The effects of season and frequency of cutting on the productivity of various grasses under coastal conditions in northern Queensland

Abstract

Nineteen perennial grasses were subjected to monthly, two-monthly, and three-monthly cutting treatments over a period of one or two years. The grasses with two exceptions exhibit a phase of high productivity immediately following the period of establishment; thereafter each twelve months can be divided into four productivity periods: "rapid increase," "zenith," "rapid decrease" and "low." The three main environmental factors controlling the pattern of productivity appear to be rainfall, temperature, and length of day.