The response of a rye-grass/white clover sward to various irrigation régimes

A variety of irrigation régimes were applied to a rye-grass/white clover sward, at several nitrogen levels, in small-plot field experiments. Herbage yields increased with decreasing soil moisture deficit. No outstandingly good irrigation régime was found, but some distinctly poor practices were identified, by reference to the yield per unit of irrigation water and to the shape of the annual growth curve. The significance of the results for irrigation practice is discussed. Tho authors wish to thank Dr William Davies for the provision of facilities, Mr R. J. Canaway and his staff who made the irrigation apparatus, many past and present colleagues who helped with the field work, and members of the Biometrics Department who analysed the data.