PERFORMANCE IN MIXED SWARDS OF THREE PERENNIAL RYEGRASS AND THREE WHITE CLOVER VARIETIES AT TWO NITROGEN LEVELS

All combinations of Oriel, S.321 and Sceempter (pasture) perennial ryegrass with Blanca, S.100 and S.184 white clover varieties were evaluated in cut mixed swards oyer a 2-year period. Large differences in seasonal growth were observed, but total annual yields were almost similar for all mixtures. Nitrogen suppressed the clover content of the swards, but not enough to outweigh the increase in yield of 3,000 kg dry matter per ha in the year after sowing. Blanca maintained a much higher clover content in the swards than did the other white clover varieties. Sceempter perennial ryegrass sup pressed clover more strongly than did either Oriel or S.321. There were no grass x clover varietal interactions.