Seasonal Variation of Taproot Biomass and N Content of Lucerne Crops Under Contrasting Grazing Frequencies

Presenter Information

E. I. Teixeira, Lincoln University, New ZealandFollow
D. J. Moot, Lincoln University, New ZealandFollow
H. E. Brown, Lincoln University, New Zealand
M. Mickelbart, Lincoln University, New Zealand

Description

Taproot nitrogen reserves (TN, kg N/ha) a function of N concentration within taproots (N%) and taproot biomass (TBM) are a major determinant of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) growth rates after defoliation and in early-spring (Avice et al., 1997b). Several studies have shown that N% changes with seasons (Cunninghan & Volenec, 1998) and defoliation frequencies (Avice et al., 1997a). However the seasonal pattern of TBM deserves further investigation as the dynamics of root reserves is a weak point in lucerne simulation models (Confalonieri & Bechini, 2004). The objective of this experiment was to assess the seasonal variation in TN through the measurement of TBM and N% of lucerne crops subjected to two defoliations frequencies.

Citation

Teixeira, E. I.; Moot, D. J.; Brown, H. E.; and Mickelbart, M., "Seasonal Variation of Taproot Biomass and N Content of Lucerne Crops Under Contrasting Grazing Frequencies" (2023). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 442.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/20/themeA/442