Persistence and yield of Lolium perenne in different harvest systems

摘要

The effects of cut date, cut interval and number of cuts on dry matter (DM) yield and persistence were studied in two field trials with pure stands of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in Sweden (57-59°N). The aftermath effect of the harvest system was studied one year after treatment. There was a site-specific impact of harvest system, with the most critical parameter being time of first and last cut. Delaying the first cut increased DM yield, bin the aftermath effect depended on site. Early first harvest increased ley DM yield in the next year at northern sites, but decreased it at southern sites.