The interaction of perennial ryegrass and timothy in mixtures and their reaction to clover and nitrogen in cut swards

Abstract

AbstractResults of experiments where timothy, perennial ryegrass and mixtures of these two in the presence and absence of white clover and receiving various nitrogen treatments were compared, have been considered in the light of previous related experiments. There is evidence that under certain conditions greater yields of sown grass can be achieved from mixed seedings than from either of the two grasses on its own. No yield advantage was gained from mixtures of species when cut infrequently after a late first cut. Inclusion of white clover changed the balance of species in favour of perennial ryegrass and no yield advantage occurred with mixtures in the presence of clover. Yield advantage may be related to seasonal changes in the order of dominance of the two grass species in mixed seedings.