A comparative method for describing the seasonal distribution of production from grasses

Abstract

SummaryA standard method is proposed for establishing the seasonal pattern of production for grasses. The procedure consists in recording the yield from grass swards cut every 4 weeks and from which limitations to growth from the supply of water or nutrients have been removed. Four series of plots are harvested in rotation, spaced a week apart so that there is a routine of harvesting a constant number of plots on the same day each week. A statistical analysis is also described enabling comparisons to be made between the grasses under test. An example is given to illustrate the method and the results obtained.