The Effect of Mowing Regime on an Amenity Grassland Ecosystem: Above-and Below-Ground Components

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Abstract
The effects of mowing frequency and cessation of mowing on ecosystem structure in a semi-permanent grassland [dominant grasses were Agrostis tenuis, Holcus lanatus and Anthoxanthum odoratum] are examined, with particular application to amenity grasslands. Belowground plant components are studied in detail as roots, rhizomes and a detached root fraction. High levels of primary production following cessation of mowing result in large surface accumulations of litter which limit grasses but favor the proliferation of forbs. Intensive mowing leads to increased investment in belowground components in the 2nd yr following the commencement of mowing. The results suggest that previous studies have often relied on unsatisfactory techniques of sampling and separation of belowground components. Besides the more obvious significance of roots, substantial amounts of rhizomes play an important role in regeneration following mowing. A detached root fraction which represents 16-41% of belowground dry wt was separated by flotation after all visible plant material had been removed.