Stands Of Tall Fescue Research Articles

Forage yield, water- and solar radiation-productivities of perennial pastures and annual crops sequences in the south-eastern Pampas of Argentina

Livestock production systems of Argentina show an ongoing process of change in the composition of their forage base, with a gradual increase in the proportion of their area assigned to forage crop sequences (FCS) −in particular that involving successive winter and summer annual forage crops–, at the expense of the area assigned to perennial pastures (PP). However, there are several concerns regarding the efficient use of available environmental resources due to differences in the extent of the establishment periods and due to the occurrence of fallow periods in FCS, as well as regarding the species involved in these systems. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the water (WP) and solar radiation productivity (RP) of PP [pure stands of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), fertilized and unfertilized stands of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and fertilized and unfertilized mixed stands of alfalfa/tall fescue] and FCS [including a summer alternative and oats (Avena sativa L.); the summer alternative was either maize (Zea mays L.) or intercropped maize/soybean (Glycine max L.)] through the analysis of their components, i.e. water (WC) and radiation capture (RC), and their water (WUE) and radiation use efficiency (RUE). Resource capture (WC and RC) was defined as the ratio between captured (evapotranspiration and intercepted solar radiation) and annual available resource (rainfall and incident solar radiation). Resource use efficiency (WUE and RUE) was computed as the dry matter (DM) yield per unit of captured resource. A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years under rainfed conditions and under non-limiting nitrogen availability in the south-eastern Pampas of Argentina. Perennial pastures were evaluated during both their initial establishment year (Y1) and when already fully established (Y2). Annual-based forage DM yield ranged between 13.0 and 32.4 Mg ha−1 in Y1 and between 5.1 and 23.5 Mg ha−1 in Y2. Differences in resource capture between PP and FCS were directly associated with the crop establishment and fallow periods depending on the nature of the considered resource. The highest WP (2.75–3.64 g DM m−2 mm−1) and RP (0.93–1.42 g DM MJ−1) were reached by FCS, which did not differ (P > 0.05) from that of fully established fertilized PP. Our results demonstrate that resource productivity in FCS is not necessarily higher than for PP, once PP are fully established.

Fungal endophyte presence and genotype affect plant diversity and soil-to-atmosphere trace gas fluxes

Aims Novel fungal endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum; Latch, Christensen and Samuels; Glenn, Bacon, and Hanlin) genotypes in symbiosis with tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum; Schreb. Darbysh.) have been recently introduced to agricultural seed markets. These novel endophytes do not produce the full suite of toxins that the ‘common toxic’ form does, and therefore, may not have the same consequences on plant and soil processes. Here, we evaluated the effects of endophyte presence and genotype on ecosystem processes of tall fescue stands.

Influence of conservation reserve program mid‐contract management and landscape composition on northern bobwhite in tall fescue monocultures

AbstractThe United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) authorized mid‐contract management (MCM) in 2004 to restore and maintain plant species composition and structural diversity in aging Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields for the northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and other grassland‐dependent wildlife. We implemented 3 USDA‐approved MCM regimes (i.e., strip disking, strip glyphosate spraying, and strip glyphosate spraying in combination with legume interseeding) in 60 tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceae) CRP monocultures in south‐central Illinois, USA, during 2005–2008. We hypothesized that adult bobwhite relative densities and brood presence would increase following MCM that effectively restored early successional plant communities in otherwise monotypic stands of tall fescue. We estimated annual adult bobwhite relative densities and brood presence‐absence in managed and unmanaged CRP. We modeled vegetation characteristics and landscape composition to identify factors influencing adult densities and brood presence. Adult relative densities were 2‐fold greater in managed fields than in unmanaged fields, and were negatively correlated with greater percentages of grass cover. Adult densities were positively correlated with greater plant species diversity, and greater percentages of bare ground and legume cover. Logistic regression and odds ratio estimates indicated that fields managed with glyphosate‐interseed and glyphosate treatments were 39.6% more likely to have broods than unmanaged CRP, whereas disked fields were 10.0% more likely than unmanaged CRP. These models indicated that the probability of brood presence was greater in fields with increased percentage of bare ground, greater plant species diversity, and decreased percentage of grass and litter cover. These findings suggest that a 3‐year rotation of glyphosate or glyphosate‐interseed treatments can enhance habitat conditions for adult bobwhites and broods in CRP tall fescue monocultures. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.

Herbicide Treatments to Renovate Toxic Endophyte Infected Tall Fescue Pastures with ‘Jesup’ MaxQ

Forage producers need more efficient, less risky, and cost‐effective strategies for replacing existing stands of toxic endophyte infected (E+) grass. This study addressed the efficacy of E+ tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh. = Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort =] control using available herbicides, differing herbicide application timings, and weed control techniques and assessed the survival of E+ seed during the summer after it was produced. Two small‐plot experiments near Blairsville and Watkinsville, GA, evaluated herbicide chemistry and compared different application protocols for glyphosate at different time intervals (0, 2, 4, and 6 wk) to the use of a summer annual smother crop between split applications of glyphosate. Glyphosate allowed fewer E+ escapes than the other herbicides tested. Split applications of glyphosate at 6 wk before planting and again 1 d before planting resulted in successful eradication of the E+ tall fescue stand, fewer weeds, and a successfully established stand of nontoxic endophyte infected (NT) tall fescue. In a separate experiment at Blairsville and Watkinsville, 7.4 and 8.5 seeds per 100 seeds produced, respectively, were found to be germinable and with viable endophyte despite exposure to ambient conditions on the canopy floor in 2004. Thus, spring suppression of E+ tall fescue seedheads could reduce the risk of remnant toxic E+ seed. In field‐scale tests of the developed protocol [spring suppression of seedheads and a split application of glyphosate (6‐wk interval) before an autumn planting], E+ tall fescue stands were destroyed successfully and renovated with a NT tall fescue with a range of E+ escapes being only 0.5 to 2.5%.

Soil Organic Matter Fractions and Aggregate Distribution In Response to Tall Fescue Stands

The study was conducted to evaluate the influences of tall fescue management on soil organic matter fractions and macroand microaggregate distribution. Soil samples were collected from four paired adjacent fields consisting of five years of tall fescue mono and poly stands in Western Kentucky. Soil samples from 0 to 15 em and 15 to 30 em soil depths were analyzed for soil organic C and N, particulate organic matter C (POM-C) and N (POM-N), macroand micro aggregate distribution and C-associated with macroand microaggregates. Significant effects were observed between stands for all the properties, except total C, microaggregates and C-associated with microaggregates. Sampling depth significantly influenced total C and N in both stands. Particulate organic matter C and N and C-associated with macroaggregates and the ammmt of macroaggregates were strongly affected by tall fescue management. This confinned the hypothesis that early changes in soil properties were reflected in labile C and N fractions and soil structure. Tall fescue mixture stands had 44% higher POM-C, 50% higher POM-N, 26% more macroaggregates and 33% more C-associated with macroaggregates compared to the tall fescue mono stands at the soil surface of Otol5cm.

Influence of grass species and endophyte infection on weed populations during establishment of low-maintenance lawns

This four-year field study evaluated the influence of grass species and endophyte infection on weed density and cover in stands of tall fescue and perennial ryegrass managed as low maintenance lawns. Bare ground, turfgrass cover, and weed cover varied over time with grass species. Stands of tall fescue generally had more bare ground, greater weed cover, and less grass cover than stands of perennial ryegrass during the first year following seeding. However, this trend was reversed over time with stands of perennial ryegrass having more bare ground, more weed cover, and less turfgrass cover compared to stands of tall fescue after four years. The influence of endophyte infection was much weaker than predicted having a significant negative influence only on cover by one weed species, Cerastium vulgatum. Results indicated that grass species and fungal endophyte infection may influence patterns of weed occurrence in low maintenance lawns, although the influence of grass species is likely far more important in this regard. Observed patterns in plant cover and density mainly reflected establishment and growth characteristics of the two primary grass species planted.

Response of a Georgia 5 tall fescue‐common bermudagrass mixture to season of nitrogen fertilization on the Coastal Plain

Georgia 5 tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) has the potential to grow in a mixture with warm‐season perennial grasses and provide a year‐round permanent pasture on the Coastal Plain. Season of fertilization with nitrogen (N) was evaluated as a determinant of yield and botanical composition on a Georgia 5 tall fescue‐common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] stand on a slope extending from a dry Bowie sandy loam (Plinthic Paleudults) soil to a moist Beauregard sandy loam (Plinthaquic Paleudults) soil. Fertilization with 150 kg N ha−1 split into three applications in the cool season (November, January, and March) over three years resulted in greater tall fescue survival (77% basal cover) than an equal amount of N in the warm season (May, July, and September) or the two N treatments combined (42 and 52% tall fescue basal cover) by March 1998. Tall fescue yields were greatest in May. The harvest frequency of once every two months was perhaps too infrequent, thus allowing shade effects to combine with summer heat and drought stress to limit stand density and fall growth of tall fescue. Although invading plant species were affected by position on the slope and associated moisture conditions, neither stand density nor forage production of tall fescue was affected by location. Tall fescue stands were essentially eliminated by the atypically hot and dry conditions in the summer of 1998. Survival of this mixed Stand of cool‐season and warm‐season perennial grasses On this west Louisiana Coastal Plain site through several years prior to the 1998 drought indicates potential usefulness of such pasture mixtures. Stand density of tall fescue was enhanced by limiting fertilization with N to the cool season only. Defoliation management to optimize density of tall fescue stands in this environment needs further evaluation.

Registration of ‘Matador’ Tall Fescue

Crop ScienceVolume 39, Issue 3 cropsci1999.0011183X003900030048x p. 871-872 Registration of CultivarsFull Access Registration of ‘Matador’ Tall Fescue Melodee L. Fraser, Corresponding Author Melodee L. Fraser mlkfraser@aol.com Pure Seed Testing, Inc., P.O. Box 176, Rolesville, NC, 27571Corresponding author (mlkfraser@aol.com).Search for more papers by this authorCrystal A. Rose-Fricker, Crystal A. Rose-Fricker Pure Seed Testing Inc., P.O. Box 449, Hubbard, OR, 97032Search for more papers by this authorWilliam A. Meyer, William A. Meyer Plant Science Dep., New Jersey Agric. Exp. Stn., Cook College, Rutgers Univ., P.O. Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903Search for more papers by this author Melodee L. Fraser, Corresponding Author Melodee L. Fraser mlkfraser@aol.com Pure Seed Testing, Inc., P.O. Box 176, Rolesville, NC, 27571Corresponding author (mlkfraser@aol.com).Search for more papers by this authorCrystal A. Rose-Fricker, Crystal A. Rose-Fricker Pure Seed Testing Inc., P.O. Box 449, Hubbard, OR, 97032Search for more papers by this authorWilliam A. Meyer, William A. Meyer Plant Science Dep., New Jersey Agric. Exp. Stn., Cook College, Rutgers Univ., P.O. Box 231, New Brunswick, NJ, 08903Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 May 1999 https://doi.org/10.2135/cropsci1999.0011183X003900030048xCitations: 2AboutRelatedInformationPDFPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessClose modalShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL No abstract is available for this article.Citing Literature Volume39, Issue3May–June 1999Pages 871-872 RelatedInformation RecommendedRegistration of ‘Texoma’ MaxQ II Tall FescueA. A. Hopkins, C. A. Young, T. J. Butler, J. H. Bouton, Journal of Plant RegistrationsProductivity and Quality of Annual and Perennial Clover‐Tall Fescue MixturesG. A. Pederson, G. E. Brink, Agronomy JournalMeadow Fescue, Tall Fescue, and Orchardgrass Response to Defoliation ManagementG. E. Brink, M. D. Casler, N. P. Martin, Agronomy JournalTall FescueD.A. Sleper, C.P. West, Cool‐Season Forage Grasses, [1]Maintaining Tall Fescue Stands in Association with BahiagrassC. S. Hoveland, R. F. McCormick, E. L. Carden, R. Rodriguez-Kabana, J. T. Shelton, Agronomy Journal

Fall-Grazing Management Effects on Production and Persistence of Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Prairie Grass

Extending the grazing season for livestock into late fall or early winter can substantially reduce production costs compared with ending the grazing season in October. Most of the published research about fall or early-winter production of grasses was derived from simulated grazing studies (i.e., frequent mechanical harvesting) and may not be indicative of results obtained with actual grazing. The objective of this research was to evaluate the whole-year production of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), prairie grass [Bromus unioloides (Willd.) H.B.K.; syn. B. willdenowii Kunth], and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) under different fall grazing management schemes. In 1994, 1995, and 1996 fall grazing treatments consisting of: 1. stockpile (accumulation forage in the field after the August grazing and then grazing once in November); 2. lax (grazing once in September and then not grazing again until spring); and 3. intensive (continue grazing on approximately 30 d schedule through November) were imposed on established stands of 'Barcel' tall fescue, 'Citadel' perennial ryegrass, and 'Grasslands Matua' prairie grass at the Haller Livestock and Forage Research Center near State College, PA. Perennial ryegrass and tall fescue responded similarly within and across grazing treatments. Total season yield (averaged 7490 Ib/acre per year) and persistence of perennial ryegrass were equal to tall fescue regardless of the fall grazing management. During the first year after implementing the grazing treatments, prairie grass survival was only 15% in the stockpile treatment and by the second year, prairie grass had not survived in any of the grazing treatments. Fall grazing and stockpiling tall fescue or perennial ryegrass lengthened the grazing season. However, this increased fall production resulted in 15% less forage production the following spring than pastures not grazed in the fall. A combination of lax, intensive, and stockpile grazing in separate paddocks may be most desirable. Intensive and stockpile grazing would allow continued grazing into the fall and early winter, respectively, and lax grazing would permit early spring grazing while the fall-grazed pastures recover.

Tall Fescue Growth after Paraquat Application to Elongating or Mature Leaves

AbstractParaquat (1,1'‐dimethyl‐4,4'‐bipyridinium dichloride) is commonly used to kill endophyte‐infected stands of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) prior to reseeding with endophyte‐free cultivars. Regrowth of infected plants, however, is often a problem, even when control initially appears to be adequate. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of leaf developmental stage on sensitivity to paraquat applications. Ten 0.5‐μL drops of paraquat at 0‐ to 60‐mM concentrations were applied to either fully elongated blades, or to emerged portions of elongating leaves of 3‐ and 6‐wk‐old seedlings growing in a growth chamber, and to endophyte‐infected plants in the field. Leaf elongation rate in the growth chamber decreased 4 h after paraquat application to elongating leaves of 6‐wk‐old plants. Paraquat did not affect leaf elongation in the field until considerable damage to the elongating leaf had occurred. Visible damage to the treated leaf also occurred faster in the growth chamber than in the field. In both environments, injury was greater when elongating compared with fully elongated leaves were treated. When fully elongated leaves were treated, damage was often limited to the treated leaf, while the shoot apex remained alive and capable of initiating new leaves and tillers. Treatment of elongating leaves, however, increased the probability that the entire plant would be killed. To increase effectiveness, paraquat should be applied to young, elongating leaves. However, these leaf blades are vertically oriented, slightly rolled, lower in leaf area, and narrower than fully elongated leaves, making their treatment more difficult.

Long‐term changes of endophyte infection in tall fescue stands

AbstractPastures of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) presumed to be free of the endophytic fungus (Acremonium coenophialum) had increasing levels of endophyte, averaging 4% per annum over periods of 9–12 years. Similarly, replicated plots sown at four levels of initial endophyte infection increased in infection over a 4‐year period: for example, plots with a 27% initial level increased to 84%, and those with a level of 58% increased to 92% by the fourth year. Mowing plots to prevent seed formation did not affect the rate of change in infection percentage, except that plots with 0% initial endophyte began to show detectable levels in un‐mown blocks, presumably as a result of contamination by seed from adjacent infected plots. By the fourth year of the study, fescue plant densities, measured by plant counts, as well as ground cover, were significantly higher in plots with high initial endophyte level. It is proposed that the change in infection percentage was due to enhanced survival of infected plants in mixed stands where there was intense competition for available moisture in conditions of drought.

Seed production of tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.) established under a barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) cover crop

Abstract Three field trials investigated under-sowing ‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in the spring with a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cover crop. Sowing rates of barley up to 75 kg/ha had no effect on first-year seed yields of tall fescue compared to tall fescue sown alone. At barley sowing rates of 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha, first-year seed yields and reproductive tiller numbers of tall fescue were reduced by an average of 245 kg/ha and 145/m2 respectively compared to tall fescue sown alone. Doubling the undersown tall fescue sowing rate from 7.5 to 15 kg/ ha had no effect on first-year tall fescue seed yields. The profitability of undersowing and sowing pure stands of tall fescue was examined. Undersowing tall fescue produced a net income of $NZ525/ha more than tall fescue sown alone.

Biomass yield, fiber composition and persistence of cool-season perennial grasses

Perennial herbaceous grasses have not been adequately evaluated to determine their productivity and persistence under management systems suitable for biomass production. Tall fescue ( Festuca arundinacea), reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea) and orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata) were established under a two-harvest management system, with a factorial combination of three N rates (0, 168 and 336 kg ha −1), and five first-harvest dates at two-week intervals. Reed canarygrass persisted well and was very productive under the two-harvest management system, regardless of the time of the first harvest. Reed canarygrass averaged 10·6 Mg ha −1 dry matter yield over two years with no N fertilization. Tall fescue stands were reduced by 30% with high N fertilization, but were not affected by delaying the first-harvest date. Orchardgrass stands were eliminated by the two-harvest management system. All neutral detergent fiber concentrations were above 550 g kg −1 and permanganate lignin concentrations were generally above 40 g kg −1.

Maintaining Tall Fescue Stands in Association with Bahiagrass1

AbstractBahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge) generally dominates the sward when grown in association with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in the lower southeastern U.S. If a management system could be devised to maintain tall fescue in association with bahiagrass, this mixture could provide grazing over a longer season than either of the two grasses when grown alone. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of rates and time of N application and stubble height on persistence and productivity of a tall fescue‐bahiagrass sward. ‘Pensacola’ bahiagrass was overseeded on established ‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue at two field locations in central (typic hapludult, fine‐loamy siliceous soil) and southern (typic hapludult, coarse‐loamy, siliceous soil) Alabama. Five rates of winter and summer‐applied N were used in combination with summer rest and summer stubble heights of 10 and 4 cm over a 3‐year period to measure seasonal forage production and persistence. Winter application of 224 kg N/ha and summer resting or summer cutting at a 10 cm stubble resulted in best tall fescue persistence. Summer cutting to a 4‐cm stubble reduced tall fescue stands and production, regardless of N rates or time of application. Total forage yields were highest when bahiagrass dominated the sward. Tall fescue persisted better in central than in southern Alabama. Seasonal productivity of a tall fescue‐bahiagrass mixture during the third year was best with a winter N rate of 224 kg/ha N and summer stubble height of 10 cm. Both summer N and close clipping accelerated the shift from tall fescue to bahiagrass. This study emphasized the difficulty of maintaining tall fescue stands in association with bahiagrass. Nematode populations build to high levels in these sandy loam soils and seriously damage tall fescue while bahiagrass is relatively tolerant. Only under high rates of winter N fertilization and a high summer stubble height was it possible to maintain tall fescue in the mixture in central Alabama. Further south, bahiagrass can be expected to dominate the sward in a few years, regardless of management.

Maximizing Production Potential of Tall Fescue1

AbstractTall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is grown primarily for forage on over 162,000 ha in Missouri. Fescue is managed for spring and summer pasture and for both seed and fall forage production. Spring and fall growth is often stockpiled for late fall and winter feed. This study was conducted to determine the effects of rate and time of N applications and forage management on seed yield, and on quality and yield of forage.Plots were layed out on established stands of tall fescue on Gerald, Lebanon and Edina silt loams (Umbric Fragiudalf, Typic Fragiudalf, fine mixed mesic; Typic Argialboll, fine montmorillonite, mesic, respectively.) Nitrogen rates on Gerald and Lebanon soils (Southwest Missouri) were 0, 33, 67, 101, and 134 kg/ha in different time combinations, including December, March, June, and August. Forage management included: (a) removal after seed harvest and again in December, (b) stockpile after seed harvest, harvest in December. Nitrogen rates on Edina silt loam (North Missouri) were 0, 67, and 134 kg/ha in different time combinations, including December, March, July, and August. In addition to the two management systems listed above, forage was round baled at the early head stage and harvested again in December. Effects of treatments were evaluated by seed yield and yield, crude protein, and IVDMD of the forage.Nitrogen for seed production was more efficient when applied in December, while March was a better time to apply N for forage production. One‐hundred‐one kg/ha was the optimum rate for both purposes. Severe lodging was caused by 134 kg/ha N at both locations. Failure to remove plant residue after seed harvest reduced seed yields the following year from 42 to 45%. These residues average 7.0% crude protein and 52% IVDMD. Forage round baled in the early head averaged 10.9% crude protein and 52% IVDMD. August was the best time to apply N for fall forage production and 101 kg/ha was the optimum rate.

Modification of a Grassland Drill for Sward Interseeding1

AbstractThe commercially available pasture seeders have been found to be ineffective in stoney and topographically uneven swards, incapable of seeding in row spacing widths of less than 44 cm or too expensive for the average pasture renovation system. Introducing additional species into an existing sward has been recognized as beneficial for increasing forage production and quality and seasonal distribution of forage production. This publication describes a modification of a John‐Deere grassland drill. This modified pasture drill has been effective for interseeding ladino clover (Trifolium repens L. var. Ladino) into established stands of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) in the Piedmont area of Georgia.

Establishment of Tall Fescue and Koleagrass with Rye as a Companion Forage Crop1

AbstractAutumn‐planted tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in the lower southeastern United States results in low establishment‐year forage production. Rye (Secale cereale L.) as a companion crop should improve winter forage yield but may be harmful to stands of the perennial grasses. To study this problem, ‘Kentucky 31’ tall fescue and ‘Perla’ koleagrass (Phalaris aquatica L., previously classified as P. tuberosa var. hirtiglumis Batt. and Trab.) were planted on a new area each year for 3 years, both alone and in association with ‘Wren's Abruzzi’ rye.Rye, planted with tall fescue or kolea, increased total establishment‐year forage yield (October to May) nearly 150% over that of the perennial grasses seeded alone. Autumn and winter (October to mid‐March) production of the rye‐perennial grass mixtures were 500% greater than the perennial grasses planted alone. Second‐year stands of tall fescue were unaffected and kolea was reduced by seeding with rye the previous year. Second‐year forage yields (August to July) were reduced 25% on tall fescue and 62% on kolea when established with rye. However, most of the tall fescue yield reduction occurred during August and September when forage quality was low. Broadcast and row plantings gave similar results with both perennial species.It was concluded that rye could be planted with tall fescue to increase establishment‐year forage yields and still result in good tall fescue stands. Establishment of koleagrass with rye was unsatisfactory.

Effect of Clipping and Nitrogen Fertilization on Yield and Stands of Tall Fescue1

Two experiments were conducted in the field during spring and summer to study effects of nitrogen level, time of fertilization, and defoliation, and their relationships on yield and tillering and on carbohydrate and nitrogen content of the stubble.Stand reduction by N and defoliation in ‘Kentucky 31’ fescue appears to be related to morphological stage of growth and season. Stands were reduced at high N levels in spring when grass was cut at flowering stage but not if cut frequently. Stands and regrowth during summer were reduced only slightly by high N. Soluble carbohydrates in stem bases were reduced with high N fertilization and N content was increased. Differences in chemical constituents due to treatments disappeared 20 to 30 days after regrowth.Faster regrowth was obtained when N was applied 5 days before clipping or at time of clipping as compared with 7 days later. Fast regrowths were associated with decreases in organic reserves.