ISSN:
1365-2494
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
The effects of drainage on the yield of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) swards grown for silage, and on soil development under grassland, were studied between 1982 and 1985.Over the 4 years of the experiment, drainage resulted in a mean increase in herbage production of 1-5 t dry matter (DM) ha−1, 16% above the yield recorded on the undrained site. Drainage also led to increased herbage nitrogen contents at every cut except one, so that total nitrogen recovery was increased by an average of 24-8 kg N ha−1 (15%) when drainage was installed. These total differences were mainly due to differences that were present at the first cut taken in June each year; drainage led to an average 24% increase in yield, and an average 27% increase in nitrogen recovery at the first cut.Detailed sward measurements taken in 1985 endeavoured to explain these differences; drainage increased depth to free water over winter, enabling increased root efficiency and nitrogen availability, greater tillering and more rapid leaf extension in early spring. There was some suggestion that drainage also led to an improved topsoil structure in terms of improved aggregation and aeration. This is important for long-term soil development as well as short-term herbage yield.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2494.1988.tb02158.x
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