Grasses in Winter

The Aberystwyth district experienced exceptionally cold winter weather in 1954, 1955 and 1956, especially during the period from the end of January to early March. Its effect on the grasses, both in the single‐plant nurseries and in the agronomic experimental areas, is briefly described. It was observed that plants which entered the winter carrying a bulk of herbage in a winter‐proud condition were at a disadvantage compared with those which had been reasonably grazed or cut back during the autumn. The younger plants were found to be better able than the older ones to withstand extreme conditions. Suggestions are made as to how some simple‐mixture swards can be managed so as to be reasonably likely to provide keep in situ during the difficult months December to April. The species under consideration are cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), timothy (Phleum pratense and P. nodosum), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perernne) and Italian ryegrass (L. italicum).