The long-term impact of nitrogen fertiliser on perennial ryegrass tiller and white clover growing point densities in grazed dairy pastures in south-western Victoria

Abstract

A 3-year grazing experiment determined the impact of multiple applications of different rates of nitrogen (N) fertiliser, applied over autumn and winter in 1997, 1998, and 1999, on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)/white clover (Trifolium repens) tiller and growing point densities (stolon apices with at least 2 nodes). Annual pasture dry matter (DM) yields were also monitored. Four treatments were replicated 3 times in a randomised block design and included: 0 N (A); 3 applications of 25 kg N/ha (B); 3 applications of 50 kg N/ha (C); and 3 applications of 75 kg N/ha (D). Urea (46% N) was the N source. Grazing of treatment plots occurred at a pre-grazing herbage mass of 2200–2500 kg DM/ha.

Over 3 years, N applications consistently increased annual pasture DM yields by 0.9–3.3 t/ha when a total of 75–225 kg N/ha was applied annually.

Generally, treatments B, C, and D resulted in higher perennial ryegrass tiller densities than treatment A. An exception occurred from July 1998 in Year 2 to July 1999 in Year 3, when all perennial ryegrass densities were similar. Nitrogen fertiliser generally produced no consistent effect on white clover growing point density, with the exception of July–December in Year 2 when treatments B, C, and D resulted in lower growing point densities than treatment A. Clover growing point density decreased over the trial period irrespective of treatment. There were no N fertiliser effects on 'other' grasses and broadleaved weeds. 'Other' grasses (mainly winter grass, Poa annua) did, however, peak in density (up to 2500 tillers/m²) from July to September each year.

Seasonally, the peak perennial ryegrass tiller density was similar each year and occurred during late winter–early spring (5450 tillers/m² in July 1997; 6200 tillers/m² in August 1998; 5400 tillers/m² in July 1999). This was followed by a trough over midsummer (800 tillers/m² in January 1998; 725 tillers/m² in January 1999). White clover growing point density declined over 3 years. During this decline there were peaks in June 1997 (2650 growing points/m²), November 1997 (1600 growing points/m²), June 1998 (1250 growing points/m²), April 1999 (1050 growing points/m²), and November 1999 (850 growing points/m²). Troughs occurred in January 1998 (530 growing points/m²) and February 1999 (380 growing points/m²).

It is concluded that although increasing applications of N increased annual pasture DM yields and generally increased perennial ryegrass tiller densities, with little effect on clover growing point densities, there is little to suggest that N fertiliser alone would enhance the persistence of these pasture species. Persistence is likely to be influenced by a combination of factors including grazing management and climatic effects, rather than N fertiliser alone.