dairy cow grazing in mid Canterbury examined the effectiveness of mcludmg new white clover cultivars with ryegrass in a non-arable (spray, top-cultivate and drill) pasture renewal. Five weeks after sowing, 13% of white clover plants had originated from regrowing stolons in the sheep pasture; in dairy pasture the figure was over 50%. Initially including a white clover cultivar increased total dry matter yield. However after 3 years there was no difference in total dry matter yield from plots sown with ryegrass but no clover. 'Grasslands Kopu' white clover outproduced 'Grasslands Huia' by only 4% and 1% in dairy and sheep pastures respectively and had a slightly greater white clover content. Control plots initially had a lower clover percentage than the sown cultivars. but by the third year it tended to be greater. The greater average length of leaflets in Kopu plots indicated that the cultivar was present throughout both trials. It is suggested that the inclusion of white clover in non-arable pasture renewal wll give economic returns only if seed costs are low. Keywords: 'Grasslands Kopu'. 'Grasslands Huia', white clover, pasture renewal, irrigation

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