Plant response to fertilization and sheep grazing on rangeland in Sardinia

TL;DRAbstract

A four-year study (1981-1985) was conducted to determine the response to fertilizer applications and the effects of sheep
\ngrazing on productivity and botanical composition of a natural rangeland in Sardinia. A site of three hectares was enclosed and
\ndivided in two plots which were alternately grazed and rested by moving 12 ewes from one plot to the other. Nitrogenous and
\nphosphatic fertilizers were applied. Botanical composition after grazing was monitored by means of exclosures moved to
\nadjacent positions at the end of every trial year. Samplings of forage production were made at different times of the year and the
\neffects of early winter and late utilization on spring regrowth were studied. Dry matter production showed to be markedly
\naffected by climatic trends but was not influenced by fertilization. A stocking rate of 0.25 ha per animal unit had no detrimental
\neffect on sward composition and production although the normal stocking rate for

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