bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECT OF COMPANION GRASS AND SEED RATE ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF A TALL‐FESCUE SWARD
Authors: Frame J. , Hunt I. V.
Published: April 2006

The effects of sowing from 10 to 50 lb/acre of tall‐fescue seed on plant establishment and on the annual and seasonal distribution of DM yield of tall fescue and its companion grasses were measured through two growing seasons. Increasing the seed rate increased plant numbers per unit area and decreased per cent establishment. Adding Scots timothy as a companion grass depressed both plant number and per cent establishment. S37 cocksfoot and New Zealand perennial ryegrass reduced both still further. Total annual dry‐matter production was relatively unaffected by varying either the seed rate or the companion grass. The contribution of tall fescue to total production was highest when sown alone and was successively reduced by timothy, perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot. When sown alone there were only slight differences in contribution of tall fescue due to seed rate. With any companion grass the contribution from tall fescue increased with increasing seed rate. Early growth was not reduced by modifying seed rate but was reduced by all the companion grasses. It is concluded that increasing the seed rate of tall fescue above 30 lb is not justified, that Scots timothy can be sown at 3 lb/acre with tall fescue without affecting total production or early growth of the mixture, with the advantages of control of unsown species and improved palatability of the herbage.
THE EFFECT OF LEVEL OF NITROGEN AND CUTTING TREATMENT ON LEAF AREA IN SWARDS OF S48 TIMOTHY (PHLEUM PRATENSE, L.) AND S215 MEADOW FESCUE (FESTUCA PRATENSIS, L.)
Authors: Lambert D. A.
Published: April 2006

Leaf‐area index was increased by nitrogen application, but the increase was restricted by frequent cutting, which limited the incidence of high leaf‐area indices. Timothy swards had higher leaf‐area indices than meadow‐fescue swards between April and mid‐July, the period in which maximum values were recorded. N significantly increased the leaf area per g of leaf (leaf‐area/leaf‐weight ratio) at the beginning of the experiment, but not thereafter; the effect of cutting on this ratio varied with the date of cutting. Leaf areas per g of leaf were similar for the 2 species at the beginning and end of the experiment, but in mid‐summer values for timothy increased whilst those for meadow fescue decreased. The relationship between leaf‐area index and yield of dry matter is discussed.
STUDIES ON SHEEP GRAZING IN THE NORTHERN PENNINES
Authors: Rawes M. , Welch D.
Published: April 2006

The sheep grazing intensity and herbage intake on 3 high‐level grasslands above 2250 ft were investigated. The seasonal intake, which varied from 450 to 700 lb dry matter/acre, was obtained by the yield‐difference method, using cages moved monthly.
THE EFFECT OF WHITE CLOVER AND NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER ON THE PRODUCTION OF A SWARD
Authors: Cowling D. W. , Green J. O. , Green S. M.
Published: April 2006

Data from an experiment already reported (2) are used to examine a statistical method proposed by Walker et al. (8) for apportioning the nitrogen harvested in grass in a grass/ legume sward to legume, fertilizer and soil. Multiple regressions of the yield of N in the grass (Gn) upon N harvested in the associated legume (Cn) and N applied in fertilizer (Fn) were highly significant; but they were very variable, mainly because of the strong (negative) correlation between Cn and Fn. In some cases the coefficient for clover N was negative, in some cases the coefficient for fertilizer N exceeded unity; and the residual constant varied widely among 4 sets of plots on the same soil. The interpretation of such equations in physical terms is criticized on these grounds. The use of pure grass swards in conjunction with mixed swards gave estimates of the recovery of fertilizer N, and of the transfer of N from clover to grass, which agreed better with other published data than did the coefficients in a multiple regression. A simple regression of the estimate of transferred N in the grass upon the N harvested in the clover yielded a second constant. This constant, which varied considerably from one series of plots to another, is thought to indicate interactions between the various sources of N, which would be attributed to a direct effect of soil N if the multiple regressions were interpreted as Walker et al. suggest.
THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BASIS OF GRAZING MANAGEMENT*
Authors: Spedding C. R. W.
Published: April 2006

Grazing management should be firmly based on knowledge derived from studies of both animal‐ and plant‐physiology. It is essential to understand both the nutritional needs of the animal and the effect of harvesting procedures on the growth rate of the plant.

Animal performance, however, is not simply related to the mean nutritive value of the sward on offer; selective grazing can result in large differences between the latter and the value of the diet actually consumed. Thus it is possible to obtain similar animal growth rules on very different pastures, where grazing pressure is very low, or to obtain different animal performances on pastures which differ little in mean digestibility, but where the herbage is more, or less, ‘available’. It is therefore necessary to understand the relationship between the amounts of herbage on offer, removed and left behind in grazing, and the nutrient intake of the animal.

To use biological criteria, such as the quantity of herbage present, in operating grazing methods it is essential that they are expressed in terms which are relevant theoretically and measurable in practice.

The results of experimental comparisons of managements can not necessarily be used to judge the usefulness of physiological concepts, since the assumption that such concepts are embodied in the managements is often unjustified. There is, for example, little evidence that continuous and rotational grazing, under conditions of ‘correct’ stocking, result in different frequencies of defoliation of the individual plant units involved.
THE PROBLEMS OF RELATING GREENHOUSE AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTAL WORK TO SWARD CONDITIONS
Authors: Alberda Th.
Published: April 2006

When the rate of dry‐matter production of a grass crop is determined only by the incoming light energy, it increases exponentially until a closed green surface is reached. Thereafter the production is linear for some time, but soon it decreases and finally drops to zero. This decrease is partly caused by an increase in the rate of respiration relative to photosynthesis. However, there are still unknown factors affecting the rate of production, especially in the second half of the season. When a sward receives an optimal supply of water and nutrients the organic plant constituents at a given growth stage remain fairly constant throughout the season. It would be advantageous, however, to harvest grass with a higher sugar and a lower protein content. This seems to give better rumen digestion and, besides, would improve the regrowth of the sward. Since plants with a high rate of dry‐matter production usually have a fairly low reserve level, it is unlikely that selection could provide a strain with both a high reserve level and a high rate of production.
THE EFFECT OF LENGTH OF SILAGE ON ITS VOLUNTARY INTAKE BY CATTLE
Authors: Murdoch J. C.
Published: April 2006

Trials are described in which the intake of silage of varying length was determined. The results indicate that a higher voluntary dry‐matter intake occurred as the length of the silage became progressively shorter, but this effect appeared to diminish when the silages were supplemented with concentrates. Data from one trial indicate that reducing the length of hay had no effect on voluntary intake when concentrates were fed.
THE EFFECT OF BURNING OF NATIVE PASTURE ON SOIL TEMPERATURE IN NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Norton B. E. , McGarity J. W.
Published: April 2006

Thermocouples were used to measure temperatures at shallow depths (top 39 mm) in soils during late winter burning of hayed‐off native pasture. Different intensities of burning were investigated. The maximum temperature recorded for any treatment was 75–5°C, at 1 mm below the soil surface, and marked temperature rises were recorded only in the upper 10 mm of the soil. The results suggest that the temperature rise induced by burning would have little direct effect on soil organic matter, the microbial populations, or buried seeds. The possible significance of these results in practice is discussed.
GRASSLAND FERTILIZER PRACTICE AND HYPOMAGNESAEMIA
Authors: Black W. J. M. , Richards R. I. W. A.
Published: April 2006

The effects of N and K fertilizers on the yield and chemical composition of herbage and the serum Mg and Ca levels of grazing ruminants were investigated, using 64 lactaling ewes in a 4x4 Latin square arrangement of plots. During the 2‐year experiment there was no evidence that application of N alone has a depressing effect on the Mg content of either herbage or blood serum. The sheep grazing plots treated with combined N and K fertilizer had significantly (P<0·01) lower serum Mg levels during the early spring grazing period of 1961. It is suggested that individual variability within a group of animals may considerably influence the results of investigations of this kind.
A STUDY OF THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF CHELATION IN THE OCCURRENCE OF HYPOMAGNESAEMIA IN SHEEP
Authors: Ashton W. M. , Sinclair K. B.
Published: April 2006

Wethers fitted with permanent rumen cannulae were used in a study of the effect of various doses of ammonium salts and E. D.T. A. (ethylene‐diamine‐tetra‐acetic acid, disodium salt) on the pH of rumen digesta and the levels of serum calcium and magnesium. Doses of up to 200 g ammonium acetate had little effect on the pH of rumen contents or on serum Mg levels, but appeared to produce a fall in serum Ca. Ammonium carbonate, however, when given alone or with E. D.T. A., caused a marked increase in the pH of rumen fluid and a temporary fall in the serum Ca level. When given singly, neither ammonium carbonate nor E. D.T. A. significantly affected the levels of serum Mg which were, however, reduced when these compounds were given together, possibly because the increased pH of rumen contents produced by the ammonium carbonate was conducive to chelation of Mg by the E. D.T. A. High levels of ammonia may occur in rumen liquor after the ingestion of young nitrogen‐rich herbage, and it is suggested that chelation of dietary Mg by such compounds as amino acids and peptides, which abound in young herbage, may be a factor concerned in the low ‘availability’ of this form of Mg.
THE GROWTH OF LAMBS AT PASTURE
Authors: Large R. V. , Speddinc; C. R. W.
Published: April 2006

Data on the growth rates of ‘worm‐free’ Iambs were collected at different seasons over 4 years. In 1959 and 1960 the Iambs were set‐stocked on a perennial ryegrass/white‐clover sward, and in 1961 and 1962 lambs were rotationally grazed on a pure S23 perennial rye‐grass sward. Although significant differences were obtained between seasons, there was no correlation between lamb growth rate and any one factor of herbage quality or environment.
THE EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER AND CLIPPING FREQUENCY UPON THE YIELD AND IN VITRO DIGESTIBILITY OF INTERMEDIATE WHEATGRASS
Authors: Ashford R. , Troelsen J. E.
Published: April 2006

The effect of rate of nitrogen fertilizer and clipping frequency on total production of dry matter (DM), in vitro digestible organic matter (DOM), and crude protein (CP) was investigated in the first harvest year of intermediate wheatgrass. The highest yields of DM and DOM, but not of CP, were obtained at the longest clipping intervals and at the higher rates of fertilizer application. Fertilizer failed to give satisfactory increases in yield even at very high rates of application when a 2‐week clipping interval was used. The interaction between clipping frequency and fertilizer rate had a highly significant effect on yields of both DM and DOM. A sharp decline in percentage DOM that occurred with increasing length between clippings was offset to some degree by application of N fertilizer. A similar assessment of treatments was obtained from DOM and DM yield data when the grass was fertilized with N, but not when N was deficient. The CP data gave a different assessment of treatments from that obtained from either DOM or DM data.
SELECTION FOR SEED RETENTION IN S48 AND S51 TIMOTHY (PHLEUM PRATENSE L.)
Authors: Bean E. W.
Published: April 2006

Seed shedding was studied in 50 clones each of S5I and S48 timothy during 1961–3. Some clones retained on average during 2 or 3 seasons from 80–90% of their maximum seed weight until 42 days after peak anthesis; this was up to 28% above the varietal mean. The results suggest that clones which retain their seed also produce high yields of seed and of dry matter; they can also be easily threshed.
A COMPARISON OF NUTRIENT LOSSES IN BALED HAY MADE FROM FORAGE‐HARVESTED, CRIMPED OR TEDDED SWARDS WITH THOSE IN BARN‐DRYING
Authors: Kerr J. A. M. , Brown W. O.
Published: April 2006

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect on nutrient loss and feeding value of making hay by different means, using a barn‐drier, a forage‐harvester, a crimper and conventional tedding. Both forage‐harvesting and crimping of the herbage significantly increased the rate of drying, compared with tedding alone. In Exp. 2 this effect enabled the crimped and forage‐harvested hays to be baled for storage 3 days earlier than the tedded hay. The use of the forage‐harvester significantly reduced the yield of herbage compared with conventional mowing. Nutrient losses from cutting until storage were highest for the forage‐harvested hays, the loss of dry matter between cutting and storage in the forage‐harvested hays being 39·9 and 19·3%, respectively, in Expt 1 and 2 with corresponding losses in the conventionally made hays of 7·1% and 9·3%. Crimping the hay resulted in higher nutrient losses than tedding. In Expt 2 there was a loss of dry matter of 17·5% in the conventionally made hay during an 18‐week storage period, compared with 3·6% in barn‐dried hay, 10·8% in forage‐harvested hay and 8·8% in crimped hay.

In Expt 2, in which digestibility determinations were made, conservation decreased the total digestible nutrients and starch equivalent in all treatments. The use of the barn‐drier gave the most efficient conservation of total digestible nutrients, followed by the crimped, forage‐harvested and conventional treatments in that order. The starch equivalent values of hays made from the same sward were 43·0 when barn‐dried, 39·8 when crimped, 38·6 after forage‐harvesting and 31·6 after tedding.
THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CRUDE PROTEIN CONTENT AND THE DIGESTIBLE CRUDE PROTEIN CONTENT OF TROPICAL PASTURE PLANTS
Authors: Miliford R. , Minson D. J.
Published: April 2006

The digestible crude protein percentage (DCP) of 218 different feeds derived from 16 tropical grasses and 8 tropical legumes containing 2·2 to 25·3% crude protein (CP) was Treasured with sheep. DCP was closely related to CP (r =· 0·979) and could be predicted from the equation DCP=O·899 CP‐3·25 (SE estimate · 0·84). Predicted values for tropical grasses and legumes were similar to, but more variable than, those calculated from a similar equation derived from temperate pasture species. It was suggested that CP per se is a useful criterion for selecting tropical pasture plants when direct in vivo measurements of DCP cannot be obtained.
THE EFFECT OF SEED SIZE ON EARLY GROWTH OF DIPLOID AND TETRAPLOIE ITALIAN RYEGRASS
Authors: Harkess R. D.
Published: April 2006

Two different sizes of seed of a tetraploid and a diploid Italian ryegrass were sown in pure stands. Harvests were made at frequent intervals from 14 to 54 days after sowing, the root‐and shoot‐yields and numbers of leaves and tillers being recorded at each harvest. The results suggest that seed size per se has little influence on leaf‐ and tiller‐numbers and that large seed increases yield potential only during the first few weeks of growth.
SPRING GROWTH OF PERENNIAL RYEGRASS AND COCKSFOOT
Authors: Calder D. M. , Davies Alison
Published: April 2006

Preliminary results are given of experiments in progress to investigate the onset of spring growth and to compare spring growth rates in early‐ and late‐types of perennial ryegrass and cocksfoot.
II. The effect of different pastures, soil types and dew on the calibration
Authors: Johns G. G. , Watkin B. R.
Published: April 2006

It was found that in terms of the relationship between capacitance and yield of pasture as measured by a modified electronic probe and by cutting, respectively, that: differences existed between the types of pastures studied; dry‐matter estimation was inferior to either the fresh‐material or the ‘total–water’ yield estimation; the degree of curvilinearity of the fresh‐material regression was not constant; the presence of dew on the plants resulted in a small increase hi capacitance reading. The possible significance of these results is discussed.
CHEMICAL RENEWAL OF LOWLAND PASTURES
Authors: Douglas G.
Published: April 2006

The use of paraquat to kill swards preparatory to pasture renewal was studied in a series of trials on 3 lowland swards. Common pasture grass species exhibited a differential response to the herbicide: Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata had the greatest capacity to recover after treatment; weed species such as Holcus lanatus were among the most susceptible. The dead litter remaining after spraying provided a barrier to the penetration of sown seeds. A complementary form of cultivation was required to obtain satisfactory establishment and rotary cultivation provided the most consistent results.
INTERACTIONS OF GRASS, CLOVER AND NURSE CROP IN THE SEEDING YEAR
Authors: Charles A. H.
Published: April 2006

Tall fescue S170 and Italian ryegrass S22, slow‐ and rapid‐establishing grasses, respectively, were sown either with white clover or with a mixture of red and white clovers, with or without a companion‐ or cover‐crop, and with or without nitrogen. Swards established without a cover‐crop were grazed frequently or cut infrequently; swards undersown with the oat crop were grazed once in the autumn. In the year of sowing tall fescue/clover mixtures produced yields similar to those of Italian ryegrass/clover swards. Tall fescue proved sensitive to competition, even from red clover, during establishment and sowing under a cover‐crop is therefore not recommended. The yield of red‐ and white‐clover was increased when sown under a cover‐crop and when cut infrequently, compared with frequent grazing by sheep. The growth of white clover was greatly reduced by adding red clover to the mixture, particularly under a cover‐crop and when defoliation was infrequent, but red clover increased total yield. The effect of N applied to the seed‐bed varied with the method of establishment. Cereal yield was reduced under dry conditions by undersowing with a mixture containing red clover.
THE EFFECT OF POTASSIUM ON ESTABLISHMENT AND SEEDLING VIGOUR
Authors: Jones P. D.
Published: April 2006

A permanent pasture was ploughed, 5 rates of potassium were incorporated in the seed‐bed and a timothy/white‐clover seed mixture was sown direct without a companion crop. Plant counts were taken during the fourth week of establishment. The highest rate of potash increased the size and number of timothy/white‐clover plants considerably, without altering the timothy/white‐clover ratio. Half the plots were cut once during the seeding year and the other half twice. Increasing rates of K increased dry‐matter yields, particularly on the plots cut 7 weeks after sowing. Botanical analysis in the following year showed that, under both cutting systems, increasing rates of K tended to increase the proportion of white clover and decrease that of unsown species.
THE CLOVER CYST NEMATODE (HETERODERA TRIFOLII GOFFART) AS THE PROBABLE CAUSE OF DEATH OF WHITE CLOVER IN A SWARD
Authors: Ennik G. C. , Kort J. , v. d. Bund C. F.
Published: April 2006

In a lawn on sandy soil many clover patches were found, in the centres of which the clover was dead or growing poorly. A similar patch was found in another lawn. Investigation of the soil and clover roots showed that the phenomenon was probably caused by the clover cyst nematode Heterodera trifolii Goffart. Though it is likely that this damage will also occur in normal pastures, it may not manifest itself in the typical form found in lawns, since clover plants cannot expand as regularly in pastures as in lawns. Where clover is distributed irregularly in the field, a random sampling may give no real information on the clover cyst nematode population.
CLIMATIC FACTORS IN RELATION TO GROWTH AND SURVIVAL OF PASTURE PLANTS
Authors: Hughes Roy
Published: April 2006

The distribution of natural and cultivated grasslands in relation to climate and the use of various indices and diagrams in studies of crops and climate are discussed. Attempts to establish simple linear relationships between yield and weather components have been disappointing. Studies involving light, theoretical considerations of productivity, adaptation of herbage plants in relation to climatic origin, etc. have proved more useful. Problems involved in extending the work conducted under controlled conditions to the field, are stressed. Particularly important is a better characterization of the environment prevailing in and immediately above swards of different types. The importance of winter survival in Britain is discussed.
THE ENERGY RETENTION OF LAMBS GRAZING S37 COCKSFOOT, S23 RYEGRASS AND S24 RYEGRASS AT LOW GRAZING PRESSURE
Authors: Milfokd R. , Minson D. J.
Published: April 2006

A grazing experiment to measure the feeding values of 4‐week‐old regrowths of S37 cocksfoot, S23 ryegrass and S24 ryegrass is described. A low grazing pressure was maintained on the pastures to ensure that animal production was not limited by herbage availability. Each sward was grazed by a group of 12 lambs under “worm‐free” conditions. Increases in empty body weight, dry body weight and energy were measured by the comparative slaughter technique.

The liveweight gain of the cocksfoot‐fed lambs was the same as the ryegrass‐fed groups during the first half of the experiment but was lower in August and September. The final liveweight gains on S23 and S24 ryegrass were 14% higher than on S37 cocksfoot, but in terms of energy retention S23 ryegrass was 18% and S24 7% better than S37 cocksfoot. Digestibility measurements of herbage cut from the plots being grazed showed a positive correlation with energy retention by the lambs. Energy retention was negatively correlated with the proportion of acetic acid in the rumen adds, a fraction which was itself correlated with the soluble carbohydrate content of the herbage, but not with the digestibility of the herbage.

When interpreting animal‐production results, intake, digestibility and rumen volatilc‐fativ‐acid proportions, should be taken into account. Because of the inadequacy of present methods of estimating the herbage intake of grazing animals, measurement of body‐energy gains is not justified and empty‐liveweight gains are sufficiently precise to measure relative energy retentions at pasture.
PASTORAL LANCASHIRE
Authors: Jones John
Published: April 2006

An account is given of the production and use of grass in Lancashire, including statistical information relating to acreages and livestock numbers in June, 1963; a map shows the distribution of grassland in the county as percentages of the agricultural area. For convenience the county is divided into 5 areas, each with different farming systems. Reference is made to the Ministry of Agriculture's Experimental Husbandry Farm and its influence on farming in the surrounding districts in East Lancashire.
HILL SOILS AND GRASSLANDS IN BRECKNOCKSHIRE: A STUDY OF POTENTIAL LAND USE
Authors: Crampton C. B.
Published: April 2006

The present and potential land use of rough hill pastures in Brecknockshire has been investigated. The interests of the Brecon Beacons National Park, reservoir, Forestry Commission and commonland need not compete, but could be complementary. Areas containing a high proportion of the podzolized soils carry the most nutritious pastures, rich in Agrostis and Vaccinium, and agreement amongst the commoners could ensure they are grazed to the limit of their productivity. In the absence of afforestation, the grazing of superior pastures around the peaks of the Fforest Fawr‐Brecon Beacons range is consistent with the interests of both the National Park and reservoir authorities, although the erosion hazard is greater. The S. and E. directed spurs of Drygarn, the N. E. plateau of Mynydd Eppynt and the S. W. flanks of the Black Mountains have similarly productive hill pastures. Areas such as the long back‐slopes of the Fforest Fawr‐Brecon Beacons range and higher land of Drygarn contain a high proportion of peaty gleyed soils under Molinetum, They provide inferior grazing but support the most productive forests, chiefly of Sitka spruce. By agreement amongst the commoners, where they are known, these areas could be leased to the Forestry Commission for afforestation. However, because common rights are so obscure, prior legislation would probably be necessary. Until their recent destruction, the uplands supported woodland and afforestation of selected areas need not be regarded as incongruous. It would also open up otherwise inaccessible places.
FORMATION AND MAINTENANCE OF PASTURES*
Authors: Charles Allen H.
Published: April 2006

Experimental evidence is presented on changes taking place in grass populations during the early stages of sward formation and in older leys. Differentiation which has taken place in ‘permanent’ pastures as a result of agronomic selection pressures is also discussed in relation to the maintenance of pastures.
A FARMER'S VIEW OF THE LEY*
Authors: Cray A. S.
Published: April 2006

The relevant management advantages and disadvantages of the ley and permanent pasture are reviewed. Doubts on the possible long‐term effects of soil structure, fertility etc. are discussed from the farmer's point of view.
BREEDING AND BLENDING*
Authors: Rogers H. H.
Published: April 2006

The grass breeder's approach to the problem of producing new varieties is related to factors controlling sward production. Those factors under the control of the breeder, especially plant type and management, are considered in more detail.

It is argued that the methods used by the breeder produce seed of predictable performance when grown under a defined set of conditions‐climate, soil and, above all, management. The fate of this ‘improved’ seed is considered in relation to the multitude of seeds mixtures prescribed today. Large imports of seed are made annually into the U. K. but bred strains account for only a low percentage of the herbage seeds used.

Some results from Cambridge trials are presented to show the effects on sward production of plant density, seed size, depth of sowing, cutting treatments and the mixing of genotypes. It is suggested that these results point to the frequent misuse of bred strains, both in blending and in the quantity of seed recommended per unit area.

The future prospects for herbage breeding are discussed and some novel ideas of cropping mentioned which may, to a limited extent, supplement the use of herbage seeds.
THE NEED FOR A FRESH APPROACH TO THE PLACE AND PURPOSE OF THE LEY
Authors: Woodford E. K.
Published: April 2006

A crop physiologist's approach to some problems of grassland research, with particular reference to terminology and the sown sward.
RESEEDING AND SURFACE TREATMENT‐A COMPARISON OF TWO METHODS OF IMPROVING HILL GRAZINGS
Authors: Rowlands Alun
Published: April 2006

Two methods of improving hill land for sheep grazing have been compared on a Festuca/Agrostis pasture in mid‐Wales. Ploughing and reseeding, following a pioneer crop, resulted in an excellent sward which remained productive at the end of the 8‐year trial period. Surface seeding with light cultivation gave only a fair establishment of white clover, but no sown grass, during the same period. The production and financial results point to the superiority of the former technique where conditions are suitable and where increased grass production can be met by increased sheep stocking. Any worthwhile method must produce real improvement to the herbage.
THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS FORMS OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH OF A PERENNIAL RYEGRASS / WHITE CLOVER SWARD IN EARLY SPRING
Authors: Cowling D. W.
Published: April 2006

The effect of 4 or 5 forms of nitrogenous fertilizer on the yield and botanical composition of a perennial ryegrass/white clover sward was examined in 3 different years. The uptake of N by the grass was also estimated. Ammonium nitrate (as Nitro‐Chalk), ammonium sulphate and urea gave similar yield increases, although in one year, when high rainfall followed the application of fertilizer, urea was slightly inferior. Gas liquor gave variable responses in the 3 years. Nitroform, a urea‐formaldehyde, was generally less effective than the other forms of fertilizer. The uptake of N from Nitro‐Chalk, sulphate of ammonia and urea did not vary greatly from year to year although the uptake of soil N by the untreated control did.

Response to N in the yield of dry‐matter varied from year to year. This variation was due partly to differences in the amount of clover present and partly to differences in the extent to which N taken up by the grass was used for the synthesis of dry‐matter.

The white clover content of the sward was not greatly reduced in spring by the application of the fertilizer, and there were no consistent differences between the effects on clover of the forms of the fertilizer. A reduction was apparent in the summer but not in the autumn.

It may be necessary to increase replication above the level of 3 to 6 which is frequently employed in field experiments if more precise quantitative estimates of response and of the relative efficiency of various forms of nitrogenous fertilizer are required.
THE EFFECT OF CUTTING COCKSFOOT (DACTYLIS GLOMERATA L.) GROWN FOR PRODUCTION OF SEED
Authors: Lambert D. A.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is described in which cocksfoot, grown for production of seed, was cut annually for 3 years in either autumn, winter or spring. No significant increases in yield of seed/ac were obtained from any treatment compared with an uncut control, and a cut in late April in one year seriously reduced the yield of seed. Additional N applied after a defoliation in October did not increase the yield of seed compared with that from plots which were cut at the same time but not fertilized. The production of tillers was not affected by cutting on any date. The percentage fertility of tillers was increased by cutting in the first year, when the number of tillers was smallest; the fertility was less consistently affected in the second year, and was generally unaffected in the third year. The weight of seed produced per ear was usually reduced by the cutting treatments. In the third year of the experiment it was shown that the penetration of light to the base of the shoots was increased substantially by defoliation, but it is deduced that maximum interception of light by the whole plant is more important for the production of seed than increasing by cutting that proportion which penetrates to the base of the plant.
THE EFFECT OF CUTTING TIMOTHY (PHLEUM PRATENSE L.) GROWN FOR PRODUCTION OF SEED
Authors: Lambert D. A.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is described in which timothy, grown for production of seed, was cut once annually on dates ranging from 23 October to 24 May. New tillers in selected plants were labelled at monthly intervals during autumn and winter for 2 years, to determine the pattern of production of tillers and to assess the reproductive development of categories of tillers. The majority of tillers were produced in autumn, but production was continuous throughout the winter. There was a big increase from the first to the second year in the total number of tillers produced, but neither the pattern nor amount of tiller production was affected by cutting. The % of fertile tillers was highest in the oldest tillers, and was affected little by the increase in the number of tillers from the first to the second year; cutting had little effect on the % fertility except where floral primordia were removed by the cut on 24 May. In all treatments at least 90% of the ears at harvest were produced by tillers initiated the previous autumn. The penetration of light to the base of the plants was increased considerably by cutting, but it is concluded that interception of light by the whole plant is more beneficial than an increase in the penetration of light into the plant and a concomitant reduction in the total interception of light by the plant.
CROPPING SPARTINA SALT MARSH FOR SILAGE
Authors: Hubbard J. C. E. , Ranwell D. S.
Published: April 2006

About half an acre (0·40 ha) of the salt marsh grass Spartina townsendii (s. l.) was cut from a Bristol Channel marsh using a small tractor modified for use on estuarine marshland. The cut grass was ensiled with molasses in a plastic silo.

Chemical analyses were carried out on samples of fresh grass and silage. Silage was fed ad libitum to Halfbred × Suffolk wether sheep. Intake, digestibility values and crude protein content were similar to those of medium quality hay.
WHITE CLOVER AND HILL LAND IMPROVEMENT
Authors: Munro J. M. M. , Hughes Roy
Published: April 2006

As a preliminary step in the development of improved bred varieties an examination has been made of the factors which contribute to the success or failure of white clover (Trifolium repens) in hill land reseeding. Severe restrictions are placed on clover performance and N fixation in many hill areas in Britain by the poor climate, the low pH and exchangeable base status of the soils and the low frequency of effective indigenous Rhizobium strains.

Agronomic solutions to some of these problems exist, but experience in mid‐Wales suggests the need for new bred varieties with improved adaptation to the prevailing conditions, particular attention being directed to the limitation of N fixation by low soil temperature.
THE EFFECT OF SEVERITY OF DEFOLIATION AND NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH OF PHALARIS TUBEROSA L.
Authors: Grimmett S. G.
Published: April 2006

The responses of Phalaris tuberosa L. to cutting to 1/2‐ and to 3‐in. at 3 levels of nitrogen (0, 23 and 92 lb/ac after each cut) were investigated in two irrigated, small‐plot trials. A technique involving the use of sheet‐iron borders embedded in the soil to contain root systems, irrigation water and fertilizer was developed. The 3‐in. cutting height gave greater dry‐matter yields than J in., the difference reaching significance only with applied N. Plant mortality was significantly greater for the 1/2‐in. cutting height at each N level. N significantly increased DM yield at both cutting heights, the greatest yield being at the higher application rate. Plant mortality at both cutting heights was significantly reduced by applied N. The results are discussed in relation to the most suitable grazing management for sustained growth of irrigated Phalaris swards.
A COMPARISON OF THE REACTION OF DIFFERENT GRASS SPECIES TO FERTILIZER NITROGEN AND TO GROWTH IN ASSOCIATION WITH WHITE CLOVER. II. YIELD OF NITROGEN
Authors: Cowling D. W. , Lockyer D. R.
Published: April 2006

Seven species or varieties of grass, and a mixture of 3 of them, were sown in pure swards, treated with 4 levels of nitro‐chalk (0, 17·5, 35, and 70 Ib N/ac/cut) and cut 4 or 5 times each year. Each species and the mixture were also sown with white clover, and the effect of fertilizer N on the yield of N in each grass was compared with the effect of clover on the yield of N harvested from the grass/clover swards.

The regression line for response in yield of N with increasing levels of fertilizer N showed slight, but significant, upward curvature. The grasses differed in their uptake of N from the soil, S37 cocksfoot and S48 timothy showing relatively high uptakes, and the ability of each grass to take up fertilizer N was usually related to its uptake of N from the soil. Differences in the yield of dry matter between the species, at a similar level of N, are discussed, and it was concluded that perennial ryegrasses were most efficient and Agrostis tenuis was least efficient in using the N taken up in the production of DM.

In general, there were no significant differences between the yields of N of the grass/clover mixtures; the N yields of the grass components were significantly different and tended to be inversely related to the N yields of clover.

Grasses which gave high yields of N with fertilizer were also high yielding when grown in association with clover. Pure grass swards required more than 200 Ib fertilizer N/ac/yr in order to yield the same amount of N as the grass/clover swards. The amount of N estimated to have been derived by grass from clover (indirect effect of clover) increased each year; it was highest with S37 cocksfoot and lowest with Irish perennial ryegrass, averaging 46 and 23 Ib N/ac/yr, respectively.
FACTORS AFFECTING THE VOLUNTARY INTAKE OF SILAGE AND HAY
Authors: Murdoch J. C.
Published: April 2006

Experiments with cows and sheep are described in which the voluntary intakes of hay and silage of differing digestibility were determined. The voluntary intake of hay increased consistently with increasing digestibility, but the relationship was not as well defined for silage. The addition of concentrates depressed the intake of hay, and this effect was more marked for hay with a high digestibility than with poorer quality hay. Concentrates appeared to depress the intake of hay by sheep more than by cows, an effect which was again more marked when the hay had a high digestibility value.
THE CONSERVATION OF HEAVILY–WILTED BALED HERBAGE IN SEALED POLYTHENE CONTAINERS
Authors: Brown W. O. , Jackson N.
Published: April 2006

A conservation experiment is described in which the losses in ensiling heavily–wilted, baled herbage of 49–58% dry–matter content in a completely sealed polythene film is described. In addition, a comparison is made between silages with and without sodium metabisulphite added as a preservative. The mean DM loss for the control silages was 11.1%, and that for the metabisulphite–treated silages 12.8 %. These losses, and the individual crude–nutrient and digestible–nutrient losses are compared with those obtained for heavily–wilted and conventional silage made in lined trench silos. Metabolizable energy values for the grass and silages are also presented.
INFLUENCE OF SOIL AND MANAGEMENT ON THE BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF 20‐YEARS‐OLD RECLAIMED HILL PASTURES IN MID‐WALES
Authors: Davies H.
Published: April 2006

The herbage and associated habitat factors of 15‐ to 20‐years‐old reclaimed hill pastures were investigated in Mid–Wales. These swards had been reclaimed from natural hill vegetations by ploughing and sowing. The results were examined to determine which habitat factors were associated with sward reversion. Particular emphasis was given to determining how far reversion was under the control of the farmer. On ill‐drained soils the swards became heavily infested with Juncus effusus, regardless of management. On well‐drained soils reversion was largely prevented by maintaining an adequate stocking rate in summer, coupled with periodic applications of lime and basic slag. Inherent podsols required approximately twice as much lime as inherent brown earths for the equivalent maintenance of soil pH and sward composition.
ABSORPTION OF RADIO–ACTIVE PHOSPHORUS FROM TAP–AND NODAL ROOTS OF WHITE CLOVER (TRIFOLIUM REPENS L.)
Authors: Ueno M. , Williams R. Dorrington
Published: April 2006

Absorption by the tap‐root and by different nodal roots of white clover S100 and translocation of 32P were investigated to find to what extent nodal roots can compensate for the absence of a tap‐root. 32P absorbed from the tap‐root was distributed evenly within the whole plant. When translocation from the 2nd and 7th nodal roots was studied, similar distribution was obtained only from the nodal root closer to the centre of the plant. The backward movement of 32P absorbed from nodal roots at the base of the plant increased as the root size increased. Removal of tap‐roots resulted in temporary depression of translocation; its effect disappeared within 3 weeks.

It is concluded that the ability of nodal roots to compensate for loss of the tap‐root depends on their position and size.
THE EFFECTS OF LEVEL OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON BEEF PRODUCTION FROM GRAZED PERENNIAL RYEGRASS/WHITE–CLOVER PASTURES
Authors: Alder F. E. , Cowlishaw S. J. , Newton J. E. , Chambers D. T.
Published: April 2006

The treatments in this summer–grazing experiment were designed as a 3X3 factorial; 3 levels of nitrogenous fertilizer, supplying 0, 336 and 672 kg N/ha per annum, and 3 stocking rates. The fertilizer was applied in 6 to 8 dressings at intervals of 3 to 4 weeks. The animals used were fattening Hereford X Friesian steers. The stocking rates were calculated on the basis of data available on herbage production under N and irrigation treatments and varied according to the level of N input. The experiment was laid out in 6 randomized blocks, which were grazed in rotation. Blocks were removed from the grazing cycle in spring and early summer of each of the 3 years (1962—‐4) over which the experiment was conducted and cut for conservation: yields were recorded. Details are given of: grazing management; results of studies of soil–N levels; the quantities of herbage removed for conservation: the quantity, chemical and botanical composition of the herbage available for grazing; and herbage consumption.
DRYING AND CONDITIONING OF DIRECT–HARVESTED TIMOTHY SEED
Authors: Nellist M. E. , Rees D. V. H.
Published: April 2006

An experiment is described in which S48 timothy seed, direct harvested at 3 stages of ripeness, was dried in layers 6 in. deep, at air temperatures from 75–135° F, immediately after harvest and after periods of from 1 to 3 days conditioning with cold air. Germination results for non‐conditioned seed showed good agreement with those obtained in the previous year. The quality of seed hulled during threshing was inferior to that remaining unhulled after threshing, but the latter was more susceptible to high air temperature during drying. The relationship of the seed obtained in this experiment to commercial seed is discussed and a scheme for the practical application of the results will be presented in a subsequent paper.
THE EFFECT OF LEVEL OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER ON BEEF PRODUCTION FROM GRAZED PERENNIAL RYEGRASS/WHITE CLOVER PASTURES
Authors: Alder F. E. , Cowlishaw S. J. , Newton J. E. , Chambers D. T.
Published: April 2006

In a 3 × 3 factorial experiment, the effects of three levels of nitrogenous fertilizer (0, 336 and 672 kg/N per ha) and three grazing intensities on live‐weight gains and carcass attributes were measured.

The live‐weight gains of the animals (per head) over the season were greater at the low and moderate grazing intensities than at the high; this effect occurred mainly from July to October each year. Gains were low on the no‐nitrogen swards from July 1962 to the end of the grazing season and throughout 1963: this was related to the very high clover content of the swards.

In all years, as grazing intensities increased, the carcass weights per animal became lower. Carcass balance, carcass length, depth of longissimus dorsi muscle, fat thickness over the longissimus dorsi, weight of kidney suet and channel fat, and weight of the alimentary tract also reflected the effect of treatment on weight gains.

The results are discussed in relation to the botanical composition and consumption of the herbage, presented in Part I.
EFFECTS OF METHOD OF ESTABLISHMENT ON TALL FESCUE AND ITALIAN RYEGRASS MIXTURES IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR
Authors: Charles A. H.
Published: April 2006

Tall fescue and Italian ryegrass mixtures react differently to management in the year of sowing. The decrease in yield of tall fescue and the increase in growth of red clover, caused by the use of a cover crop, was still evident in the following year. In both the spring grazing and total yield of the first harvest year, the Italian ryegrass/ white clover mixture was better than the tall fescue/white clover mixture when a cover crop was used. The reverse trend was recorded when the grass plus clover was sown without the cereal. In general, the addition of red clover to the tall fescue/ white clover, or Italian ryegrass/white clover mixture, increased the yield, but the magnitude of the increase was modified by management during establishment. The increase in total herbage yield and the reduction of white clover growth due to nitrogen application were both related to management in the year of sowing. Consideration should thus be given to method of establishment in the assessment of herbage seeds mixtures.
A COMBINATION OF NITRITE AND HEXAMINE AS AN ADDITIVE IN THE ENSILING OF HERBAGE
Authors: Hellberg Arvid
Published: April 2006

The development and testing of a new silage additive consisting of sodium nitrite and hexamine (hexamethylenetetramine) are described. The investigation was conducted over 8 years and consisted of 15 separate experiments with small steel cylinders and 13 with plastic sacks. The former were carried out with freshly cut blue lucerne and a storage temperature of 25°. When a mixture of sodium nitrite and hexamine was applied at the rate of 0.4% of fresh herbage weight, the quality of the resulting silage was superior to that made with commercial additives marketed in Sweden and the losses were considerably reduced.
GROWTH AND SEASONAL COMPOSITION OF NATURAL GRASSLAND IN ZAMBIA
Authors: van Rensburg H. J.
Published: April 2006

There was a marked increase in basal cover of veld grasses after the first 2 to 3 years of cutting, and this effect continued over a period of 9 years. Short grasses, such as Cynodon dactylon and Heteropogon contortus, increased at the expense of tall tussock grasses, such as Hyparrhenia dissoluta.
THE EFFECTS OF HEAVY DRESSINGS OF POTASH APPLIED TO THE SEEDBED OF A LEY COMPARED WITH ANNUAL DRESSINGS
Authors: Gething P. A. , Jones P. D. , Ross A. I.
Published: April 2006

Two experiments were established to compare the effect on the yield of continuously cut herbage of varying amounts of potassium fertilizer applied either in one large dose to the seedbed, or as 3 equal dressings applied to the seedbed and in the summer of the 2 following years. Responses in dry–matter yield were recorded up to the higher rates of potassium fertilizer applied. Establishment and yield in the first 12 months were improved by seedbed applications of up to 4 cwt/ac of muriate of potash (60% K2O). Although total yields over the whole period were similar, whether the potassium was applied to the seedbed only or in annual dressings, yields from “all–in–seedbed” dressings declined towards the end of the period. Soil analysis indicated that annual dressings left behind higher residues of K.
NITROGENOUS FERTILIZATION OF ITALIAN RYEGRASS IN SPRING
Authors: Heddle R. G.
Published: April 2006

A series of experiments in eastern Scotland, carried out over a 7–year period, on the application of N fertilizers to Italian ryegrass for producing early spring grass, indicated that maximum yields are likely to be produced if the fertilizer is applied not later than the middle of March in most seasons. Only rarely did application in February result in a loss of N and in reduced herbage yields. Italian ryegrass appears to be able to make some growth at temperatures below 40†F.

Increasing the rate of N application resulted in increased DM yield, the response averaging 9–4 lb DM per lb N. Herbage N concentration was increased by the additional N fertilizer. Nitro–chalk and ammonium sulphate were equally effective in producing early grass, irrespective of application date.