Tufts of Themeda triandra were subjected to different frequencies of defoliation during a single season under irrigated and non?irrigated conditions. Frequent defoliation (> 5 times per year) severely reduced clipped yield on both moisture treatments. On irrigated treatments, root mass declined and shoot apex elevation was suppressed with increasing frequency of defoliation. Tiller densities and stubble mass were not affected by frequency of clipping. Severe drought experienced during the experimental period probably masked some of the responses to frequency of defoliation on non?irrigated treatments.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.