Use of Italian rye grass as a means of attracting waterfowl
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Published source details
Givens L.S. & Atkeson T.Z. (1952) Use of Italian rye grass as a means of attracting waterfowl. Journal of Wildlife Management, 16, 107-108.
Published source details Givens L.S. & Atkeson T.Z. (1952) Use of Italian rye grass as a means of attracting waterfowl. Journal of Wildlife Management, 16, 107-108.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide supplementary food through the establishment of food populations Action Link |
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Provide supplementary food through the establishment of food populations
A replicated study between over the winters of 1946-1947 in wetlands in Alabama, USA (Givens & Atkeson 1952), found that waterfowl used rye grass Lolium multiflorum plantings as an alternate food source. Waterfowl used the rye grass plantings extensively, often in preference to other green browse, as it added a distinct microhabitat to mud flats exposed during winter draw-down of the reservoir. Rye grass was the only crop able to withstand periodic flooding and silting over the winter period and thus became a reliable food source for waterfowl. Experimental, small-scale plantings began in 1946. Large-scale plantings began in the fall of 1947. Higher mud flats are preferable as planting sites and the rate of seeding is 50 pounds per acre.
