THE CATTLE DUNG PATCH

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe eifect of 1 ft‐diameter (0.30 m) dung patches on the yield and botanical composition of a dairy pasture was followed in two randomized‐block experiments. Experimental plots consisted of 3 concentric rings round each dung patch of diameter 2 ft (0.61 m), called R2; 3 ft (0.91 m), called R3; and 4 ft (1.22 m), called R4. They were sequentially harvested.In the first experiment described there was a significant increase in the total yield of grass species, predominantly ryegrasses, around each dung patch. This increase was first evident in R2 but spread progressively outward and was still detectable in R4.Plant material, particularly clover components, decayed rapidly beneath the dung patches. Leaving a dung patch on the pasture for 15 days kiUed 75% of the grass tillers and the rooted nodes of clover stolons; thus causing a significant reduction in pasture regrowth from the patch area when the dung patch was removed.The second experiment included three defoliation treatments, viz. 1. Cut regularly to 1 in. (2.54 cm) in all three rings; 2. Cut to 21/2 in. (6.35 cm) in R2 and 1 in. (2.54 cm) in R3 and R4; 3. Control undefoliated.In all three treatments there was a significant increase throughout the experiment in total yield of grasses around the dung patchy. The increase was confined to R2, but was still evident after 14 weeks. The greatest cumulative yield during tbe period of the experiment came from around the dung patches receiving the most intensively defoliated treatment.