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

Abstract

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.

A Study of the Influence of Nitrogen on the Root Weight and Nodulation of White Clover in a Mixed Sward

“…Fairly vigorous growth in May and June, a result of a more rapid recovery after initial early spring drought, was reduced in subsequent months by heavy grass growth. Competition for water (16), nutrients (4) and in particular light (3) resulted in a progressive elimination of clover from the sward, loss of vigour and susceptibility to disease.…”

Effect of Fertilizer Nitrogen on Yield and Nitrogen Uptake by Grass‐Legume Pastures1

“…Nitrogen fertilization generally tends to decrease the clover content of grass-legume pastures (3, 10, 12). In some instances, higher yields of dry matter have been obtained with grasses fertilized with nitrogen than with grass-legume mixtures (8,10,11), while other investigators have reported higher yields with grass-legume mixtures (2,14). In grazing trials, Blaser et al (1) reported the highest carrying capacity per acre with tall fescue fertilized with nitrogen, and Compling et al ( 4) reported 55% more cow-days per acre from grass heavily fertilized with nitrogen than from a grass-legume mixture.…”

A Comparison of Grass‐Legume Mixtures and Grass Under Irrigation as Pastures for Yearling Steers1

“…Previous work at this station ( 16) has shown that seasonal applications of 100 pounds of available nitrogen, when applied at three intervals, produced as much forage as higher nitrogen rates. In addition, this level of nitrogen did not markedly reduce the percentage 9f clover in the grass-Ladino mixture compared with stands to which no nitrogen fertilizer had been added.…”