Variations in vernalization requirements among ecotypes of Festuca hallii

Plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii [Vasey] Piper) is an important forage grass species in the Northern Great Plains of Canada. Its seed is in demand for forage production and habitat restoration, but erratic seed production limits supply. A comprehensive understanding of factors influencing flowering and seed production in this species is needed. This study evaluated the morphological and phenological variation among six ecotypes of F. hallii from Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Seeds were germinated, and seedlings were grown in the field and then transplanted to a greenhouse in November. Plants not flowering in the greenhouse were vernalized under 5°C and 8-h light for 11 weeks. In a separate experiment, plants were subjected to temperature regimes of 15/5°C, 10/0°C and 5/−5°C with day-length treatments of 12 h, 8 h and a gradually changing daylength from 12 to 8 h respectively. This study demonstrated the existence of considerable variation in morphological and phenological characteristics, and in growth and vernalization requirements among ecotypes of F. hallii. Vernalization requirements were not met for the ecotype from the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion when it was grown under common conditions, whereas ecotypes from other ecoregions were vernalized in at least one of the 2 years in the field experiment. Northern ecotypes tended to flower earlier after artificial vernalization treatments. Overall, 15/5 to 5/−5°C d per night temperature regimes with photoperiods between 12 and 8 h were effective in inducing flowering. The seed source of F. hallii should be regarded as an important consideration affecting its use, both for habitat restoration and for forage production.     

Seed yield variation in plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii (Vasey) Piper) populations and its relation with phenotypic characteristics and environmental factors

Plains rough fescue (Festuca hallii (Vasey) Piper) is a dominant grass in the endangered Fescue Prairie of North America. Infrequent and unpredictable seed production presents a challenge for the use of this species in restoration and rangeland seeding. The objective of this study was to compare seed yield of different plains rough fescue populations and to determine the dependence of seed yield on phenotypic characteristics. Effect of weather conditions during the floral induction and initiation period of different years of the study was also compared. In 2007, a completely randomized field plot experiment was established from eleven populations of plains rough fescue at Swift Current, SK, Canada. In 2007, 2010 and 2011, individual plant seed yield, reproductive tillers, above‐ground biomass, plant height and crown diameter were measured, and plant vigour was scored. All measured variables differed significantly (P ≤ 0·05) among populations. Four populations were identified as having higher seed yield potential. Plants in these four populations also had characteristics of good plant vigour, taller stems, more reproductive tillers and greater biomass. Seed yield increased linearly with increasing plant height, crown diameter, above‐ground biomass and number of reproductive tillers (r² ranged 0·17–0·67, P < 0·001), but number of reproductive tillers (r² = 0·53–0·67, P < 0·001) was a better predictor for selection of lines with higher seed yield. Although seed yield varied among years, populations with higher seed yield tended to produce greater amounts of seed over the period of the study.     

Bio‐agronomic characterization and implications on the potential use as forage of Bituminaria bituminosa and B. morisiana accessions

Perennial forage legumes may be pivotal for improving the sustainability of Mediterranean rainfed farming systems. This study summarizes the outcomes of a study aimed at characterizing morphological and agronomic traits of new germplasm of Bituminaria bituminosa and B. morisiana in Mediterranean environments. Five B. morisiana and three B. bituminosa native populations were evaluated in a small‐plot field experiment in Sardinia (Italy) and compared with seven Spanish accessions of B. bituminosa. The two Bituminaria species differed greatly in morphological traits and the beginning of the flowering stage, and remarkable variations between species were found for forage production and its seasonal distribution, seed yield and persistence. Average cumulative dry‐matter yield was higher in B. bituminosa than in B. morisiana (+7.6%; 297 vs. 276 g per plant). Average 3‐year seed production varied greatly between accessions (from 0.3 to 141 g per plant). Differences for these traits were also found between Sardinian and Spanish germplasm of B. bituminosa. Four clusters were generated by K‐means clustering. Accessions included in cluster III exhibited a positive combination of favourable forage production, high seed yield and satisfactory persistence. Nonetheless, the cluster analysis did not highlight a sharp discrimination between Bituminaria species. The overall results revealed the potential role of Sardinian accessions of B. bituminosa and B. morisiana in extending the forage season and for increased resilience of grasslands in Sardinia and other Mediterranean regions under rainfed conditions.     

Forage biomass,soil cover,stability and competition in perennial grass–legume pastures with different Paspalum species

The short life span, irregular forage production and susceptibility to weed colonization of cool‐season grass–legume pastures are serious problems in grazing dairy systems in warm‐temperate regions. The inclusion of warm‐season species has the potential to mitigate these problems. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the inclusion of two warm‐season grasses with different growth habits on seasonal forage biomass, soil cover and weed colonization. Three different pasture mixtures were evaluated under grazing: conventional pasture (CP) [tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), white clover (Trifolium repens) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)], CP with Paspalum dilatatum and CP with Paspalum notatum (CP + Pn). Forage biomass and soil cover were sampled thirteen times during a 3‐year trial, and sampling times were grouped by season for the analyses. The mixtures with Paspalum showed higher soil cover in the autumn, while in the winter CP had higher soil cover than CP + Pn. Competition with tall fescue was similar between mixtures with Paspalum, when considering biomass, but it was higher in CP + Pn when considering soil cover. The inclusion of P. notatum increased biomass during the autumn but decreased the mixture performance during winter by reducing tall fescue soil cover. The addition of a warm‐season grass species with a moderate competing ability like P. dilatatum is likely to avoid a negative impact on the cool‐season component of the pasture.     

Performance and quality of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and mixtures of both species grown with or without white clover (Trifolium repens L.) under cutting management

There is increasing interest in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) in Western Europe and elsewhere, mainly because of its better drought resistance and yield potential compared with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Important drawbacks of tall fescue, compared with perennial ryegrass, are its lower digestibility and voluntary intake. Mixtures of both species might combine the advantages of each, and species interactions may eventually lead to transgressive overyielding. We compared the agronomic performance of tall fescue, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue–perennial ryegrass mixtures, as pure‐grass swards or in association with white clover (Trifolium repens L.). Tall fescue–perennial ryegrass mixtures differed in the proportion and ploidy of the perennial ryegrass component. Yield, feed quality and botanical composition were measured in the 3 years after the sowing year. We found significant effects of ploidy of the ryegrass variety and of the proportion of ryegrass in the initial seed mixture on the botanical composition of the swards. Nevertheless, all swards were dominated by tall fescue at the end of the experiment. No overyielding of the mixtures compared with that of single‐species swards was found, but feed quality was intermediate between that of the single‐species swards. Mixed swards had better drought resistance than L. perenne and higher feeding quality than F. arundinacea swards.     

Seed characterization and direct sowing of native grass species as a management tool

There is insufficient information about germination, seed biology and seedling establishment of native grass species of the cerrado (Brazilian savannah) to recommend their use in restoration of disturbed areas. We evaluated the production, percentage of fertile seeds, germination, seedling growth and establishment in the field of eighteen native grass species and one exotic invasive species (Melinis minutiflora) and also the effects of different storage periods on germination. The percentage of fertile seeds varied from 6·0 to 94·2% among native species. Ten species produced a minimum of 800 fertile seeds per gram. Germination rate was in the range of 11·0 to 98·8%. Storage for 1 year reduced the germination rate in one species, did not affect germination of three species and increased germination (by 2–10 times) in 14 species. After 2 years of storage, six species showed reductions in germination. Three different patterns of resource allocation were observed and might provide mechanisms for increasing seedling establishment under different environmental conditions. In the field, only two species flowered in the first year after sowing and an additional eight in the second year of observation. Melinis minutiflora is an aggressive species with more than three times the fertile seed production of native species (2820 seeds per gram), high germination rate (55%) and a high number of germinable seeds (1551 per gram). Despite the wide variation in seed characteristics and the delay in flowering, it is concluded that most native grass species can be used in projects aiming at the restoration and management of degraded areas.     

Mice find endophyte‐infected seed of tall fescue unpalatable – implications for the aviation industry

Bird strike is a significant problem for the aviation industry, caused in part by the attractiveness of the grass surrounding airports to birds. Endophyte‐infected grasses such as Avanex^® have been shown to reduce bird populations at airports through the production of secondary metabolites. These metabolites are unpalatable to herbivorous, omnivorous and granivorous birds and are known to reduce insect densities, thereby making the sown areas less attractive to insectivorous birds. Raptors also provide a bird‐strike threat which could be reduced by controlling mouse populations around airports. In this study, the effect of endophyte‐infected seed on mouse feeding behaviour has been investigated. By performing a choice trial offering diets containing endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free tall fescue seed, it was shown that endophyte‐infected seed was less palatable to mice (P < 0·001 in a 14‐d trial). Furthermore, when diet positions were reversed, mouse feeding behaviour was modified to again select endophyte‐free material (P < 0·001 over a further 14 d). This result shows that endophyte‐infected grasses could not only be used in the control of bird populations but they also have the potential to control mouse populations which in turn would decrease the number of raptors. This use of endophyte‐infected grasses in areas surrounding airport runways shows great promise for the aviation industry.     

Species interactions in a grassland mixture under low nitrogen fertilization and two cutting frequencies: 1. dry‐matter yield and dynamics of species composition

Four‐species mixtures and pure stands of perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, white clover and red clover were grown in three‐cut and five‐cut systems at Ås, southern Norway, at a low fertilization rate (100 kg N ha^?1 year^?1). Over a three‐year experiment, we found strong positive effects of species diversity on annual dry‐matter yield and yield stability under both cutting frequencies. The overyielding in mixtures relative to pure stands was highest in the five‐cut system and in the second year. Among the possible pairwise species interaction effects contributing to the diversity effect, the grass–grass interaction was the strongest, being significant in both cutting systems and in all years. The grass–legume interactions were sometimes significant, but no significant legume–legume interaction could be detected. Competitive relationships between species varied from year to year and also between cutting systems. Estimations based on species identity effects and pair‐specific interactions suggested that the optimal proportions of red clover, white clover, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue in seed mixtures would have been around 0·1, 0·2, 0·4 and 0·3 in the three‐cut system, and 0·1, 0·3, 0·3 and 0·3 in the five‐cut system.     

Light and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria effects on Brachiaria brizantha growth and phenotypic plasticity to shade

This is the first report on the effect of light intensity and plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on the growth of a tropical forage grass, being a relevant study to improve pasture management in conventional farming and integrated crop‐livestock‐forestry systems. In this study, our aim was to evaluate the effects of light intensity and Burkholderia pyrrocinia and Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculation on Brachiaria brizantha cv. BRS Piatã growth, and phenotypic plasticity to shade. The experiment was conducted in a semi‐controlled environment. Seedlings of B. brizantha were allocated to full sun and shade. P. fluorescens and B. pyrrocinia were inoculated individually or co‐inoculated by soil drench, 14 days after seedling emergence. We evaluated morphogenesis, structural and growth parameters. Irrespective of the light regime, co‐inoculated plants had greater leaf area and SPAD index (chlorophyll content). Increase in total biomass production in co‐inoculated plants was over 100% and 300%, under full sun and shade respectively. Co‐inoculated P. fluorescens and B. pyrrocinia increased shade tolerance in B. brizantha, improving plant performance. Co‐inoculation promoted growth in B. brizantha under both sun and shade, indicating its potential as a bio‐fertilizer in conventional and integrated systems, especially in silvopastoral systems, where light availability to pasture growth may be limited.     

Leaf and tiller dynamics in two competing C 3 grass species: influence of neighbours and nitrogen on morphogenetic traits

The objective of this work was to analyse the competitive interactions between Bromus willdenowii Kunth. (BW = prairie grass) and a perennial C ₃ grass Dactylis glomerata L. (DG = cocksfoot) through morphogenetic traits, during pasture establishment. Four combinations of species (pure BW, pure DG, DG flanked by BW and BW flanked by DG plants), with and without winter nitrogen fertilization, were factorially arranged in a complete random block design. Data were recorded on three tiller age cohorts of the central target plant: the main stem and those that appeared 20 and 30 days after fertilization (daf). Leaf elongation rate (LER) of the older tillers was the only variable affected by nitrogen addition. Annual neighbours, which showed higher LER than perennial ones, caused a decrease in leaf lifespan in the younger tillers and a delay in the leaf appearance rate on the main stem and on 20‐daf tillers, and the tiller appearance rate. Annual neighbours controlled leaf and tiller dynamics and therefore restricted the vertical and horizontal space occupation of the target plant. These results reinforce the advantage of using a low seeding rate for the annual species to avoid negative effects on perennial grass establishment and persistence.     

Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus availability on the emergence,growth and over‐wintering of Rumex crispus and Rumex obtusifolius

Rumex crispus and R. obtusifolius are known to be nitrophilous but it is not known whether either or both species require a high N supply at all developmental stages. Furthermore, it is not clear whether both species require a high P supply, attain flowering in the seeding year, or have similar levels of winter resistance. The effect of nutrient availability on the emergence, growth and over‐wintering of both Rumex species was investigated in a pot experiment (ten N, P and K fertilizer treatments) in Prague, Czech Republic. In both species, emergence of seedlings was negatively affected by very high N, but positively affected by increased P availability in the soil. No effect of K supply on the emergence, or subsequent growth, was recorded. High flowering in the seeding season and high winter mortality of R. obtusifolius contrasted with no flowering and no mortality of R. crispus. Over‐wintering was not markedly affected by N, P or K supply. Both Rumex species are sensitive to a very high N supply in early developmental stages but tend to require a high N supply from the fully developed rosette‐stage onwards. In addition to high N requirements during stem growth, flowering and seed ripening, both species also require a high P supply. At least some Central European populations of R. crispus, in contrast to R. obtusifolius, do not flower in the seeding year. In Central Europe, the frequently reported high field winter mortality of R. obtusifolius can be caused by its low frost resistance.     

Effects of systemic fungal endophytes on the performance of meadow fescue and tall fescue in mixtures with red clover

A symbiosis between grasses and systemic fungal endophytes exists in both natural and agricultural grassland communities. Our objective was to examine the effects of systemic endophytes on the competitive ability of two agronomically important grass species: meadow fescue [Festuca pratensis (Huds.) syn. Schedonorus pratensis (Huds.) P. Beauv] and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.) syn. Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.)]. Plants of meadow and tall fescue were grown for 48 days in replacement series of interspecific mixture with a legume (red clover, Trifolium pratense L.) in different nutrient environments in a greenhouse. Neither of the grass species gained endophyte‐promoted competitive advantage over red clover in grass–clover mixtures. Endophyte infection increased the growth of meadow fescue monocultures by 89% compared to endophyte‐free monocultures in high‐nutrient soils, but plant competition or the cost of endophyte infection to the meadow fescue decreased the yield in resource‐limited conditions. On average, endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free meadow fescues produced 0·15 and 0·17 g, and 0·14 and 0·14 g dry biomass per plant in mixtures with red clover in high‐ and low‐nutrient soils respectively. In contrast to meadow fescue, endophyte‐promoted growth of tall fescue monocultures was not detected. Endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free tall fescue monocultures produced 0·76 and 0·95 g biomass per pot, respectively, in the high‐nutrient environment. Endophyte infection can increase the performance of the host grass, but the positive effects depend on the host species, the species composition and soil nutrient availability.     

Effect of ascorbic acid on seed germination of three halophytic grass species under saline conditions

Grasses on the Pakistani coast are moderately to highly salt tolerant and have potential for utilization as a cash crop. This study was designed to determine whether seed germination of three halophytic grasses (Phragmites karka, Dichanthium annulatum and Eragrostis ciliaris) could be improved by exogenous application of ascorbic acid (AsA) under saline conditions. Seeds of P. karka were germinated in varying concentrations of NaCl and AsA under different temperature regimes, and seeds of Dichanthium annulatum and Eragrostis ciliaris were germinated at optimal temperatures only. In P. karka, concentrations of AsA (5 and 10 mM) alleviated the salinity effects better at cooler and moderate thermo‐periods, whereas higher concentrations (20 mM of AsA) failed to improve germination under all temperature regimes. AsA was ineffective at a warmer thermo‐period (25/35°C). The rate of germination also increased at all thermo‐periods with the application of AsA except at 25/35°C under saline conditions. Application of AsA improved the germination of E. ciliaris seeds under saline conditions but was inhibitory for D. annulatum in comparison with the untreated control. The rate of germination followed the similar pattern as that of seed germination. Results indicate that AsA has the ability to partially alleviate the effect of salinity on seed germination of some grass species under optimal temperature regime.     

Validation of a critical nitrogen dilution curve for hybrid ryegrasses

One of the challenges of modern grassland systems is to minimize nitrogen (N) fertilization without negatively affecting the forage yield. Therefore, critical N dilution curves (Nc = a_c W^?b) have been developed in different species to improve N fertilization management. The aim of this study was to validate a critical N dilution curve for hybrid ryegrasses. Two field experiments were conducted in southern Chile. Treatments were the factorial combination of two hybrid ryegrasses (Shogun and Trojan cultivars) and seven N fertilization rates (0, 50, 100, 200, 350, 525 and 700 kg N/ha). Factors were arranged in a split‐plot design, where forage species were assigned to main plots and N rates to subplots that were randomized into four blocks. A wide range in forage yield and plant N concentration was observed (yield: 0.16 and 3.9 Mg DM/ha and N: 1.6% and 5.1%). The variations in these traits were principally explained by the N levels and harvest times. Relative yield responses of both cultivars were significantly (p < 0.001, R² = 0.81–0.87) related to the nitrogen nutrition index (NNI) calculated with different critical N dilution curves. However, the NNI calculated with N dilution curves from annual ryegrass best described the relative yield response of hybrid ryegrass. Therefore, this validated critical N dilution curve (%N_c = 4.1W^?0.38) will serve as a useful diagnosis tool for improving the N fertilization management of grazing systems for hybrid ryegrasses.     

Influence of environment on growing period and yield, protein, oil and α-linolenic content of three chia (Salvia hispanica L.) selections

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an annual summer herb, and a member of the Labiatae family. Three selections, named Tzotzol, Iztac 1, and Tliltic, were planted at different elevations in three Inter-Andean valleys of Ecuador (Patate—2042 m, Guayllabamba—2200 m and Salinas—1621 m) to assess performance and seed quality. Length of growing period was influenced by location, with Tzotzol and Iztac 1 increasing with elevation. Iztac 1 had the highest seed yield at all three locations, with the difference between Iztac1 and Tzotzol being significant (P < 0.05). Similar protein contents were found among selections, within a site, except for Patate where Tliltic had a higher content. Seed at the Salinas site contained significantly (P < 0.05) higher α-linolenic and lower linoleic and oleic fatty acid contents than seed produced at the other two sites. In general seed yield, protein content, and fatty acid composition of the three selections were similar, and in some cases higher, than those reported for other ecosystems in which chia has been grown.     

The choice of grass species to combat desertification in semi‐arid Kenyan rangelands is greatly influenced by their forage value for livestock

Livestock production is the main source of livelihood in the arid and semi‐arid lands in Africa. However, desertification characterized by vegetation degradation and soil erosion is a major threat to the sustainability of land‐based production systems. Native rangeland forage species Cenchrus ciliaris L. (Buffel grass/African foxtail grass), Eragrostis superba Peyr. (Maasai love grass) and Enteropogon macrostachyus (Hochst. Ex A. Rich.) Monro ex Benth. (Bush rye grass) have been used to combat desertification. The objectives of the study were to identify the best‐suited native grass species to combat desertification in a semi‐arid environment in Kenya and to identify the preferred grass species among the agropastoralists in the area. Percentage basal cover, plant densities and frequencies of the three grasses in pure stands and mixtures were estimated. Grass species preferences were through household survey and focus group discussion. Results showed a significant difference (P < 0·05) in plant densities and cover estimates: E. macrostachyus was ranked first; C. ciliaris and E. superba were ranked second and third respectively. The agropastoral farmers, however, preferred E. superba followed by C. ciliaris and E. macrostachyus, a reverse trend. These results suggest that the choice of grass species to combat desertification is influenced more by its contribution as a source of forage for livestock than its contribution for rehabilitation purposes.     

Sesame response to nitrogen management under contrasting water availabilities

Sesame is mainly cultivated under traditional, low-input agro-systems. Recent breeding developments promoted the modernization and mechanization of sesame cultivation. However, only a few articles have been published concerning fertilization requirements for both modern and traditional agro-systems. In field trials at two locations, we determined the response of irrigated sesame to nitrogen (N). Three promising sesame lines were tested combining two irrigation levels with four N levels. At a high irrigation level, N had a significant effect on growth, branching, and consequently, seed yield exceeding two-ton ha⁻¹. A high N doze was accompanied by a decrease in the photosynthetic rate and leaf water potential. The δ¹³C confirmed lower stomatal conductance under high N treatments. Under deficit irrigation, the N level had a minor effect on the monitored parameters, indicating N fertilization was not efficient. Seed oil content was negatively correlated with seed N concentration. Our results question the necessity of N application when water is limited, as N fertilization promotes vigorous development that rapidly depletes soil water. Thus, water availability should be considered when developing an N management strategy. For high-yielding agro-systems, roughly 80–120 ​kg ​ha⁻¹ N is required for optimal yield, bearing in mind the negative association between seed-N and oil content.     

Characterization for industrial purposes of the fibre anatomy of perennial ryegrass and tall fescue stem and leaf at three stages in the primary growth

Characterization of grass fibre is important in assessing its potential for industrial fibre applications. Stem and leaf sections were sampled from triplicate field plots of two grass species, perennial ryegrass (PRG) and tall fescue at three dates (monthly from 12 May) in the primary growth, and were used to (a) isolate individual fibre cells and (b) prepare transverse sections. Microscopy and image analysis software were used to determine the length and width of individual fibre cells and the proportion of lignified fibre in stem and leaf transverse sections. The length and width of individual fibre cells were greater (P < 0·001) in stem than in leaf sections, while individual fibre cell length was greater (P < 0·01) for tall fescue than PRG. Harvest date and grass species had little effect (P > 0·05) on the proportion of lignified fibre in the transverse‐sectional area. However, there was a greater (P < 0·001) proportion of lignified fibre in the transverse‐sectional area of grass stems than leaves, with tall fescue having a greater (P < 0·05) stem and leaf transverse‐sectional area and area of lignified fibre in transverse section than PRG. Tall fescue harvested at a later stage of growth, with higher proportions of stem than leaf tissue, may be more suitable for industrial fibre applications.     

Effects of long‐term grazing management on dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) in Agrostis capillaris grassland

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale agg.) is a common forb species in grasslands in Europe. Although sometimes regarded as a valuable forage herb, it may become a weed, especially in arable land. There is limited information on the response of Taraxacum to long‐term grassland management practices. Therefore, we analysed cover and dry‐matter standing biomass of Taraxacum in a long‐term (1998–2012) grazing experiment on an Agrostis capillaris grassland. The following treatments were laid out on formerly abandoned grassland: (i) intensive grazing (IG); (ii) extensive grazing (EG); (iii) first cut followed by intensive grazing (ICG); (iv) first cut followed by extensive grazing (ECG); and (v) unmanaged grassland (U). During the first 10 years, all defoliation treatments (i–iv) supported the presence of Taraxacum, and the lowest proportion was recorded in the unmanaged treatment (U). During the final 7 years of the study, combined cutting and grazing promoted Taraxacum cover more than that of grazing only (ICG > IG > ECG > EG). Cover of Taraxacum was negatively affected by increasing sward height where Taraxacum plants had lower fitness. Due to the relatively strong relationship between percentage cover of Taraxacum and its dry‐matter biomass, percentage cover could be used as a simple method for the assessment of biomass of Taraxacum in a sward. Results are discussed in the context of adapting the management of A. capillaris grassland as a simple method for control of Taraxacum abundance, particularly in situations of extensification or abandonment.     

Changes in soil organic carbon pools in a long‐term trial with perennial fodder crops in acid soils of north‐east India

Efficient estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital for understanding and monitoring the effect of perennial fodder crops in conserving SOC. In subtropical regions, there is limited information on SOC accumulation and its allocation into different pools under long‐term grasses and legumes. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of SOC in a 20‐year‐old field trial with seven perennial grass species and a legume in a Typic Paleudalf soil under subtropical climate in north‐east India by analysing oxidizable organic C (C_oc) and its fractions of very labile (C_VL), labile (C_L), less labile (C_LL) and non‐labile (C_NL), microbial biomass C (C_mic) and mineralizable C (C_min). Growing perennial fodder crops increased SOC in the 0–0.60 m soil depth from 19.9%–39.6% compared with the conventional cultivation with maize (Zea mays). The relative efficacy of the fodder species to SOC accumulation was Setaria sphacelata = Brachieria rosenesis > Panicum maximum cv. Makunia = Arachis pintoi > Panicum maximum cv. Hamil > Paspalam conjugalum = Pennisetum purpureum > Thysanolaena maxima. Among the analysed fractions, C_VL, C_L, C_LL and C_mic were influenced most by the fodder crops and the active pools (C_VL+C_L) constituted 71.6% of the SOC. The results indicate that under the tested subtropical climate, soil under perennial grasses and legumes conserves organic C and that most of the SOC is in labile pools of short residence time.