Effect of cutting frequency on above- and belowground biomass production of soft rush (Juncus effusus) and compact rush (J.conglomerates)

摘要

The infestation by soft rush {/uncus effusus L.) and compact rush (J. conglomerate L.) has increased in coastal western Norway in recent decades, reducing forage quality and hampering milk and meat production. This field study explored the developmentof aboveground and bclowground fractions of rush from seedlings to three-year-old plants, including the impact on regrowth capacity of one and two cuts per year. Soft rush showed significantly higher biomass and tussock area than compact rush after thefirst growing season. One annual cut in July effectively reduced biomass production in both species by 30-82%, whereas two yearly cuts in June and August gave only a small additional decrease in growth compared to one annual cut. Mechanical control measures such as cutting or mowing can thus effectively reduce rush vigour when performed in late summer.