The light?proof box method was used to measure the potential vigour of cocksfoot and lucerne plants which had previously been subjected to different cutting frequencies. The yields of etiolated regrowth in cocksfoot plants that were well supplied with soil moisture declined with each successive harvest. In the lucerne trial the soil moisture content varied over a wide range and the etiolated regrowth yields correlated well with soil moisture content. The amount of etiolated regrowth made during the first twenty days in both species was olosely correlated with the total amount for the different treatments and therefore it was unnecessary to continue harvesting plants until growth ceased. Weight per growing organ was shown to be the most sensitive measure of plant vigour.
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.