Growth of Lotus creticus creticus and Cynodon dactylon under two levels of irrigation

Abstract

Soils with scarce plant covering are very susceptible to water and wind erosion. Two species recommended for permanent cover of soil are Lotus creticus creticus and Cynodon dactylon. The performance of both species cultivated in pure stands and in mixture and with 2 watering regimes, high (12.64 L/bag) and low (8.36 L/bag), was analysed in polyethylene bags between March and July in greenhouse conditions. With low watering the growth of both species was lower but mortality of plants was not observed. Growth of stems in L. creticus and stolons in C. dactylon did not stop with low watering. The growth of C. dactylon was higher than that of L. creticus at both watering regimes. Total root and green shoot biomass of each species was affected by watering. Green leaf area, root weight ratio, root hydraulic resistance, and watering efficiency (g biomass/L watering) differed with the combination of species. Green leaf area, root hydraulic resistance, and watering efficiency were higher in C. dactylon than in L. creticus. Root weight ratio was higher in L. creticus than in C. dactylon, but the specific length and area of roots were higher in C. dactylon than in L. creticus. Net photosynthesis rate of each species was only affected by watering regime. Performance of both species was not affected by the mixture and it has the potential to be a successful ground cover.