WHITE CLOVER RESPONSE TO GRAZING METHOD

Grazing management is a major factor influencing white clover (Trifoli um repens L.) growth. Our objective was to determine the response of w hite clover cultivars differing in leaf size to grazing method (contin uous vs. rotational stocking) using cattle (Bos spp.). In each of 2 yr , a predominantly tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) sod on a S avannah fine sandy loam (fine-loamy siliceous, thermic Typic Fragiudul t) was oversown in September with 'Grasslands Huia' (medium-small leaf ), 'Louisiana S-1' (medium-large leaf), and 'Regal' (large leaf) white clover. From March to August of the following year, plots of each cul tivar were stocked continuously (3- to 5-cm stubble) or rotationally ( grazed to 5-cm stubble every 35 to 38 d). Clover growth was measured p rior to rotational grazing and stolon survival was determined in Novem ber. When precipitation during the grazing season was 59% above normal , grazing method had no influence on mean single leaf area, stolon dry weight, and stolon growing point density of white clover. In contrast , continuous stocking reduced these responses when precipitation was 3 2% below normal the following year. Cultivar ranking for mean single l eaf area was generally the same as that for leaf size category: Grassl ands Huia < Louisiana S-1 < Regal. Although stolon length and growing point density were frequently greatest for Grasslands Huia, stolon sur vival of Grasslands Huia was no greater than that of the larger-leafed cultivars. Despite varying effects of grazing method on growth and mo rphology, stolon survival of white clover was always greater under rot ational stocking.