Loss of nitrogen from maturing plants

Abstract

Loss of nitrogen from maturing subterranean 'clover and soft brome plants was measured in both field and pot experiments. In subterranean clover, nitrogen loss commenced after seed setting. In soft brome grass, the loss began at flowering and continued until senescence. Nitrogen loss from herbage may be due to translocation to burrs and seeds, to leaching by rain and dew or to volatilization to the air. The practical implications of this nitrogen loss in terms of animal production are discussed.