The tenacity of perennial graminaceae to intense grazing

The effect of intense grazing on the increase and the production of the perennial species Dactylis glomerata and Phalaris aquatica was studied. Ten similar individuals were selected for both species from natural populations. In half from the individuals of each species the herbaceous biomass was cut 5cm high above the ground in the middle of the growing period. For both treatments the increase of leaf length was measured, during the growing period. The production of biomass and the leaf area were measured for both treatments. Also, the rate of grazing recovery (R.G.R.) and the coefficient of grazing tolerance (C.G.T.) were calculated. The results showed that intense cutting, as imitation of grazing, favored the growth of new leaves and stems for both species. Higher values of R.G.R (Rate of grazing recovery) and C.G.T. (Coefficient of grazing tolerance) than those of Phalaris aquatica showed that Dactylis glomerata is more tenacious in terms of intense grazing.