The effect of fertilizer application and time of seasonal break on the growth and dominance of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula)

Abstract

Pot and field experiments were carried out to study the effect of N and P addition and time of seasonal break on the growth and dominance of capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) in mixed swards. In a pot experiment time of break had a much greater effect on capeweed dominance than fertilizer treatment with a late break increasing capeweed content. N and P treatments did not alter botanical composition of a predominantly capeweed pasture. The results suggest that manipulation of fertilizer application will have only small and possibly variable effects on the dominance of capeweed in pastures.