Growth of pasture grasses under controlled environment : A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science with Honours in the University of Canterbury [Lincoln College]

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted, the first being designed to study the influence of light and nitrogen and their interactions over a period of time on the growth (as measured by Growth analysis) of two species short rotation ryegrass and prairie grass. two cultivars of the latter grass were used as information was sought on differences between species and within cultivars. The second experiment was designed primarily to study the role of light, nitrogen and also growth substances in the tillering of these two species in an effort to obtain some knowledge on this process in grasses of very differing tillering potential. Since no preliminary investigations could be performed, the scope of these experiments was wide, the aim being to determine possible differences in the response of these grasses to various environmental conditions. the effects of the main treatments only are reasonably predictable and then only in short rotation ryegrass, but the responses of prairie grass and the influence of interactions on both species could not be foreseen.