Publication Date
1993
Description
Effects of contrasting lucerne (Medicago saliva L.) cover (open versus closed canopy) on establishment of overdrilled Bromus wifldeowii Kunth cv. Grasslands Matua prairie grass, Pllalari:r aq11a1ica L. cv. Grasslands Matu phalaris and Loli11m pere111Ie L cv. Grasslands Nui perennial ryegrass were investigated. Prairie grass seedling survival was unaffected by lucerne cover at 84%. However, survival of ryegrass and phalaris was reduced to 35 and 46% of their respective values 'under open canopy. Productivity of all 3 species was affected by canopy state. Leaf area per plant, tiller number per plant and dry matter production were all lower under the closed canopy than under the open canopy. Canopy closure reduced root length density from 4.8 Ip 2.2 km/ml. In combination with ryegrass and phalaris, lucerne intercepted 268 and 228 MI PAR/m1 respectively over a 47-day regrowth period. When grown with prairie grass, however, lucerne intercepted 160 MJ PAR/m1, with the prairie grass component intercepting 209 MI. Results from this experiment suggest that on moderately deep soils, above-ground competition for light is important to survival and productivity of overdrilled grasses.
Citation
Ayalsew, A Z.; McKenzie, B A.; and Smetham, M L., "Effects of an Existing Lucerne sward on Establishment and Productivity of Three Over drilled Grass Species" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 8.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session7/8
Included in
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Effects of an Existing Lucerne sward on Establishment and Productivity of Three Over drilled Grass Species
Effects of contrasting lucerne (Medicago saliva L.) cover (open versus closed canopy) on establishment of overdrilled Bromus wifldeowii Kunth cv. Grasslands Matua prairie grass, Pllalari:r aq11a1ica L. cv. Grasslands Matu phalaris and Loli11m pere111Ie L cv. Grasslands Nui perennial ryegrass were investigated. Prairie grass seedling survival was unaffected by lucerne cover at 84%. However, survival of ryegrass and phalaris was reduced to 35 and 46% of their respective values 'under open canopy. Productivity of all 3 species was affected by canopy state. Leaf area per plant, tiller number per plant and dry matter production were all lower under the closed canopy than under the open canopy. Canopy closure reduced root length density from 4.8 Ip 2.2 km/ml. In combination with ryegrass and phalaris, lucerne intercepted 268 and 228 MI PAR/m1 respectively over a 47-day regrowth period. When grown with prairie grass, however, lucerne intercepted 160 MJ PAR/m1, with the prairie grass component intercepting 209 MI. Results from this experiment suggest that on moderately deep soils, above-ground competition for light is important to survival and productivity of overdrilled grasses.
