THE PRODUCTION OF WINTER GRASS FROM A ROW CROP OF COCKSFOOT AND LUCERNE

Abstract

A crop of cocksfoot and lucerne in alternate rows was subjected to various autumn treatments for winter pasture. The yield of grass in winter, and the effect of autumn and winter treatments upon yield and composition in the following spring, are reported and discussed.Maximum yield of winter grass was achieved by resting from an early date and applying nitrogenous fertilizer. The response to fertilizer applied in August and mid‐September for winter grass production was as good as that obtained on ordinary swards at other times of the year. To ensure an adequate yield in any year the crop would need to be rested from early August and to receive about 70 lb N per acre.The spring growth of cocksfoot was distinctly retarded by cutting twice in winter, i.e. in November and February. Cutting once only had no such adverse effect.Both cocksfoot and lucerne persisted satisfactorily. The use of nitrogenous fertilizer to promote autumn growth of grass did not greatly reduce the overall productivity of the lucerne.The two species were complementary in the sense that, in combination, they maintained a high aggregate yield of herbage under a range of weather conditions in midsummer and in winter.