An artificial pasture was established using a forage seed mixture commonly used in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia. For five growing seasons, the plots were subjected to all combinations of two fertilizer levels, four frequencies of mowing, and the removal or not of small divots to create small gaps. All species were still present at the end of the study, but onlyDactylis glomeratawas found in all treatments; the abundance of ryegrasses (Loliumspp.) and clovers (Trifoliumspp.) declined considerably, and there were significantbetween-year differences for all species. Mowingand fertilizationhad significant impacts on the abundance of all species, and there was a significantfertilization times; mowing interaction effect on all species exceptFestucasp. Divot removal had little impact. The number of species per plot and species diversity were highest, but the abundance of species was lowest, in unfertilized and frequently mown plots. The results are discussed in the context of tolerance to shading, nutrient application and growth rates, and competitive exclusion.Key words: mowing, fertilization, disturbance.
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