Temporal changes in genetic diversity and forage yield of perennial ryegrass in monoculture and in combination with red clover in swards.

ABSTRACT: Agricultural grasslands are often cultivated as mixtures of grasses and legumes, and an extensive body of literature is available regarding interspecific interactions, and how these relate to yield and agronomic performance. However, knowledge of the impact of intraspecific diversity on grassland functioning is scarce. We investigated these effects during a 4-year field trial established with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and red clover (Trifolium pratense). We simulated different levels of intraspecific functional diversity by sowing single cultivars or by combining cultivars with contrasting growth habits, in monospecific or bispecific settings (i.e. perennial ryegrass whether or not in combination with red clover). Replicate field plots were established for seven seed compositions

SUBMITTER: Verwimp C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6224058 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature