Rate of loss of dry matter and change in chemical composition of nine pasture species over summer

The rate of disappearance of the dry residues of nine pasture species was measured over a 139 day period during summer at Kybybolite in South Australia. Clovers and capeweed disappeared at about two to three times the rate of the perennial grasses. High rates of disappearance were associated with initially low fibre and high nitrogen, sulphur, calcium and sodium concentrations. Fibre, nitrogen and calcium concentrations tended to increase with time, potassium, sodium and chloride concentrations decreased and ash, sulphur, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations showed no consistent changes with time for all species. The rate of loss of dry matter and change in chemical composition of samples stored indoors was small and not significant.