THE EFFECT ON THE SOIL OF THE COMPONENTS AND MANAGEMENT OF A LEY

The effect of four grasses, and four methods of utilizing the herbage, on the root weight, the proportion of organic matter in the soil and the water-stability of the soil aggregates was measured over a period of three years. The grass species in the sward had a greater effect upon the measurements than had the methods of management. Of the grass species, Lolium perenne produced the greatest root weight and highest percentage of organic matter in the soil.