Effects of Two Cutting Heights on Yields of Five Tropical Grasses

Abstract

The effect on the productivity and protein contents of well-fertilized Napier, Para, Guinea, Pangola, and molasses grasses harvested every 60 days for 2 years, of cutting close to the ground (0-3 inch) or to a 7-10 inch height, was determined under typical conditions in the humid mountains of Puerto Rico. Yields of molasses grass were severely reduced by close cutting and the grass eventually disappeared from plots with this treatment. On the other hand, yields of Napier, Para, and Pangola grasses were increased 27, 25, and 56 percent, respectively, by low cutting. Although yields of Guinea grass were not strongly affected by cutting height, high cutting resulted in a better stand, faster recovery after harvesting, and less growth of weeds.