
%0 Journal Article
%A Murtagh, GJ 
%T Factors affecting the growth of kikuyu. II. Water supply
%J Australian Journal of Agricultural Research
%D 1988/02/01
%V 39
%N 1
%P 43-51
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/AR9880043
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/AR9880043 
%X The influence of water supply on the growth of a kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) pasture was estimated from field measurements of growth rate. A model was used to separate the confounded effects on growth of light interception, temperature, nitrogen and water supplies, and maintenance respiration. Water supply for growth was expressed as a function of both the soil water content and evaporative demand (potential evapotranspiration). The growth of kikuyu was very sensitive to water supply. On a wet soil (soil water potential > -20 kPa), an evaporative demand above 3.2 mm day-1 slowed growth. With optimum temperatures and a sward yield which gave the best balance between light interception and rate of maintenance respiration, a low evaporative demand of 2 mm day-1 reduced growth rates only when the soil water potential was less than - 134 kPa. However, with a medium-high evaporative demand of 5 mm day-1, growth was reduced by 39% on a wet soil, and ceased at a soil water potential of - 101 kPa. 
