Evaluation of ‘Grasslands Puna’ chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in various grass mixtures under sheep grazing

Abstract

Growth of chicory (Cichorium intybus) in mixtures with different companion grass species and white clover (Trifolium repens) was examined over 4 years in a trial rotationally grazed by sheep. A mixture containing red clover (T. pratense) instead of chicory, and ryegrass (Lolium perenne), was also included. Over summer and autumn, pastures were either grazed frequently (every 3–4 weeks) or infrequently (4–6 weeks), and at other times of the year every 4 weeks. Chicory establishment was high (82% of viable seed sown), with 46 plants/m², declining to 15/m² by Year 4, whereas red clover plant numbers declined from 101/m² to 13/m². Dry matter (DM) yields of chicory and red clover increased from Year 1 to Year 3, then declined in Year 4. Over the 4 years, chicory contributed 34, 80, 85, and 57%, respectively, to green DM yield; red clover contributed 9, 24, 77, and 13%. Yields of sown grass were inversely related to chicory or red clover yields (P < 0.001, r= 0.82), particularly for chicory‐based pasture mixtures. Chicory and red clover both displayed a strong pattern of seasonal growth in response to temperature. This distinct pattern of growth for chicory‐based pastures was greatest for mixtures with tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) and prairie grass (Bromus willdenowii), grasses that were low‐yielding. In contrast, phalaris (Phalaris aquatica)‐chicory pastures had high grass growth in all seasons, resulting in the highest total annual DM yields and a more even seasonal spread of production. Ryegrass‐chicory pastures were intermediate and ryegrass/cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)‐chicory pastures were lower‐yielding. Red clover/ryegrass pastures had a more even seasonal spread of production, through greater winter and lower summer yields, than the chicory‐based pastures. Frequent grazing significantly decreased DM yields of chicory (‐19%), red clover (‐61%), and total green herbage (‐11%) compared with infrequent grazing, whereas there was no effect of grazing frequency on plant numbers of chicory or red clover.

Keywords:

• chicory
• Cichorium intybus L.
• cv. Grasslands Puna
• grazing frequency
• herbage yields
• herbage composition
• plant populations
• grass mixtures
• persistence
• seasonal yields