The Influence of Sectional Grazing and Manuring on the Flora of Grassland

Abstract

The effect of sectional grazing combined with adequate manurial treatment not only increased the stock-carrying capacity of the vegetation (yield), but increased and prolonged the vegetative period of growth. The nature of the vegetation altered in the proportion of the various plants present while the number of spp. tended to decrease. The outstanding differences were the marked increase of perennial rye grass and wild white clover which under good treatment tend to form an association. This association (and sometimes rough stalked meadow grass) dominates bent, yorkshire fog and weeds, so long as the soil remains in good condition and grazing is skilfully managed. If growth is allowed to become longer than is necessary for rotational grazing, certain grasses and weeds are afforded a greater opportunity. Even crested dogstail and sweet vernal increase when near the flowering stage. Applications of such manures as (NHO4)2SO4 following a general treatment can, with judicious grazing, produce the same result as irrigation with the effluent of town sewage. The resulting vegetation in both cases shows a strong resemblance to the flora of fattening pastures. The effect of (NH4)2SO4 and other nitrogenous manures is not directly depressing on white clover, provided there is no deficiency in lime, phosphate and potash. Apart from slight seasonal fluctuations, after the initial changes have occurred in the flora of grassland under any method of controlled treatment, the status quo of the various spp. will not alter so long aa the treatment remains constant.