Publication Date
1993
Description
This report summarises current research investigating the enhanced shoot growth and higher nitrogen (N) yield observed in N-deficient tropical grass pastures when moderately shaded. The "shade response" was consistently observed in a number of "run-down" tropical grass pastures, over a range of soil types. White there was evidence of translocation of N from roots of shaded grass, this source did not fully account for the additional N harvested in shoots. A more favourable microclimate at the soil surface-litter layer interface, particularly soil moisture, appeared to be responsible for improved litter breakdown and possibly soil mineralisation activity. The "shade response'' has important implications for the performance of pastures in silvipastoral systems.
Citation
Wild, D.W M.; Wilson, J R.; Stur, W W.; and Shelton, H M., "Shading Increases Yield of Nitrogen-Limited Tropical Grasses" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 9.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session56/9
Included in
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Shading Increases Yield of Nitrogen-Limited Tropical Grasses
This report summarises current research investigating the enhanced shoot growth and higher nitrogen (N) yield observed in N-deficient tropical grass pastures when moderately shaded. The "shade response" was consistently observed in a number of "run-down" tropical grass pastures, over a range of soil types. White there was evidence of translocation of N from roots of shaded grass, this source did not fully account for the additional N harvested in shoots. A more favourable microclimate at the soil surface-litter layer interface, particularly soil moisture, appeared to be responsible for improved litter breakdown and possibly soil mineralisation activity. The "shade response'' has important implications for the performance of pastures in silvipastoral systems.
