SOME FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE RATE OF GROWTH OF PASTURE

Abstract

It is becoming increasingly evident from work carried out by various groups of research workers throughout the world (Thomas and Hill, 1949; Blackman and Wilson, 195 I ; Donald, 195 1, 1956; Black, 1955; Watson, 1956) that the amount of light energy available to herbage and crop plants is a major controlling factor in plant growth. In a recent review article Black ( 1957) has stated, "It is clear from the evidence herein reviewed that the growth of pasture species, as of other plants, is markedly dependent on the light environment, and that the quantity of light energy available rather than the intensity appears to be the important factor. Apparently the greater the quantity of light energy available up to the highest values recorded in the field, the better the growth."