TY - GEN
T1 - Effect of nutrient input on the sustainability of sward composition and animal productivity
AU - Davies, D. Arthur
AU - Fothergill, Mick
AU - Morgan, Charles Thomas
A2 - Fisher, G.
A2 - Frankow-Lindberg, B. E.
N1 - Davies, D. A., Morgan, C. T., Fothergill, M. (2002). Effect of nutrient input on the sustainability of sward composition and animal productivity. REU Technical Series, Lowland Grasslands of Europe: Utilisation and Development. Proceedings FAO/CIHEAM Research Conference, La Corcina, Spain, 13-16 October 1998, Fisher, G.Frankow-Lindberg, B. FAO, Rome, 64, 93-96
Sponsorship: MAFF
PY - 2002
Y1 - 2002
N2 - An experiment was started in 1990 to study the effects of reducing input of major nutrients on the long-term sustainability of production from permanent pasture. Four treatments were imposed on a 25-year old pasture dominated by Lolium perenne and Agrostis capillaris namely: CaPKN, CaPK, Ca and no nutrients (Nil). Elimination of nutrients resulted in a rapid change in the balance between grass species in the sward. Tiller density of Lolium perenne declined dramatically after cessation of nutrient inputs whilst that of Agrostis capillaris and other unsown species increased. By 1995 Lolium accounted for only 24 percent of herbage DM production on the Nil treatment compared to 72 percent on the CaPKN treatment. In the same year, the contribution of Agrostis was 41 and 5 percent on the Nil and CaPKN treatments, respectively. Sheep carrying capacity over six years (1991-96) ranked CaPKN>CaPK>Ca>Nil. Ewe stocking rate from May to October 1996 was only 9.3 ewes ha-1 on the Nil sward compared to 25.5 ewes ha-1 on the pasture which received all four nutrients. The results show that maintenance application of major nutrients is essential for sustaining the productivity of improved permanent grassland.
AB - An experiment was started in 1990 to study the effects of reducing input of major nutrients on the long-term sustainability of production from permanent pasture. Four treatments were imposed on a 25-year old pasture dominated by Lolium perenne and Agrostis capillaris namely: CaPKN, CaPK, Ca and no nutrients (Nil). Elimination of nutrients resulted in a rapid change in the balance between grass species in the sward. Tiller density of Lolium perenne declined dramatically after cessation of nutrient inputs whilst that of Agrostis capillaris and other unsown species increased. By 1995 Lolium accounted for only 24 percent of herbage DM production on the Nil treatment compared to 72 percent on the CaPKN treatment. In the same year, the contribution of Agrostis was 41 and 5 percent on the Nil and CaPKN treatments, respectively. Sheep carrying capacity over six years (1991-96) ranked CaPKN>CaPK>Ca>Nil. Ewe stocking rate from May to October 1996 was only 9.3 ewes ha-1 on the Nil sward compared to 25.5 ewes ha-1 on the pasture which received all four nutrients. The results show that maintenance application of major nutrients is essential for sustaining the productivity of improved permanent grassland.
M3 - Conference Proceeding (Non-Journal item)
T3 - REU Technical Series
SP - 93
EP - 96
BT - Lowland Grasslands of Europe: Utilisation and Development
T2 - FAO/CIHEAM European Cooperative Research Network on Pastures and Fodder Crop Production, Subnetwork on Lowland Grassland Research Conference
Y2 - 13 October 1998 through 16 October 1998
ER -