The influence of grazing management on the competitiveness, persistence and productivity of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.)

Chicory is a highly productive and nutritious forage that is sensitive to grazing. A challenge for grazing management is to prevent pasture decline associated with the replacement of productive species by undesirable weedy species. The competitive ability, persistence and productivity of chicory were investigated under a gradient of grazing management practices ranging from continuous to short grazing-long rest treatments by merino wethers. Chicory density and percentage composition declined after the first year of continuous grazing. The density of chicory in all rotationally grazed treatments initially increased and then declined significantly after the third year, except in the short grazing-long rest treatment. The percentage composition of chicory in the pasture was influenced mainly by the frequency of grazing and to a lesser extent by stand age and was inversely related to the combined percentage composition of annual grasses and broadleaf species. The percentage composition of legumes was dependent more on seasonal conditions than on treatment. The interactions between chicory, grasses and broadleaf weeds are most probably driven by their competition for nitrogen.