Effects of distance and orientation of hedgerows on grass production and quality in permanent grasslands

Grass biomass production and quality were recorded in ungrazed paddocks located in Modave (Belgium) in order to study the influence of distance and orientation of hedgerows. The studied distances were 5, 10, 20 and 30 m from hedgerows. The paddocks were located to the East, West and South of the hedgerows. Biomass production and grass quality were measured twice: on July 11th and on August 9th. Weather conditions were favourable for grass growth during the first period (13 June –11 July) whereas the weather was dry during the second period (11 July–9 August). Biomass production was significantly higher during the first period compared to the second one (100.8±44.7 vs 27.8±15.8 g m–2; P <0.001). East and West orientations allowed higher biomass production than the South orientation, P<0.05 irrespective of the period). During the second period, biomass increased progressively away from the hedgerows and become higher for East orientation at 20 m and 30 m compared to other orientations (P<0.01). Grass quality was affected by distances and orientations but remained high and sufficient to meet animal requirements. Our results show that hedgerows have influenced grass production, with different results depending on the orientation and growing conditions of the grass.