‘Grasslands Roa’ tall fescue: Dry matter production under grazing

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Abstract
‘Grasslands Roa’ and S170 tall fescues (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were compared with ‘Grasslands Ruanui’ perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) for 2 years in pastures grazed by sheep. During the first year, pastures were close-grazed at 2 frequencies (3- and 6-week), but in the second year at one frequency (3–4 weeks) with 2 intensities (down to 3 or 8 cm). Over the dry summer-autumn period, tall fescue was superior to ryegrass in both quantity and quality of herbage produced, resistar, tce to wilting, and persistence. Dry matter production of tall fescue was similar to ryegrass in winter, but poorer in spring. There was no difference in DM production between the 2 tall fescue culhvars. Clover contents were low particularly with tall fescue. Problems of establishment and early management of tall fescue are discussed.