Effect of grazing and intensity on Lolium perenne L. pastures under subtropical condition: herbage production

Abstract

The dry matter (DM) production of Lolium perenne (perennial ryegrass) pastures was evaluated under subtropical conditions for two years, under five combinations of grazing frequency and intensity, each applied in a rotational grazing system. Simulated continuous grazing (CG) was also tested. Low-frequency grazing produces superior DM yields to high-frequency or continuous grazing. High-frequency grazing (including CG) promoted a greater level of weed production, particularly during the second year, relative to low-frequency grazing. Perennial ryegrass producers should therefore adopt low-frequency grazing to promote DM production and minimize weed invasion. Grazing intensity did not influence DM production. Dry matter production was characteristically elevated during spring and autumn, and relatively less during mid- to late-summer and during winter. Perennial rye grass pastures therefore produce well when the tropical pasture species are relatively inactive.

Keywords: continuous grazing; dm yield; dry matter production; grass pastures; grasses; grazing frequency; grazing intensity; herbage production; lolium perenne; pastures; perennial ryegrass; pietermaritzburg; rotational grazing; rye; ryegrass; south africa; ukulinga research station; weed infestation; yield

African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 13(1): pp. 1-5