THE EFFECT OF IRRIGATION AND STOCKING RATE ON THE OUTPUT FROM A SWARD I. METHODS AND HERBAGE RESULTS.

In view of the paucity of information on the effect of grassland irrigation on livestock production, a grazing experiment was made in 1960 and 1961 in which the response to irrigation was measured at two dairy-cow stocking rates. The method and herbage results are described. The increases in herbage utilized as a result of irrigation were comparable with the results of cutting experiments, averaging 342 Ib of ash-free organic matter per acre-inch of water used. Irrigation also increased the uniformity of herbage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]