Gittins1 C, CA Busso2, G Becker1, L Ghermandi3, G Siffredi1
Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.79, pp. 55-68, 2010, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2010.79.055
Abstract Poa ligularis is an important forage in Patagonian rangelands. Populations of this perennial bunchgrass have been severely affected by overgrazing. We propose that increased defoliation frequencies will decrease (1) aerial- and belowground dry matter production, (2) root survival, and (3) concentration and content of total non-structural crown + root carbohydrates, and (4) increase root mortality. Five defoliation frequencies (plus 1 control) were applied in a representative grassland of the Occidental District in Patagonia during two consecutive growing seasons. All four hypotheses were rejected. Aerial and belowground dry matter production increased from one to two or three… More >
Login
Register
