Defoliation frequency and season affected radiation use efficiency and dry matter partitioning to roots of lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.) crops

• Published in: European journal of agronomy Vol. 28; no. 2; pp. 103 - 111
• Main Authors: Teixeira, Edmar I., Moot, Derrick J., Brown, Hamish E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.02.2008; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions; Alfalfa; Biological and medical sciences; Carbon and nitrogen partitioning; crop yield; defoliation; dry matter accumulation; dry matter partitioning; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; grazing; leaves; light intensity; Light use efficiency; Medicago sativa; nitrogen; nitrogen content; Photosynthesis; photosynthetically active radiation; plant nutrition; radiation use efficiency; Root reserves; roots; seasonal variation; Shoot/root ratio; shoots; Simulation modelling; solar radiation; weight; New Zealand; Oceania; Light use efficiency; Shoot/root ratio; Simulation modelling; Alfalfa; Photosynthesis; Carbon and nitrogen partitioning; Root reserves; Dry matter; Radiation use efficiency; Defoliation; Partitioning; Seasonal variation; Dicotyledones; Angiospermae; Lucerne; Metabolic storage; Translocation; Root; Medicago sativa; Nitrogen; Carbon; Leguminosae; Frequency; Spermatophyta; Fodder crop; Shoot

Radiation use efficiency (RUE), and subsequent partitioning between shoots and roots were investigated for ‘Grasslands Kaituna’ lucerne crops grown in the cool temperate climate of Canterbury, New Zealand. Crops were grazed by sheep every 28 or 42 day and yielded 12 and 23 t DM/ha year, respectively...