A study of the effects of different frequencies of defoliation on the recovery growth of two varieties of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) : a thesis ... for the degree of Master of Agricultural Science at Massey University.

In recent years there has been increasing interest in the use of lucerne in the farming systems in localities other than those which have "traditionally" grown lucerne. Much of the North Island, including the Manawatu is involved with this developing interest. To contribute to the information needed to support this, a field experiment studying the effects of different frequencies of grazing lucerne was established in 1965 at Massey University. Pure sowings of two varieties were used. These were New Zealand certified Chanticleer and New Zealand certified Wairau, with treatments ranging from continuous grazing through to hay stage defoliation. This experiment is discussed in more detail in appendix 1A. By the spring of 1969 at the commencement of the author's study, treatment differences were apparent. The author's study continued selected treatments and measured their differences of spring growth. The initial interest was in the treatment yield differences, volunteer species ingress, lucerne persistence and the associated interaction, if any, between the defoliation treatments and the spring climatic parameters. [From Introduction