Effect of management intensities and sward structures on dry-matter production of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) in permanent grassland

A 3-year experiment was conducted on an extensively managed hay meadow to assess the effect of management intensity and sward density on growth of meadow fescue. Two management treatments, intensive (6 cuts, 240 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)) and extensive (3 cuts, 75 kg N ha(-1) year(-1)), with and without gaps around the meadow fescue plants, were applied. The highest yields were obtained under frequent defoliation. The yield of meadow fescue when grown in gaps increased four- to fivefold on an area basis in the first growing season, and reached a factor of 17 the following year. However, the difference between the treatments with and without gaps decreased strongly during the third growing season. The contribution of meadow fescue to the total yield remained high and constant in swards with gaps combined with extensive management for the 3 years. In contrast, in swards with gaps combined with intensive management, the yield contribution of meadow fescue decreased, and in swards without gaps it remained very low under both management regimes. The results show that meadow fescue was a weak competitor. Its response to management intensity was strongly affected by light intensity and soil water content. Low light intensity and dry top soils enhanced the suppression of meadow fescue.