COMPARISON OF TALL FESCUE AND PERENNIAL RYEGRASS PASTURE AT TWO FERTILITY LEVELS

摘要

Perennial ryegrass (Loliumperenne L.) (PRG) persistence in the Midwest has generally been poor due to climatic conditions. It has been proposed by commercial interests that higher levels of P, S, and micronutrient fertilization may enhance persistenceof PRG in a continental climate. A two-year grazing plot study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 'BG34' and 'Mara' PRG and 'Stargrazer' tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) at two fertility levels. High fertility treatment consisted of higher levels of P and K than low fertility treatment and the addition of S, B, Cu, and Zn. Plots were grazed each time an individual plot reached target height of six to eight in. with a target of 50% utilization within a seven hour period. Fertility treatment did not significantly affect total forage yield, daily growth rate, rest period required, or stand persistence. Tall fescue was significantly higher yielding, exhibited faster regrowth, and required shorter rest periods than PRG. Over the two year duration of the study, tall fescue increased in stand density while PRG declined. This study does not support the claim for fertility management as a tool for enhancing performance of PRG in a continental climate.