Some effects of cutting for hay on production of irrigated annual pastures in the following year

Abstract

The effects of mowing irrigated annual pastures (Wimmera ryegrass, Lolium rigidum Gaud., and subterranean clover, Trifolium subterraneum L.) in spring for hay and of the removal of dry residues in summer were assessed by combining the operations factorially on two sites, one grass dominant, the other clover dominant. For the grass dominant sward winter yields of grass and clover in the season following mid-October mowing were respectively reduced to 43 per cent and 71 per cent of the uncut controls. In the same experiment, yields of surface seed were reduced to 24 per cent of the uncut controls. Winter yields of the clover dominant pastures were not significantly depressed except by mowing late in October. Spring yields of all treatments were similar. The tolerance of subterranean clover to cutting is discussed in relation to seed yield and the germination of above- and below-surface seed.