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The effect of ground water-level upon productivity and composition of fenland grass

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

A. Eden ,
G. Alderman ,
C. J. L. Baker ,
H. H. Nicholson  and
D. H. Firth
A. Eden
Affiliation:
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, National Agricultural Advisory Service, Anstey Hall, Trumpington, Cambridge
G. Alderman
Affiliation:
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, National Agricultural Advisory Service, Anstey Hall, Trumpington, Cambridge
C. J. L. Baker
Affiliation:
Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, National Agricultural Advisory Service, Anstey Hall, Trumpington, Cambridge
H. H. Nicholson
Affiliation:
School of Agriculture, University of Cambridge
D. H. Firth
Affiliation:
School of Agriculture, University of Cambridge
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Extract

1. Studies were made of the effects of varying ground water-levels upon the productivity and composition of Italian Ryegrass grown on a calcareous light peat in the Fenland area. Six cuts were taken throughout the season at 3 to 4-weekly intervals.

2. High ground water-level (approximately 15in. below ground surface) had a very deleterious effect on the total yield of fresh grass and of dry matter. Yields were little more than half of those obtained at medium and low water-levels (24 and 38 in. below ground surface, respectively).

3. High water-level apparently interfered with nitrogen metabolism in the soil, and considerably lower percentages of crude protein were found in the grass growing on the high water-level plots than at the other levels. On the other hand, the percentage of crude fibre remained fairly constant for all levels of ground water.

4. High water-level also had a depressing effect on the percentage of potassium, magnesium and chlorine in the grass. It had no obvious effect upon the calcium and phosphorus levels in the plants. The silica content of the grass rose steadily as the season advanced, this being most marked on the high water-level plots.

5. Physical examination of typical plants showed the effect of the various ground water-levels upon the development of the root systems, with consequent effect upon the chemical composition of the grass.

6. The composition of hay and aftermath showed similar changes to those reported for the green herbage.

7. The findings are discussed in relation to grassdrying policies in Fenland areas.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Journal of Agricultural Science , Volume 41 , Issue 3 , July 1951 , pp. 191 - 202
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1951

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References

REFERENCES

Nicholson, H. H. (1949). Agric. Progr. 24, 112.Google Scholar
Nicholson, H. H., Alderman, G. & Firth, D. H. (1951). J: Agri. Sci. 41, 149.Google Scholar
Schneider-Kleeburg, K. (1930). Verhandlungsbericht, 2. Tagung der Weide und Wiesenwirte, p. 67.Google Scholar