Publication Date
1993
Description
Augmentation of native pastures with legumes such as Stylosanthes scabra can increase cattle live-weight gain relative to that from native pasture. In the longer term, however, Stylosanthes spp, density can increase and populations of native grasses may become unstable. This paper reports interim results from a study aimed al monitoring changes in the density of S. scabra cv. Seca in relation to stocking rates, The density of Seca monitored in permanent quadrats increased from 15 plants/m2 in 1988 to 100 and 25 plants/m2 in 1992 at 0.25 and 0.5 beasts/ha respectively. These increases resulted from both the survival of the original plants and the recruitment of new seedlings. Recruitment of new seedlings was higher at 0.25 than at 0.5 beasts/ha because more seed was produced at 0.25 beasts/ha, The implications of these results are discussed for both the increase in the density of Seca and the survival of the perennial grasses.
Citation
Orr, D M. and Paton, C J., "Seca Stylo (Stylosanthes scabra cv. Seca) Populations Increase Faster Under Light Grazing" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 9.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session52/9
Included in
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Seca Stylo (Stylosanthes scabra cv. Seca) Populations Increase Faster Under Light Grazing
Augmentation of native pastures with legumes such as Stylosanthes scabra can increase cattle live-weight gain relative to that from native pasture. In the longer term, however, Stylosanthes spp, density can increase and populations of native grasses may become unstable. This paper reports interim results from a study aimed al monitoring changes in the density of S. scabra cv. Seca in relation to stocking rates, The density of Seca monitored in permanent quadrats increased from 15 plants/m2 in 1988 to 100 and 25 plants/m2 in 1992 at 0.25 and 0.5 beasts/ha respectively. These increases resulted from both the survival of the original plants and the recruitment of new seedlings. Recruitment of new seedlings was higher at 0.25 than at 0.5 beasts/ha because more seed was produced at 0.25 beasts/ha, The implications of these results are discussed for both the increase in the density of Seca and the survival of the perennial grasses.
