ISSN:
1365-2494
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of the timing and severity of defoliation on the vigour of the soft rush (Juncus effusus). Three levels of defoliation (uncut, cut at half the current green stem height, and cut at ground level) were applied at each of two cutting dates (the end of June and the end of August) in a factorial design that gave nine cutting treatments. Treatments were imposed for two consecutive years and their effects on tussock size (rush herbage mass) and vigour, as determined by green stem height, peripheral green stem density, and the proportion of flowering green stems, were assessed in Year 3. Defoliation to half the current green stem height either once or twice annually had no effect on tussock mass or vigour. Defoliation to ground level reduced tussock mass and vigour but a large number of green, living stems remained on all treatments, indicating considerable potential for regeneration once the cutting treatments had ceased. There was no significant effect of number or timing of the cuts, but the results suggest that cutting rushes to ground level twice during the growing season is more effective at reducing rush vigour. Where only a single cut is possible, cutting in August after flowering is the best option.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2494.1995.tb02299.x
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