Effects of Clipping Height, Clipping Frequency, and Rates of Nitrogen on Yield and Energy Content of Coastal Bermudagrass

Abstract

AbstractIn recent years the acreage in ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass (Cynodon dactyton (L) Pers.) has increased rather sharply in the southeastern United States. Traditionally, Coastal is grazed and fertilized with moderate levels (less than 100 kg/ha) of N. Usually forage yield data have been collected by mowing, which leaves a stubble of 6 cm or more high. Significant quantities of forage are not harvested. A serious question has arisen as to the validity of much of the research data when applied to utilization of Coastal by grazing.To secure research data that would relate Coastal production more effectively to grazing situations, an investigation was conducted over a 2‐year period as to the effects of intense, moderate, and lax defoliation on forage yields of Coastal bermudagrass. Forage yields were highest with the shortest clipping height, 0 cm, and lowest with the highest clipping height, 14 cm. Clipping height and N rate influenced production significantly, but clipping frequency had little effect on total yield. Tiller production indicated that all treatments maintained vegetative cover on the area.Early in the season large quantities of forage were available below 7 cm. Up to 1800 kg/ha of forage were available between 0 and 7 cm.Height of clipping did not appear to be important in the survival of Coastal bermudagrass and in the production of the maximum amount of usable energy. A low clipping height combined with a relatively short clipping frequency appear to be best.