Effect of nitrogen on some morphogenetic traits of temperate and tropical perennial forage grasses.

Abstract

Topics discussed in this chapter include N and morphogenesis of tufted and of stoloniferous grasses, the effects on the development of leaf area index in both types of grasses, and the consequences for forage quality and grassland management. It is considered that the benefits of applying N to grasses, such as improvements in digestibility or nitrogen content may be cancelled out in stoloniferous grasses by the excessively high proportion of stems in the sward. Improving the nutritive value of stoloniferous species by selection for morphogenetic criteria is discussed. It is suggested that more rapid progress may be made by adapting N fertilizer practices, adjustment of stocking rates to herbage growth, and choosing the most appropriate date to cut or graze during the regrowth cycle.