Influence of clipping and water stress on growth performance and nutrient value of four range grasses

Abstract

The paper examines the effect of water stress and clipping treatments on growth behaviour and nutrient value of 4 grasses, viz.,Lolium perenne, Poa pratensis (both C₃ plants), Chloris gayana and Panicum coloratum (both C₄ plants). Biomass, net production, relative growth rates were affected more markedly and adversely in the two C₄ species due to water stress. The effect of clipping varied with species and was generally more marked and adverse in two C₄ species. The C₃ plants developed higher R:S ratio under water stress. Water stress resulted in a greater decline of total non-structural carbohydrate and protein content in the two Q species. Clipping affected adversely the non-structural carbohydrate content and again the effect was more marked in the two C₄species. On the other hand, protein content in shoots of all plants increased due to clipping.