Archived
This content is available here for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping.
Publication Date
1977
Description
In a long-term experiment, substantial increases in herbage yield, of up to 24 %, have been obtained by applying large experimental doses of pesticides to a sward of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Good control of all the invertebrate fauna was achieved. The long-term absence of beneficial species such as earthworms has led to deleterious effects on soil structure with a consequent effect on yield improvements. Other observations show that the layer of leaf litter on the soil surface of pesticide-treated plots has built up considerably and that the bulk density of the soil in these plots has increased. Weed invasion has, however, been retarded.
Citation
Clements, R O. and Henderson, I F., "Some consequences of a prolonged absence of invertebrates from a perennial rye grass sward" (1977). IGC Proceedings (1977-2023). 12.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1977/sess8/12)
Archival?
Archival
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Some consequences of a prolonged absence of invertebrates from a perennial rye grass sward
In a long-term experiment, substantial increases in herbage yield, of up to 24 %, have been obtained by applying large experimental doses of pesticides to a sward of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Good control of all the invertebrate fauna was achieved. The long-term absence of beneficial species such as earthworms has led to deleterious effects on soil structure with a consequent effect on yield improvements. Other observations show that the layer of leaf litter on the soil surface of pesticide-treated plots has built up considerably and that the bulk density of the soil in these plots has increased. Weed invasion has, however, been retarded.
