The effects of height of stubble left after simulated rotational grazing on regrowth of star grass

Abstract

Star grass (Cynodon aethiopicus cv. No. 2) was grazed to leave stubble of 5, 15 or 25 cm in height after grazing. In the first year (1972–73) 350 kg N and 39 kg P per ha, and in the second year (1974–75) 500 kg N and 39 kg P per ha, were applied. Grazing was done at 15‐day intervals although in the first year this was not always possible because of poor rainfall which affected growth.

In both years amounts of herbage harvested above the three stubble heights decreased as the height of stubble left after grazing increased. The relative proportions of green leaf, dead leaf and stem were similar with all stubble heights although there was slightly less green leaf in the 5 cm stubble.

Uittreksel

Stergras (Cynodon aethiopicus cv. Nr. 2) is op stoppelhoogtes 5, 15 en 25 cm bewei. In die eerste seisoen (1972/73) is dit met 350 kg N en 39 kg P, en in die tweede seisoen (1974/1975) met 500kg N en 39kg P per ha berries. Die gras is vir 15 dae periodes bewei behalwe in die eerste seisoen toe dit soms te droog was.

In albei jare het die hoeveelheid weiding longer as die vereiste stoppellengte afgeneem soos die vereiste lengte na beweiding toegeneem het. Die relatiewe hoeveelhede groen blare, dooie blare en stamme was eenders vir alle stoppellengtes alhoewel daar effens minder groen blare by die 5 cm stoppellengte was.