Soil Moisture Availability in Irrigated and Nonirrigated Pastures 1

Synopsis On Ephrata fine sandy loam, greater acre yields were obtained from mid‐summer irrigation at 7‐ to 11‐day frequency and 12‐inch clipping height than at longer frequency and less height. Clover percentage was highest under most frequent treatments. Clipping height did not affect botanical composition. Third‐year results showed greatest total yield from 100 lbs. N per acre applied in equal increments in April, June, and August.

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 93%

Some Effects of Moisture, Nitrogen Fertilizer, and Clipping On Yield and Botanical Composition of Ladino Clover‐Orchardgrass Pasture Under Irrigation¹

Nelson¹,

Robins

1956

“…Van Horn ( 11) of Tennessee, using a mixture of orchardgrass-Ladino clover, found a water requirement of 2 inches for each 10-day period during the April to October season. When the rainfall dropped below two inches in the summer, McKibben ( 7) in Illinois found that additional water was needed to maintain maximum growth of a grass-legume mixture.…”

Section: Review Of Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Growth Responses of Alfalfa and Sudangrass in Relation to Cutting Practices and Soil Moisture¹

Dennis¹,

Harrison²,

Erickson

1959

Synopsis Yield was associated directly with cutting interval, regrowth being stimulated by frequent cutting for only a short period. Water consumed, per unit of forage produced, decreased as length of cutting interval increased. Sudangrass used moisture from the upper foot of soil and was more efficient in water use than alfalfa during June, July, and August. Consumptive use of water was closely associated with rainfall during the period of active plant growth.

“…Defoliation has reduced herbage production ( 4,9), root growth ( 3), and the soil depth that moisture could be extracted by the plant ( 2, 5,6). Most reports indicate that the more frequent and severe the clipping treatment the lower the production of shoots, rhizomes, and roots.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Soil Moisture Extraction Trends of Several Legume‐Grass Mixtures as Affected by Cutting Frequency and Nitrogen Fertilization¹

Wolf¹

1964

Synopsis Soil moisture extracted under mixtures cut 3 times was less at the 12‐inch soil depth, but greater at the 48‐inch depth, than with 5 cuttings. Extraction under alfalfa‐grass mixtures receiving nitrogen was greater at 12 inches, but usually less at 48 inches, than under mixtures receiving no nitrogen. Mixtures containing alfalfa extracted less soil moisture at 12 inches, but more at 48 inches, than mixtures containing birdsfoot trefoil or ladino clover.