Theme 1: Grassland Ecology
Description
In low-input grassland, patch-grazing leads to tall and short patches that provide different growth conditions for the grass sward. Since belowground biomass and the associated turnover represent the main carbon input to soil in grassland, we investigated within-pasture variation of above- and belowground net primary production in relation to patches over one year of production in a long-term grazing experiment during the year 2022. The analysis of above- and belowground net primary production showed an effect of patch types, partly in interaction with the month, indicating a strong variation due to climatic conditions. In those few cases where differences existed among patches, then tall patches were more productive than short ones. Overall, the experimental year was unusually dry and hot.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Belowground Productivity in Patches of Heterogeneous Grass Swards After Nearly Two Decades of Low-Intensity Cattle Grazing
In low-input grassland, patch-grazing leads to tall and short patches that provide different growth conditions for the grass sward. Since belowground biomass and the associated turnover represent the main carbon input to soil in grassland, we investigated within-pasture variation of above- and belowground net primary production in relation to patches over one year of production in a long-term grazing experiment during the year 2022. The analysis of above- and belowground net primary production showed an effect of patch types, partly in interaction with the month, indicating a strong variation due to climatic conditions. In those few cases where differences existed among patches, then tall patches were more productive than short ones. Overall, the experimental year was unusually dry and hot.
