Changes in productivity of grassland with ageing

The productivity of grassland may change greatly with ageing. Frequently, a productive ley period, occurring in the first time after (re)seeding, is followed by a period in which productivity decreases. Under conditions favourable to grassland this may be temporary. A production level finally can be attained almost equalling that of young reseeded grassland, but mostly not that of liberally fertilized grassland sown in arable crop soil. Especially changes in organic matter content in the soil, activity of the earthworm population, the occurrence of "soil sickness" and an insufficient longevity... Mehr ...