THE OUTPUT OF IRISH PASTURES

During the years 1956 and 1957, an attempt was made to assess the output of Irish Pastures using methods proposed by a Sub-Committee of the B.G.S. (9). It was found that the best results were obtained when output was determined on a single field, rather than on the whole farm basis. The yields showed highly significant correlations with both botanical composition and nutrient status of the pastures. The results were in agreement with the findings of others working on similar grasslands. It is suggested that the method might find a useful place in a programme either of advisory work or surveys concerned with grassland improvement.