THE ESTABLISHMENT OF GRASS AND FODDER CROPS AFTER SWARD DESTRUCTION BY HERBICIDES

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Abstract
A series of 9 experiments carried out on an alluvial soil at two levels of fertility during the period 1971–3 showed that cultivation of the mineral soil was unnecessary for the satisfactory germination, emergence and establishment of a wide range of forage crops. With small‐seeded crops (grasses and clover) non‐cultivation gave improved establish ment and early growth compared with crops from soil which had been disturbed.A second series of 6 experiments investigated the effects of surface plant material on the establishment of a smaller range of forage crops sown without cultivation. The presence of this mat or trash was associated with a reduction in establishment of seedlings, but not with subsequent growth of the plants that became established. Treatments which processed or partially removed the organic matter were associated with increased emergence. Crops with small seeds were more susceptible to the effects of organic matter than those with larger seeds.

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