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Publication Date
1981
Description
Variation in weather geographically and between years can have a significant impact on intensive animal production systems dependent on grass as feed. This work was undertaken to quantify the effect of weather variations on grass production. The first objective was to relate grass growth quantitatively to radiation and temperature. These relationships are obscured by large changes in sward growth potential within the season, which are related to changes in the physiological status of the crop. Therefore, it was necessary to quantify this physiological effect. Production data were drawn from production experiments, and weather data were drawn from the published records of the national meteorological network. A model is presented that relates grass accumulation to radiation received and to the efficiency of radiation use. The temperature effect is incorporated in the model through the measured effect of temperature on the efficiency of radiation use. A term is included in the model to represent the physiological factor. It is suggested that the physiological factor is responsible for a 60% decline in production potential in June of each year and that this lower production potential persists until late December. Average annual production potential is estimated to be 12.5 tonnes/ha. Regional and year-to-year variation can cause this total to rise or fall by 13 % and 15 % , respectively.
Citation
Breeton, A J., "Potential Grass Production in Ireland" (1981). IGC Proceedings (1977-2023). 20.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1981/section9/20)
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Archival
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Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Potential Grass Production in Ireland
Variation in weather geographically and between years can have a significant impact on intensive animal production systems dependent on grass as feed. This work was undertaken to quantify the effect of weather variations on grass production. The first objective was to relate grass growth quantitatively to radiation and temperature. These relationships are obscured by large changes in sward growth potential within the season, which are related to changes in the physiological status of the crop. Therefore, it was necessary to quantify this physiological effect. Production data were drawn from production experiments, and weather data were drawn from the published records of the national meteorological network. A model is presented that relates grass accumulation to radiation received and to the efficiency of radiation use. The temperature effect is incorporated in the model through the measured effect of temperature on the efficiency of radiation use. A term is included in the model to represent the physiological factor. It is suggested that the physiological factor is responsible for a 60% decline in production potential in June of each year and that this lower production potential persists until late December. Average annual production potential is estimated to be 12.5 tonnes/ha. Regional and year-to-year variation can cause this total to rise or fall by 13 % and 15 % , respectively.
