Differential biomass and nutrient accumulation in perennial ryegrass accessions under excess water treatment in field conditions during winter

Abstract

Excess water is an abiotic stress in plants, but the level at which excess water becomes varies widely between plant species. We conducted a two growing season replicated excess flooding experiment that was planted with 24 accessions of perennial ryegrass which had been vegetatively propagated to ensure equal representation of genotypes within an accession, both cultivars and ecotypes, from various geographical origins. The excess water treatment applied over the winter periods was achieved with irrigation. Yields increased in the winter-flooded treatment in contrast to the non-artificial watered control treatment significantly in 2017. In 2018 the same trend could be seen, but was not significant. Differences in composition of macro- and micronutrient profiles were observed. Sulphur was the only element with highly significantly increased concentration (0.25%) in flooded samples compared to control. Phosphorus, copper, iron, manganese, and molybdenum decreased statistically significantly under flooded conditions. In conclusion, perennial ryegrass is coping extremely well with excess water supplied over the winter period and can utilise it effectively in spring.

Keywords

• chemical composition
• excess water
• lolium perenne
• macro elements
• trace elements
• waterlogging