Original scientific paper
The response of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) to N fertilizing and stocking density in semi-natural grassland
Krešimir Bošnjak
; Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Josip Leto
Goran Perčulija
Marina Vranić
Hrvoje Kutnjak
Abstract
Reduction of stocking rates and fertilizer inputs are recommended for maintaining or enhancing biodiversity of semi-natural habitats. White clover population could be affected by changes in grassland
production intensity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the white clover response on N application and stocking density. Three-year experiment was carried out on semi-natural grassland that was rotationally grazed with sheep. Three levels of N fertilizer were applied: 35, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1 (N35, N100 and N150, respectively) and two levels of stocking density were managed: 68 and 119 animal units ha-1 (ZP68 and ZP119, respectively) to investigate their effect on white clover dry matter (DM) yield, white clover content, frequency and regenerative ability. White clover DM yield and its content in the sward was not affected by the stocking density. The white clover content decreased during the experiment. The effect of N application on regenerative ability parameters was not constant and depends on the part of the vegetation season. These results indicate that the white clover is an unstable floristic component in the type of grassland investigated under applied management practice. However, reduction in N inputs is necessary to improve performance and the regenerative ability of the white clover.
Keywords
white clover; semi-natural grassland; N fertilizing; stocking density; regenerative ability
Hrčak ID:
40523
URI
Publication date:
5.9.2009.
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