Publication Date
1997
Description
A field experiment was conducted to study the distribution of mass and quality over plant height throughout the growing season in a pure stand of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). When plant density (expressed as kg DM/ha per cm height) is plotted against a height of strata, all treatments show a similar linear shape distribution. ADF and NDF concentrations declined with sward height. Fall treatments had lower ADF and NDF concentrations than summer treatments. Conversely, CP concentrations showed an increase with plant height. Fall treatments showed higher CP than spring and summer treatments. Defoliation management did not affect orchardgrass quality. Correlation between orchardgrass height and herbage mass and quality were presented. In addition, the results from this study can be used in pasture models to estimate animal intake and assist in model validation and calibration.
Citation
Buckmaster, D R.; Mohtar, R H.; and Fales, S L., "Vertical Distribution in Grass Swards: Interactions Between Dry Matter and Nutritional Quality" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1997-2023). 10.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1997/session26/10
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Vertical Distribution in Grass Swards: Interactions Between Dry Matter and Nutritional Quality
A field experiment was conducted to study the distribution of mass and quality over plant height throughout the growing season in a pure stand of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). When plant density (expressed as kg DM/ha per cm height) is plotted against a height of strata, all treatments show a similar linear shape distribution. ADF and NDF concentrations declined with sward height. Fall treatments had lower ADF and NDF concentrations than summer treatments. Conversely, CP concentrations showed an increase with plant height. Fall treatments showed higher CP than spring and summer treatments. Defoliation management did not affect orchardgrass quality. Correlation between orchardgrass height and herbage mass and quality were presented. In addition, the results from this study can be used in pasture models to estimate animal intake and assist in model validation and calibration.
