Publication Date

1997

Description

Chicory and ribwort were sown alone or with perennial ryegrass (PRG), PRG/white clover (WC) or WC at three seed rates (1, 5 and 20 kg/ha) in fields or in the glasshouse in the north-east of Scotland under organic farming conditions during 1995-96. PRG showed strong negative effects on root and shoot development of the herbs, but it increased total herbage production. WC had no marked effect on herb establishment when it was sown without PRG. Density dependent competition in herbs for different seed rates were higher during early establishment when plant count was high. Competition between companion species was higher during late establishment when herbs and companions were in their fast growing phase.

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The Nature of Competition Between Forage Herbs, Perennial Ryegrass, and White Clover Under Organic Farming Conditions

Chicory and ribwort were sown alone or with perennial ryegrass (PRG), PRG/white clover (WC) or WC at three seed rates (1, 5 and 20 kg/ha) in fields or in the glasshouse in the north-east of Scotland under organic farming conditions during 1995-96. PRG showed strong negative effects on root and shoot development of the herbs, but it increased total herbage production. WC had no marked effect on herb establishment when it was sown without PRG. Density dependent competition in herbs for different seed rates were higher during early establishment when plant count was high. Competition between companion species was higher during late establishment when herbs and companions were in their fast growing phase.