Seasonal variation in the distribution of white clover (Trifolium repensL.) stolons among 3 horizontal strata in 2 grazed swards

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Abstract
White clover stolon material from pasture under rotational grazing by cattle (RGC) and set stocking by sheep (SSS) was dissected into 3 classes: aerial stolon, surface stolon and buried stolon. The length and dry weight of stolon in each class were measured. Stolon length and weight measurements showed the same trends. The amount of stolon in each class varied markedly with time of sampling and grazing management. The pattern of seasonal change in distribution among the classes was similar for both grazing managements. Aerial stolon peaked in March and then decreased to very low levels in winter and spring. Surface stolon peaked in summer-autumn and was at a minimum in winter and spring. Buried stolon contributed a large proportion of total stolon weight at all times of the year but varied markedly with season, ranging from a minimum of 30 and 40% in late summer to 87 and 99% in early spring in RGC and SSS swards, respectively. There was a sudden decrease by 50% in the size of the buried-stolon class during Oct. and Nov. which was attributed to stolon death and decomposition. The RGC treatment had greater stolon weights than SSS in each class, as well as a greater proportion of total stolon in the surface and aerial classes. The significance of the large buried stolon population to the ecology of white clover in grazed swards is discussed. Aspects discussed include burial of stolons by surface wormcasts, death and decomposition of buried stolons, and the process by which white clover reestablishes growing points on the soil surface from buried stolons.