VARIATION IN YIELD, MATURITY TYPE, WINTER GREENNESS AND SENSITIVITY TO CUTTING OF HILL GRASS SPECIES

Two experiments are described in which data were collected on yield, floral characteristics and winter greenness of a number of indigenous hill grass species. Differential cutting treatments, besides affecting total yield, affected yield and floral vigour in the subsequent year. Differences in sensitivity to cutting were present among the species. The date at which the grasses were last cut in autumn affected their winter greenness though responses differed among species. The significance of these results in relation to performance and management of hill pastures is discussed.