The Influence of Light Reduction Upon the Production, Persistence and Chemical Composition of Coastal Bermudagrass, Cynodon Dactylon¹

Synopsis Three degrees of shade reduced forage yields, stands, root and rhizome yields, underground reserves, and available carbohydrates but increased moisture, lignin, crude protein, true protein, P, Ca, and Mg contents of forage fertilized with 200 pounds of N per acre. Rate of yield reduction was much higher in heavily fertilized grass (1600 pounds N) and paralleled light reductions. Heavily fertilized grass showed much less change in chemical composition due to shade.