Reserve Carbohydrates in Orchard Grass Cut for Hay

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Abstract
In a study of the reserve carbohydrates of orchard grass, plants were cut at an early hay stage. Yields and carbohydrate and N analyses of tops, stubble, and roots were made before cutting for hay and at intervals up to 35 days after cutting. N. fertilization 14 days before hay cutting did not alter the hay yield but increased its protein content and decreased the Bucrose and fructosan of the stubble and roots. Aftermath yield was greatest when N was applied on the day when the hay was cut but its percentage protein was highest when N was applied 14 days after hay harvest. The application of N, whether applied on the day of hay cut or 7 or 14 days later, decreased sucrose and fructosan of both stubble and roots as compared with those of unfertilized plants and increased total and especially soluble nitrogen in all parts. A preliminary expt. to study the relation of carbohydrate reserves to the recovery of grasses indicated that the amt. of aftermath growth was not related to the carbohydrate content of the reserve organs.