The Effect of Clipping, Nitrogen Application, and Weather on the Productivity of Fall Sown Oats, Ryegrass and Crimson Clover 1

T H E R E has been an increased reliance on winker grazing as a sourcz of feed during the winter months In the southeastern United States. It has been found that high production and dependability of winter pastures are influenced by factors such as date of planting, fertilization, rainfall, temperature, and diseases (3, 4, 5 , 10). Burton, e/ id. (3) reported that winter pasture crops differed in the production of fall forage, and that by rotationally gaz ing sevcral crops, an adequate supply of pasturage could be maintained. However, since many farmers rely on one winter grazing crop or mixture, it is necessary to secure maximum production on a small acreage. As a means of conserving winter pasturage, it has been suggested that forage growth be allowed to accumulate prior to cold weather and that grazing be regulated during the winter months (3, 5 , 10) . Extensive investigations have been conducted concerning the effects of rotational grazing and frequency of clipping of permanent pasture plants on animal and forage production. Conflicting results have been reported, but usually rotational rather than continuous grazing has resulted in the maintenance of higher quality forage and improved aciinal performance (4, 6, 9, 13). Frequent removal of foliage has resulted in a reduction of root and forage growth and a decrease in the amount of lignin and fiber fractions, but the nitrogen, ether extract, ash, calcium, and phosphorus contents of the plant have been higher with such management. (1, 2 ,