bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZATION OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS GROWN AT HIGH ALTITUDES IN KENYA
Authors: Morrison J.
Published: April 2006

The effects were studied of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on the production of perennial ryegrass at high altitudes in Kenya. N had little influence on production during establishment but increased it markedly during the second and third years. The effect of P was less and was related to the amount of N applied. The response to applied N in terms of dry matter production, and the recovery of the N applied, compared favourably with data from trials elsewhere. It is apparent from the results that temperate grasses can be productive at high altitudes in Kenya and provide a considerable potential for pasture production.
THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON THE YIELDS OF VARIETIES OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS AND COCKSFOOT
Authors: Davies H. , Thomas B. V. , Aldrich D. T. A.
Published: April 2006

Little is known about the possible differential responses to Nitrogen fertilizer in varieties within grass species. Two trials were conducted to study interactions between varieties and level of N. The dry‐matter yields of 3 varieties of perennial ryegrass were compared in 4 cuts/yr at 3 levels of N fertilizer. Four cocksfoot varieties under the same cutting management were compared at 2 levels of N. In a total of 20 comparisons, the variety effect was significant on 10 occasions, and the N effect significant in all 20 sets of data. The interaction of variety and N level was significant in only one case suggesting that all varieties in each trial responded similarly to increasing levels of N fertilizer.
THE EFFECT OF INTENSIVE SHEEP STOCKING OVER A FIVE‐YEAR PERIOD ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF THE SWARD
Authors: Kydd D. D.
Published: April 2006

A study of a sward sown to Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens was made so that the inter‐relationship of the plant and animal communities might be more fully understood within the context of a sheep husbandry experiment. At the higher of 2 stocking rates intensive grazing induced the grass species to assume a prostrate growth habit in the first year: at the lower rate of stocking this condition was less prevalent. The only species to invade the sward and make progress over the 5 years were Poa annua, P. trivialis. and Agrostis stolonifera. Some control of A. stohnifera was gained when grazed swards were cut for silage. The Poa species eventually made up about 50% of the ground cover of all swards.
THE EFFECT OF INTENSIVE SHEEP STOCKING OVER A FIVE‐YEAR PERIOD ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION OF THE SWARD
Authors: Kydd D. D.
Published: April 2006

In a sward sown to Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens measurements were made of the yield and quality of dry matter which was on offer for grazing, or for cutting to be ensiled. In order to follow, within a system of fat lamb production, the potential for an increase or decrease in the DM yield from year to year, a record was also required of the amount of this DM which was eaten by the grazing sheep. The results show that in grazed swards at 2 stocking rates the DM of the sward present per unit area increased during the course of the experiment. This increase, however, was not harvested by the animals. A great deal more DM was harvested in the first year by the animals at the lower stocking rate than was harvested in the following years at this rate or in any year at the higher rate of stocking. There was a greater difference between the values for the digestibility of organic‐matter immediately before grazing and those immediately afterwards in the first year at the lower stocking rate than in the following years, or in any year at the higher rate of stocking. In cut swards there was no evidence of a progressive decrease in production from year to year.
THE USE OF HERBICIDES IN WHITE CLOVER SEED CROPS
Authors: Zaleski A
Published: April 2006

The effectiveness of 4 herbicides in restoring the dominance of white clover in an old grass/clover sward was tested at Cambridge during 1963–5. The best results were obtained with applications of paraquat at 1 and 1 1/2 Ib/ac at the early stages of clover growth in spring. Both the dominance of white clover and the yield of seed were increased significantly.

Dalapon also increased the proportion of clover in the sward but tended to retard flower‐ and seed‐formation. MCPB and WL5792 failed to change the proportion of clover or its seed yield.
A CORING TECHNIQUE FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF PASTURE OF LOW AVAILABILITY TO SHEEP
Authors: Hutchinson K. J.
Published: April 2006

An account is given of a method for measuring short‐grazed pastures. The procedure has particular value in studying the relationship of animal performance to pasture availability. A number of other pasture characteristics may be measured concurrently. These include species composition, tiller number and mean weight, stem‐base material, roots, rhizomes and plant litter. The influence of core size and shape is studied and variance components reported.
IN VITRO AND FAECAL NITROGEN TECHNIQUES FOR PREDICTING THE VOLUNTARY INTAKE OF CHLORIS GAYANA
Authors: Minson D. J. , Milford R.
Published: April 2006

The voluntary intake by penned sheep, of two Rhodes‐grass varieties (Samford and Callide) cut at 4 stages of maturity was studied. Intake of dry matter was correlated with in vitro digestion of DM after 12 h incubation. The intake of digestible DM was correlated (r=0.99) with the sum of the digestion after 12 and 48 h incubation.

Coarsely ground samples (2.5 mm screen) were digested in vitro less rapidly than finely ground samples (0.4 mm screen), especially with the more mature forages. DM digestibility, voluntary intake of DM and digestible DM were also correlated (r>0.96) with faecal nitrogen, although different regression equations applied to the two varieties.
SOME EFFECTS OF SOIL WATER CONDITIONS AND SOIL TEMPERATURE ON THE ROOTS OF GRASSES
Authors: Garwood E. A.
Published: April 2006

The effect of irrigation on the weight of roots and on the vertical distribution of roots by weight in the soil profile under grass and grass/clover swards was examined in several field experiments.

The weight of root material was less under irrigated swards than under those which were subject only to natural rainfall; it is postulated that this occurred because dead roots decayed more rapidly in the irrigated swards. There was little evidence to suggest that irrigation had any major effect on the vertical distribution by weight of roots within the soil profile.

There was a significant interaction between nitrogen and irrigation; in the un‐irrigated swards, root weight decreased with increased N but on the irrigated swards the highest root weight was at an intermediate level of applied N.
THE EFFECTS OF TYPE OF CUTTER AND HEIGHT OF CUTTING ON THE RECOVERY OF FOUR GRASS VARIETIES
Authors: Black W. J. M. , Alexander J. R. B.
Published: April 2006

S23 and S24 Lolium perenne and S37 and S143 Dactylis glomerata were cut to heights of 1 1/2 and 4 1/2 in. in a replicated experiment, using: a flail harvester, a reciprocating mower, and a reciprocating mower followed by a flail harvester to collect the wilted grass.

At the short cutting height there was a marked depression of regrowth of all grasses following the use of the flail harvester (P<0.01), compared with the other mowing treatments. No such effect was observed at the higher level of cutting. Close cutting with a flail forage harvester was shown to be detrimental to regrowth, but the reasons for this effect are not clear.
SYSTEMATIC TESTING OF QUALITY IN GRASS VARIETIES
Authors: Dent J. W. , Aldrich D. T. A. , Silvey V.
Published: April 2006

The degree of precision obtained In the quality testing of grass varieties under two systems of management was examined (1) in a single cut, (2) under a system of proportionate bulking of produce from individual cuts during a season, and (3) after pooling two seasons’ data from two centres.

Crude protein, crude fibre, soluble carbohydrate, and in vitro digestible dry matter were determined. The components of variance were analysed and in the data from single cuts varietal differences in digestibility of 2.10 were significant (P=0.05). Using data from two seasons at two centres, a high degree of precision was obtained for all attributes in a grazing management system and varietal differences in digestibility of 1.25% were significant.

Variation due to location and season was greater in hay cuts taken 10 days after ear emergence. In both systems varieties differed more in soluble carbohydrate content than in the other chemical components.
HEATHER REGENERATION FOLLOWING BURNING: A SURVEY
Authors: Grant Sheila A.
Published: April 2006

A survey of heather regeneration following muirburn was undertaken over a range of sites and community types covering a wide area. The sites were all spring burned and a small grazing exclosure was erected on each after burning. Botanical analyses, height measurements and observations on grazing effects were made annually thereafter in late summer or early autumn.

Several factors were found to be of importance in influencing heather regeneration, and the data collected are discussed from the standpoint of: the actual firing process, plant characteristics, biotic factors, site characteristics, and climatic factors.

All factors may operate at any one site and may interact one with another. At many sites one factor may be of over–riding importance for a particular year of burning, but the same factor may not be of similar importance in subsequent years.
LIME AND PHOSPHATE TREATMENTS FOR RECLAMATION OF HEATHER MOORLAND
Authors: Bennett R. J. , Russell R. D. , Watkin J. E.
Published: April 2006

The use of lime and phosphates in reclaiming heather moorland was investigated in two experiments.

Large initial dressings of hme resulted in a rapid rise in pH. An initial dressing of 9 tons CaCO3/ac resulted in a more rapid rise to pH 6 than did 6 tons/ac and the soil was maintained above pH 6 for a longer period. Three annual dressings of 3 tons/ac gave a slower rise in pH and a longer period above pH 6. Split treatments, half before and half after the first ploughing, gave no long–term advantage where a programme of pioneer cropping was being followed.

Basic slag and North African phosphate were as effective as superphosphate for root crops at low pH values. Basic slag was as effective as superphosphate for grassland establishment and gave a greater rise in soil phosphate. North African phosphate was virtually worthless as a source of phosphate for establishing grasses and clovers, and gave a negligible rise in soil phosphate.

Given adequate supphes of lime and phosphate, frequent small apphcations of N over the first 2 or 3 years are vital to the success of a reclamation programme under the conditions described.
GRASSLAND RESEARCH ON BLANKET PEAT IN IRELAND
Authors: OToole M. A.
Published: April 2006

The results from 10 years of grassland research at the Peatland Experimental Station, Glenamoy, are summarized.

Grass and legume species were introduced by surface seeding, without cultivation or by direct seeding after rotavation, depending on the specific situation. The rate of establishment was dependent on pretreatment and the management of grazing animals before and after sowing.

The most suitable species were Trifolium repens, Lolium perenne, Festuca arumlinacea, Festuca rubra and Holcus lanatus.

A level of fertility suited to the introduced species must be reached initially and subsequently maintained. The requirements (per/ac) for Ca, P, K, N, Cu and Co were: 2240 lb (1016 kg) ground limestone, 36 lb (16 kg) P, 112 lb (51 kg) K, 20 lb (9 kg) N, 20 lb (9 kg) CuSO4 and 2 lb (0–91 kg) CoSO4 at sowing, with 27 lb (12–25 kg) P and 56 lb (254 kg) K annually.

Dry–matter yields of 6000 lb/ac (6720 kg/ha) were obtained from grass–clover swards without fertilizer N, and approximately twice this quantity where 400 lb N/ac (448 kg/ha) had been applied annually. A liveweight gain of 526 lb/ac (589–12 kg/ha) and a starch equivalent output of 2946 lb (3299–5 kg) were obtained with sheep. The relationship between these results and those on peat soils abroad are discussed.
HEAD EMERGENCE IN FORAGE GRASSES IN RELATION TO FEBRUARY–MAY TEMPERATURES AND THE PREDICTING OF EARLY OR LATE SPRINGS
Authors: Beddows A. R.
Published: April 2006

The date of the spring appearance of inflorescences in herbage plants has been studied at the Welsh Plant Breeding Station, Aberystwyth (Lat. 52”N.), and data collected between 1926–64 examined for Lolium, Dactytis and Phleum. The seasonal variation in mean date of emergence showed a range in perennial ryegrass of 14 to 29 days, in Italian ryegrass 14 to 20. in cocksfoot 18 to 25, and in timothy 14 to 19 days. Inflorescence initiation under field conditions is a response to increasing photoperiod, but the rate of development and the date of appearance is controlled by the weather, especially temperature. There is a negative correlation between accumulated temperature and head emergence. The mean emergence date provides a good index of the year by year heading sequence of the different cuuivars. A study of the air and soil temperatures between February and May showed that the accumulated temperature above 42°F for March, and the number of times that the soil temperature at 4 in. deep reached and exceeded 42T provide a means for predicting the degree of earliness or lateness of spring in relation to head emergence in grasses.

Observations on the phenology of flowering plants and especially fruit trees can also be used for prediction. This second method is simpler and more direct and it has the further advantage of providing a slightly earlier forecast.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIGHT BENEATH WHEAT CROPS AND GROWTH OF UNDERSOWN CLOVER
Authors: Santhirasegaram K. , Black J. N.
Published: April 2006

In two experiments the growth of clover undersown to wheat was linearly related to the amount of light available. There were strong indications that clover growth and light within N.‐S. rows were superior to those within E.‐W. rows of wheat, and within N.‐S. rows, those along the middle position were superior to others. The large difference between the growth of clover sown alone and with wheat indicated that beneath wheat the clover suffered from competition for other factors, probably soil moisture, which was even greater than that for light. Beneath wheat at the reduced level of growth there was a positive linear relationship between yield of clover and available light.
SOME COMPARISONS OF INCLINED POINT QUADRAT AND AIRFLOW PLANIMETER METHODS FOR MEASURING LEAF‐AREA INDEX OF GRASS SWARDS
Authors: Thomas W. D. , Lazenb A.
Published: April 2006

The leaf‐area indices (LAI) of simulated swards of three populations of Festuca arundinacea Schreb. were estimated by use of an inclined point quadrat and an air‐flow planimeter.

Both for comparisons of leaf areas before defoliation, and for comparisons of leaf areas removed by defoliation, very highly significant relationships were found between estimates by the two methods. In five out of six cases the airflow‐planimeter estimates of leaf area became greater than those from the inclined point quadrat as sward leaf area increased.

It is suggested that the major factor responsible for departure from complete agreement between the methods is a difference in leaf areas actually measured by the two methods; in addition, there was some indication of operator error with the inclined point quadrat. The results indicated that these factors were not greatly influenced by leaf canopy arrangement.
SWARD GROWTH IN RELATION TO PATTERN OF DEFOLIATION
Authors: Smith A.
Published: April 2006

It is suggested that the growth of a grass sward may be affected by heterogeneity of plant height. An initial test of this possibility was made by cutting a stand of Dactylis glomerata in such a way as to produce adjacent areas of tall and short herbage. This pattern was obtained by using three different cutting treatments, two of which gave yields which were greater than predicted from controls. The results are discussed in relation to alternative methods of harvesting grass.
CLASSIFICATION OF SEVERAL NATIVE NORTH AMERICAN GRASSES AS STARCH OR FRUCTOSAN ACCUMULATORS IN RELATION TO TAXONOMY
Authors: Smith Dale
Published: April 2006

Several perennial grass species commonly found or used in Canada and in the northern areas of the USA were studied. Most of the native species accumulated starch as the principal vegetative storage polysaccharide, indicating their possible tropical origin. All of the temperate‐origin introduced species accumulated fructosans. Species in the Hordeae, Aveneae, and Festuceae tribes, whether native or introduced accumulated fructosans. Species in the Hordeae tribe accumulated only short‐chain fructosans; species in the Aveneae tribe accumulated a series of fructosans predominantly of long‐chain lengths, while both types of fructosan accumulators occurred in the Festuceae tribe.
A MANAGEMENT STUDY OF A BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL STRAIN TRIAL
Authors: Twamley B. E.
Published: April 2006

A study of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) variety trial management was conducted with three variables, variety, stubble height and harvest date. The range in maturity for the three varieties used was 12‐14 days. All plots were harvested thrice per season. The harvest dates for the two management regimes imposed differed by about two weeks for the first cut, by about one week for the second and were identical for the third cut. Stubble heights were two and six inches (5.08 and 15.24 cm).

Late‐cut material outyielded that cut early, but suffered more winter damage. Material cut at a stubble height of two inches (5.08 cm) outyielded that cut at six inches (15.24 cm), but it also suffered more winter‐killing. The ranking of varieties varied with management.

Alternative management schemes, designed to provide maximum yields and survival consistent with good‐quality forage, are proposed and discussed.
LEATHERJACKET DAMAGE TO GRASSLAND
Authors: White J. H. , French N.
Published: April 2006

By controlling the high populations of leatherjackets in two experimental leys it was shown that the loss of grass from this pest could be heavy. The most serious loss occurs in early summer. As soon as the larvae cease feeding in mid‐June recovery begins and subsequent growth is satisfactory. Clover is damaged more heavily than grasses, but recovers completely by early autumn. The implications of these experiments are discussed.
A HISTORY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF TIMOTHY AND COCKSFOOT INTO ALTERNATE HUSBANDRY IN BRITAIN
Authors: Beddows A. R.
Published: April 2006

The first recorded sowing of American timothy seed in England was in 1743, but the event was otherwise without significance since nothing further was heard of this sowing. The stimulation of interest in timothy began with the sowing by Bartholomew Rocque in the late summer of 1763 of the seed received by the London Society of Arts from America. There was during the first years some confusion regarding its vegetative characters, and also in recognizing the difference between the flowering heads of timothy and those of meadow foxtail (Alopecurus pratensis). A hindrance to progress in the use of timothy arose, without doubt, from lack of experience, and lack of suitable implements to provide the fine, firm, clean seed‐bed required. Midsummer sowing may have contributed to failure, for timothy establishes itself best in a moist soil. Timothy seems to have maintained a rather modest place during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first real progress was made after 1920 when the agronomic potential of the valuable material among our indigenous populations of grasses was appreciated and developed into a number of new cultivars adapted to current needs.
FERTILE TILLER PRODUCTION AND SEED YIELD IN MEADOW FESCUE (FESTUCA PRATENSIS L.)
Authors: Lewis J.
Published: April 2006

The effect of defoliation and date of nitrogen application in the spring to seed crops of meadow fescue, S215 and S53, were compared in two harvest years, in drills spaced at 18 in. S215 tillers were generally more robust than S53 tillers, and S215 produced a higher number of fertile shoots as the result of a higher conversion rate of over wintering to fertile tillers. N applied early and absence of defoliation gave the highest ratio of seed heads to over wintering tillers.

Seed‐ and straw‐yields were depressed by April and May defoliations; May cutting had a particularly drastic effect on both varieties. S53 yields in all treatments were generally inferior to those of the hay variety, S215.

Head lengths and spikelet numbers were higher and 1000‐seed weight lower in S53 than in S215.
THE PATTERN OF GRAZING IN ‘CONTINUOUSLY’ GRAZED SWARDS
Authors: Morris R. M.
Published: April 2006

The frequency and severity of defoliation of small sample areas, 8 × 8 cm, was studied in swards of S37 cocksfoot which were maintained at different levels of leaf‐area index by continuous grazing with lambs. By varying the number of lambs grazing a plot, the LAI was maintained at three approximately constant levels, 5.3 (H), 4.1 (M), and 3.0 (L). Any one 8 × 8 cm area was grazed on average once every 36 days in treatment H, 24 days in treatment M and 19 days in treatment L. Approximately 24% of the total length of leaf present per tiller was removed each time a tiller was grazed, under all treatments. The lambs tended to graze patches of herbage about 16 × 16 cm, then move to a different place in the sward. These results are discussed in relation to grazing practices aimed at securing the maximum harvested yield.
VARIATION IN SUMMER DORMANCY AMONG COLLECTIONS OF PHALARIS TUBEROSA AT DAVIS, CALIFORNIA
Authors: Sankary M. N. , Laude H. M. , Love R. M. , Fox R. E.
Published: April 2006

The summer‐donnancy period among collections of Phalaris tuberosa L. from the eastern Mediterranean region when grown at Davis, California, ranged from 30 to 127 days. Plants from the more arid sites of origin tended to exhibit the longer dormancy. There were exceptions, however, and these, together with the diversity of behaviour in this material, suggest that genotypes with a potential for increased summer growth may be selected for use on rangelands.
MANAGEMENT OF ARID RANGELAND IN KENYA*
Authors: Pratt D. J.
Published: April 2006

The characteristics and management requirements of the arid zone are described, as an introduction to the methods of development now being adopted in Kenya. The future intensification of commercial utilization is discussed.
FORAGE CONSERVATION IN THE TROPICS*
Authors: Miller T. B.
Published: April 2006

Under arid tropical conditions the natural grazing provides less than maintenance requirements for 8–9 months of the year. Conservation of natural or sown herbage, either as hay or silage, should be discouraged because of the low nutritive value of the product, and the unfavourable weather usually prevailing during conservation. Of the forage crops, cereal/legume mixtures are the most suitable for ensilage.
THE USE OF LIVEWEIGHT‐GAIN TRIALS FOR PASTURE EVALUATION IN THE TROPICS
Authors: Stobbs T. H.
Published: April 2006

A 21‐acre grazing trial which ran continuously for three years to evaluate grass and grass/legume pasture with and without inorganic fertilizers is described. Techniques for conducting grazing trials where large treatment differences are expected and the interpretation of results from these trials are discussed. Good practical management of stock and pastures was shown to be necessary in these grazing trials and where it was only possible to establish one true replicate some measure of statistical control was achieved by comparing regression coefficients of cumulative animal production.

The results showed that up to 475 1b liveweight gain/acre per annum (532.48 kg/ha) could be obtained from pastures grazed by small East African Zebu steers. The addition of the legumes Stylosanthes gracilis and Centrosema pubescens to grass mixtures gave significant and economic increases in liveweight gain. Grass/legume swards receiving phosphorus and sulphur produced liveweight gains equivalent to the animai production from grass swards receiving 140 1b N/ac per annum (156.94 kg/ha).
COMPARATIVE FEEDING VALUE OF SILAGES MADE FROM WILTED AND UNWILTED GRASS AND GRASS/CLOVER HERBAGE
Authors: Alder F. E. , McLeodr D. St L. , Gibbs B. G.
Published: April 2006

Silage was made from wilted and unwilted grass in May 1965, 1966 and 1967. The silage was made in sealed silos, but these were not evacuated and additives were not used.

The silages were fed as follows: in 1965 to milking dairy cows and 1‐year‐old beef steers; in 1966 to steers coming into the experiment at 3, 9 and 15 months of age; in 1967 to weaned steer calves, with or without rolled barley (1 or 2 kg/head per day). In all years the silages were of high in vivo digestibility. The intake of wilted silage was higher than that of unwilted silage. There was no significant difference between the milk yields of cows fed on wilted and unwilted silage only. Liveweight gains were higher with wilted silage in 1965 and 1966, but not in 1967. In 1966 gains increased with age of animal and in 1967 gains were higher at successively higher levels of concentrate feeding.
THE DETERMINATION OF RESISTANCE TO VERTICILLIUM WILT (V. ALBO‐ATRUM) IN LUCERNE
Authors: Aubury R. G. , Rogers H. H.
Published: April 2006

A simple test is described for screening lucerne seedlings for resistance to Verticillium wilt. The test is sufficiently precise to distinguish the most resistant plants within a population possessing a fairly high level of resistance. Some results are presented illustrating the progress in breeding for resistance.
THE PROFITABLE USE OF GRASSLAND IN MILK PRODUCTION
Authors: Wynne A. J.
Published: April 2006

The most profitable use of grass in feeding a dairy herd is considered. Provided that the quality of the grass and grass products is sufficiently high for it to be used for part of the production ration, it is possible either to maintain a larger herd by buying concentrates, or to keep a smaller herd, feed less concentrates and use part of the grass for production. The potential herd size will depend both on the level of concentrate feeding and on the milk yield of the herd.

When account is taken of the extra costs involved with larger herds (labour, capital charges and some variable costs) the optimum system depends on the level of milk yield. For herds yielding below 900 gallons average, the most profitable system is that which obtains the maximum production from grass. With herds of over 1000 gallons average it is more profitable to use concentrates for the production ration and to keep the maximum number of cows.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS, TIMOTHY AND MEADOW FESCUE
Authors: Alder F. E.
Published: April 2006

The voluntary intake by calves of perennial ryegrass, timothy and meadow fescue, when cut with a flail‐type forage harvester and fed fresh, was measured. In 1963 a single management was used and rest periods between cuttings were of 10 or 11 days in April and May and 21 days in June to October. In 1964 the effects of managements with long (35–55 days) and short (15–25 days) rest periods were compared. The increases in rest periods within managements were made in June or July. The voluntary intake of the 3 grass species was not significantly different and the live‐weight gains made on the species were similar in both years. Digestibility of all species was higher with the short rest periods than with the long ones and this resulted in higher intakes and liveweight gains from the short‐rest‐period management.
THE INTENSIFICATION OF SINGLE‐SUCKLED CALF REARING FOR BEEF PRODUCTION*
Authors: Flecchia P.
Published: April 2006

Traditionally single suckling is an extensive enterprise which has heen confined largely to the hill‐ and marginal‐areas of the country.

In 1965 a single‐suckler herd was estahlished at Henley Manor in an attempt to justify economically the existence of the enterprise on intensively managed lowland grass. Over the four years since then gross margins have increased from ±21 to ±34 per acre, and the indications are that these results can he further improved upon, thus suggesting that the suckler herd could have an increasing role to play in British agriculture.
THE USE OF CUTTING TREATMENTS DESIGNED TO SIMULATE DEFOLIATION BY SHEEP
Authors: Morris R. M.
Published: April 2006

A series of cutting treatments was designed to simulate the defoliation process under sheep grazing, in order to obtain more accurate measures of the production processes in the sward than can be obtained in the presence of the grazing animal. Two rotational grazing managements were simulated, together with three continuous grazing managements involving the maintenance of a roughly constant LAI within a sward, as described earlier (10). Harvested yield was measured, and the dry weight of material which died without heing harvested was estimated. From these, gross aerial growth, i.e., the amount of new living material produced in the sward, was calculated. The maximum harvested yield was obtained by rotational defoliation to 3 cm every 4 weeks, hut this was derived from the minimum gross aerial growth. Maximum gross aerial growth occurred under the simulated continuous grazing treatments at the higher levels of LAI. This difference was due largely to the death and subsequent decay of leaves. Up to 50% of the material which grew was lost in this way. The need to distinguish between growth and harvested yield when evaluating grazing managements was stressed.
THE EFFECT OF CUTTING ON THE SUBSEQUENT GROWTH OF INTRODUCED RIBGRASS (PLANTAGO LANCEOLATA) SEEDLINGS
Authors: Scarisbrick D. H. , Harvey H. J. , Ivins J. D.
Published: April 2006

The ability of ribgrass to germinate and subsequently develop in a sward was investigated as part of a competitive study between this species and perennial ryegrass S23. The experimental model emphasized that seedling development was greatly influenced by the frequency and the intensity of cutting to which the associated grass species was subjected.
A NOTE ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEAF RIGIDITY AND LEAF ANATOMY OF LOLIUM PERENNE L.
Authors: Sant F. I. , Rhodes I.
Published: April 2006

The relationship between leaf rigidity and leaf anatomy was examined in genotypes of Lolium perenne cv. S321. Significant relationships were found between frequency of structural units per mm of leaf width and leaf rigidity. However, in cross section no relationship existed between the relative proportions of leaf tissues and leaf rigidity. The plant‐breeding implications of these results are briefly discussed.
THE POSITION IN THE PLANT AND THE DATE OF ORIGIN OF TILLERS WHICH PRODUCE INFLORESCENCES
Authors: Lambert D. A. , Jewiss O. R.
Published: April 2006

The dates of their first appearance and the dates of flowering were recorded monthly over three years from time of sowing for all tillers produced by S215 meadow fescue plants growing in simulated sward conditions in large concrete pots outdoors. The results are expressed and discussed in terms of the percentage contribution of inflorescences by tillers in relation to their chronological and ontogenetic age. The latter appeared the more important. The major contribution of inflorescences was made by primary tillers in the first harvest year, by secondary and tertiary tillers in the second year and by tertiary and quaternary tillers in the third year. The chronological age at which tillers could flower ranged from 3 to 33 mouths.
THE EFFECT OF STAGE OF GROWTH AT DEFOLIATION ON WHITE CLOVER IN MIXED SWARDS
Authors: Margaret Wolton K. , Brockman J. S. , Shaw P. G.
Published: April 2006

Four experiments are described in which various defoliation methods and frequencies were imposed on grass/white‐clover swards. Clover was not reduced in any of these hy increasing the length of growth period or hy cutting at a late stage of growth, but intensive sheep grazing reduced clover compared nitb cutting and taking a silage cut in a grazing sequence improved clover yield.

These results do not support the contention that cutting a mixed sward for hay or silage suppresses clover because of competition for light: with a ‘big white’ type of clover infrequent defoliation may cause no more shading than frequent. Alternatively, any additional shading may be compensated for by an increase in clover growth, stimulated hy the longer growth period.

It is suggested that, in practice, competition for nutrients and moisture also contrihute towards clover suppression when swards are cut for hay or silage.
THE AD LIBITUM INTAKE AND DIGESTIBILITY OF DRIED GRASS PELLETS AND SILAGE BY SHEEP
Authors: WILKINS R. J.
Published: April 2006

Perennial ryegrass was conserved by ensiling, or by dehydration, grinding and pelleting. the two resultant feeds were given ad lib. to wether sheep, either separately or in different proportions. Pellets were consumed in greater quantities than the silage, but were lower in digestibility. There was a rectilinear relationship between the percentage of pellets in the ration consumed and organic‐matter digestibility, but a curvilinear relationship between the percentage of pellets and organic‐matter intake. Silage intake was little affected by the feeding of pellets until more than 40% of the ration consisted of pellets. The increase in total intake with an increase in pellets above 60% was small, with the result that intake of digestible organic matter was highest when 65% pellets was fed. the results suggest that dried‐grass pellets may be a useful supplement for silage rations.
GRASS PRODUCTION ON PEAT SOILS
Authors: O'Toole M. A.
Published: April 2006

World literature relating to grass production on peat soUs is reviewed. If initial nutrient deficiencies are adequately corrected the grass potential is high. DM yields of 6500 kg/ha are attainable with moderate fertilizing. A high level of output must he maintained to justify the cost of reclamation. Light applications of P and K at regular intervals, coupled with heavy stocking or frequent defoliation, prevent pasture deterioration.
THE CONSERVATION OF GRASS IN SEALED METAL AND PLASTIC CONTAINERS, WITH AND WITHOUT GROUND BARLEY MEAL
Authors: Anderson B. K. , Jackson N.
Published: April 2006

Two experiments are described in which ground harley meal was added to freshly‐cut grass hefore ensiling it in small air‐tight metal containers and polythene containers. The mean DM loss from the air‐tight metal containers was 1 % and from the polythene containers 18.8%. The silages were all of satisfactory fermentation quality, as assessed hy pH, voladle acids, lactic‐acid and Tolatile‐hase content. The addition of the harley meal significantly improved the nutritive content of the ensiled material, and the resulting silage in the air‐tight metal containers. Sheep were used to measure the voluntary intakes of the silages conserved in the polythene containers.
SOME ASPECTS OF THE NITROGEN: WATER INTERACTION ON GRASS SWARDS
Authors: McFeely P. C. , Tayler R. S.
Published: April 2006

Experiments were conducted on ryegrass swards using different amounts of N fertilizer applied as a single early dressing (S) or in repeated applications during the season (R). Over three years, the yield from R was generally higher, but under dry conditions (using plot covers) S gave the greater yield. The latter result is ascribed to the bigb yield obtained from S at the first cut, at which time N uptake was not limited by a lack of soil water.

Irrigation at less than the full requirement resulted in lower total yields but it increased water‐use efficiency by up to 70% (R) and 94% (S).
ANALYSES OF YIELD FROM A COMPETITION TRIAL WITH PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Authors: Thomson A. J.
Published: April 2006

Four varieties of perennial ryegrass, (S24, S321, S23 and Endura), were grown in monoculture and in all possible binary mixtures. Three spatial arrangements of varieties within mixtures were used. Total DM yields were recorded from nine harvests during 1969 for mooocultures and mixtures and for the mixture components.

The arrangement of varieties within mixtures had no effect on the total DM yield of the mixtures. Monocultures and mixtures did not differ significantly in yield at any harvest or in annual total, bnt there were differences between monocultures at some harvests. No differences between mixtures were detected.

The experiment took the form of a competition diallel in which monocultures corresponded to the parents in a genetic diallel and mixtures to the crosses between these parents. There was a significant interaction hetween the rows (i.e. main variety effects) and the columns (i.e. associated variety effects) of the diallel table only at the first harvest. The change in the competitive ability of the four varieties throughout the season was examined. The relative ranking order of varieties for competitive ability altered as the season progressed.
AN ECONOMIC INVESTIGATION INTO FARMING ON LAND RESTORED WITH PULVERIZED FUEL ASH
Authors: MorleyDavies W. , Gillhamand E. W. F. , Simpson D. T.
Published: April 2006

An economic survey was carried out on sites in various regions of the Central Electricity Generating Board which had been restored with pulverized fuel ash. The ohject was to investigate the degree of success which could be achieved in restoring gravel pits and other ash disposal sites to agricultural use. Almost all of the sites had been incorporated into existing holdings and nearly all had the benefit of returned topsoil. The investigation showed that such land is as productive as land of a similar but undisturbed character when both are subject to similar conditions of good husbandry. Topsoil, where available, allows for greater flexibility in husbandry matters and particularly in cultivations.
A MATHEMATICAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NITROGEN INPUT AND OUTPUT IN CUT GRASS SWARDS
Authors: Brockman J. S. , Rope C. M. , Stevens M. T.
Published: April 2006

The importance of predicting grass N yield lies in its controlling influence on grass DM output and thus on animal production. Results from 88 experiments studying the use of fertilizer N on cut grass swards show that the major part (97%) of the variation in grass N yield could be explained in terms of fertilizer N rate, an estimate of soil N and an interaction between the two. From this, it appears that high fertilizer N recovery is associated with a high uptake of soil N and vice versa.
THE EFFECT OF TIME AND RATE OF N APPLICATION ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF GRASS SWARDS IN TWO ENVIRONMENTS
Authors: Wolton K. M. , Brockman J. S. , Shaw P. G.
Published: April 2006

Six identical experiments (3 in Devon and 3 in Suffolk) investigated the effect of 200, 300 and 400 lb N/ac (224, 336 and 448 kg/ha), given in 1, 2, 4 or 8 equal applications, on the yield and seasonal production of perennial ryegrass swards cut every 25 days.

Each rate of N Increased DM and N yields. Giving the N in 4 or 8 dressings gave higher DM, bnt rather lower N yields, than applying the N in 1 or 2 dressings. The effect on DM yield of splitting the N was most marked at 400 lb NJac (448 kgJha). Seasonal production was closely related to the time of N application and most uniform where N was given in 8 dressings.

Differences between Devon and Suffolk were most evident where the N was given in 4 or 8 dressings and occurred in the second half of the season when the low rainfall in Suffolk apparently restricted N uptake and DM yield. The efficiency with which N taken up by the plant was used for DM production was affected by sunshine. It is concluded that rainfall and sunshine will limit the extent to which fertilizer N can he used to control herbage production.
THE EFFECTS OF CUTTING AND GRAZING SYSTEMS ON HERBAGE PRODUCTION FROM GRASS SWARDS
Authors: Frame J. , Hunt I. V.
Published: April 2006

Studies were made on two perennial ryegrass–dominant swards of the effects of cutting and grazing systems of herbage production. A motor scythe was used for cutting and sheep in small enclosures for grazing. In both systems, herbage production was measured by a ground‐level sampling technique, using sheep shears, and the difference between pre‐treatment and post‐treatment herbage was expressed as ‘utilized yield’. Correction for soil contamination is ensured by quoting all results on an organic‐matter basis.

Grazing treatments averaged 14–16% more organic matter and 36–45% more crude protein than cutting treatments in both experiments. These differences were ascribed to recycling of N under grazing. Infrequent defoliation gave higher yields than frequent, and severe defoliation higher yields than lenient under both cutting and grazing systems. The trends shown by cutting and grazing intensities are comparable and can be quantified.

There is need to examine closely the relationships between the effects of cutting and grazing techniques on herbage production, since such knowledge would allow a more accurate prediction of the relevance to the grazing situation of results obtained under cutting.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTENSITY OF GRAZING AND THE HERBAGE CONSUMPTION AND GROWTH OF CALVES
Authors: Hodgson J. , Tayler J. C. , Lonsdale C. R.
Published: April 2006

Experiments were conducted in 1967 and 1968 in which HerefordXFriesian (Experiment 1) and Friesian (Experiment 2) steer calves horn in April were turned out to graze at one week or 3 months of age, respectively, and maintained at three stocking densities in the ratio 1:2:3 animals per unit area. The calves grazed paddocks of S23 perennial ryegrass in rotation, and were moved when the height of grazed stubble at the medium stocking density was reduced to 8 cm. The rate of liveweight gain and herbage intake per head declined as stocking rate increased. When the results of the two experiments were compared, the weight gain of the calves was more closely related to the weight of herbage residues than to the height of the grazed sward. The rate of liveweight gain was depressed when the amount of herhage left after grazing fell helow 2000–2500 kg OM/ha (1800–2250 Ib/ac).
LAND RESTORATION WITH PULVERIZED FUEL ASH
Authors: Gillham E. W. F. , Davies W. Morley
Published: April 2006

This paper describes experiments carried out with different depths of topsoil and methods of cultivation on an ash lagoon at Besthorpe, near Newark. Good yields of grass were obtained even on bare ash with suitable rates of fertilizer application. In the conditions existing at Besthorpe, the optimum depth of soil appeared to be three in. (7.62 cm), but the depth of cultivation (three in. (7.62 cm) or twelve in. (30.48 cm), die latter resulting in mixtures of soil and ash, had no significant effect.

B uptake by the growing plants was markedly lower in the third year of the experiment but, apart from its possible effect on yield, it produced no ill effects.
THE CATTLE DUNG PATCH
Authors: MacDiarmid B. N. , Watkin B. R.
Published: April 2006

Soil samples were taken at 0–1 in. (0–2.54 cm) and 1–3 in. (2.54–7.62 cm) depths on five occasions over a period of 55 days from under (3 in. (7.62 cm) radius from centre) and around (9 in. (22.86 cm), 12 in. (30.48cm) and 18 in. (45.72 cm) radius from centre) dung patches deposited on pasture. The samples were analysed for available N, K and P. There was a significant increase in the level of all three elements in the 0–1 in. samples beneath the dung patch. The increase persisted throughout the experiment. K exhibited the greatest increase, but was not detected beyond the edge of the dung patch. The increase in soil N was smaller but was detected up to 6 in. (15.24 cm) from the edge of the dung patch. P also increased, but was more variable than either N or K. Soil N, P and K did not increase in the 1–3 in. samples.

The weight and fibre content of the dung patch was also measured throughout the experiment. After high initial losses (25%) the dung patch decayed only slowly.

The loss of ammonia from dung patches was followed over 13 days in a separate experiment During the relatively hot weather over this period approximately 5 % of the N iu the dung was lost as ammonia, mainly in the first five days. During the experimental period of 13 days 60% of the original weight of the dung patch was lost through evaporation.

The results are discussed in relation to the growth of herbage surrounding a dung patch reported in the previous paper (12).
SOME FACTORS AFFECTING MILK PRODUCTION FROM GRASSLAND AT THE HANNAH INSTITUTE, 1951–70
Authors: Castle M. E. , MacDaid Elizabeth , Watson J. N.
Published: April 2006

A study of the relationship between some farm and grassland management factors and milk production at the Hannah Dairy Research Institute in the period 1951–70 is reported. During this period various aspects of farm management were altered, and total annual milk production was increased from 28,400 to 63,900 gal. The major factors influencing total milk production, in order of declining importance, were: the overall rate of stocking, milk yield per cow, the numher of milking cows as a percentage of all animals, and the acreage of grass as a percentage of the total farm acreage. Stocking rate and milk yield per cow together explained 85% of the total variation in annual milk production. No significant relationship was found between total milk production and weight of concentrates fed/gal, the amount of fertilizer N applied/aC, rainfall and sunshine data. It is suggested that the lack of a direct relationship between milk prodnction and the amount of fertilizer N applied resulted from the contribution of N from clover and from grazing animals.
THE EFFECT ON FATTENING STEERS OF SUPPLEMENTING SILAGE WITH DRIED GRASS OR ROLLED BARLEY
Authors: McCullough T. A.
Published: April 2006

Eighteen crossbred Aberdeen‐Angus and six Shorthorn steers with an average liveweight of 382 kg were given silage (DM content 22.3%) ad lib., supplemented with 0, 1.2, 2.4 and 3.6 kg artificially dried grass, or 1.8 kg rolled barley, per day. A digestibility study carried out on the silage and dried grass showed that the concentration of the metabolizable energy was 52.7 and 45.6 kcal/100 kcal of food, respectively. Live‐weight gain increased with each level of supplementation. Supplementation did not significantly affect the intake of silage DM, but differences in the intake of total DM were significant. The killing‐out percentages of the steers were similar. The results suggest that dried grass pellets may be a usefid supplement for a silage diet. It was shown that 1.12 kg of dried grass was equivalent to 1.80 kg rolled barley as a supplement for silage.
A PORTABLE‐CORRAL TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING THE EFFECT OF GRAZING INTENSITY ON YIELD, QUALITY AND INTAKE OF HERBAGE
Authors: Harkess R. D. , de Battista J. , Dickson I. A.
Published: April 2006

A grazing experiment using four stocking rates of sheep, equivalent to 34, 45, 57 and 68 sheep/ha on an assumed 200‐day grazing season, was conducted using a portable grazing corral technique. Plots were subjected to fotir grazing periods between mid May and early September. The effect of stocking rate on herbage yield and quality and the influence of these factors and feed intake on liveweights of the sheep were recorded.

The mean daily herbage organic matter available over the trial was 9.6, 5.8, 3.3 and 23% of the total liveweight of the sheep at each of the four stocking rates. The highest grazing pressure led to the production of high‐quality herbage, but also led to reduced productivity, low feed intake and liveweight losses. The most lenient grazing pressure failed to provide adequate herbage utilization. Even at the most intensive stocking pressure, only 66% of the herbage available to ground level was utilized in grazings after July.

Intake results suggested that sheep of 45 kg liveweight required 1000–1200 g digestible organic matter per day to maintain body weight. Despite the higher in vitro digestibility of herbage on offer at the higher stocking rates, intake was limited through lack of herbage; a high degree of correlation existed between herbage availability and herbage intake over the four stocking rates and at all grazings.

It is concluded that the portable corral technique is well suited for grazing studies and the assessment of sward response to varying stocking rates and is particularly useful where facilities for more extensive studies are limited.