THE EFFECT OF PATTERN AND SEVERITY OF CUTTING ON THE VIGOR OF THE SOFT RUSH (JUNCUS-EFFUSUS L)

An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of the timing and se verity of defoliation on the vigour of the soft rush (Juncus effusus). Three levels of defoliation (uncut, cut at half the current green ste m height, and cut at ground level) were applied at each of two cutting dates (the end of June and the end of August) in a factorial design t hat gave nine cutting treatments. Treatments were imposed for two cons ecutive years and their effects on tussock size (rush herbage mass) an d vigour, as determined by green stem height, peripheral green stem de nsity, and the proportion of flowering green stems, were assessed in Y ear 3. Defoliation to half the current green stem height either once o r twice annually had no effect on tussock mass or vigour. Defoliation to ground level reduced tussock mass and vigour but a large number of green, living stems remained on all treatments, indicating considerabl e potential for regeneration once the cutting treatments had ceased. T here was no significant effect of number or timing of the cuts, but th e results suggest that cutting rushes to ground level twice during the growing season is more effective at reducing rush vigour. Where only a single cut is possible, cutting in August after flowering is the bes t option.