Digital Commons Network^™

Changing Stocking Rates And Burning Management To Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Southern Queensland Grasslands, S M. Howden, G M. Mckeon, J C. Scanlan, J O. Carter, D H. White

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

GRASSMAN, an agricultural decision-support model, has been modified to include sources, sinks and storages of greenhouse gases. The modified model was used to investigate the effects of changes in stocking rate and burning management on greenhouse gas emissions of southern Queensland grasslands. These grasslands are significant net emitters of greenhouse gases in their natural state, resulting in large differences between net and anthropogenic (man-made) emissions and hence, to different conclusions regarding emission reduction strategies. At moderate stocking rates, anthropogenic emissions could be reduced by about 20% with little loss of productivity. However, similar reductions in net emissions require larger management …

Structure Of White Clover Populations And Plants In Pastures Grazed By Beef Cattle, I Pinxterhuis, D F. Chapman, M.J M. Hay

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Seasonal variation in the structure of white clover (Trifolium repens) populations and the morphology of individual plants was studied in permanent pastures grazed by beef bulls. Three grazing regimes were applied: set stocking with 5.0 bulls/ha and rotational grazing with either, 5.0 or 7 .5 bulls/ha, Management had little effect on the structure of the plants or the stolon branching structure of the population. On average, 45% of the plants were of 2nd order; this value remained relatively constant throughout the year. The proportion of 1st-order plants increased 􀀒nd the proportion of plants of 3rd- and highCl' order …

Canopy Structure And Forage Production Of Lolium Rididum Gaudin As Influenced By The Frequency Of Defoliation, P P. Roggero, A Franca, M Sitzia, S Caredda

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

An experiment was conducted in Sardinia to develop an appropriate rotational grazing management regime in spring for an ecotype of annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaudin). Three intermittent defoliation treatments were compared using sward surface height (10, 15 or 20 cm) to determine time of cutting. Forage dry matter yield, tiller population density, LAI, vertical distribution of plant tissues and other related characteristics were measured. Cutting when sward reached 10 cm resulted In significantly lower yields but a better canopy structure (denser sward, higher percentage of leaves in the bottom layers, higher leaf: sheath ratio) than the other treatments. The …

Effect Of Management And Cultivar On Nodal Root Development Of White Clover, J R. Caradus, D F. Chapman, R A. Skipp

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Nodal root development of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) swards was monitored by harvesting marked nodes from late autumn to spring and by taking tiller plugs over 15 months. At a hill country site Grasslands Huia and a large-leaved French eultivar, Crau, had greater nodal root development, in terms of root length, than a small­leaved hill country ecotype. Compadson of the effects of rotational sheep and cattle grazing at both lowland and hill country sites showed greater nodal root development root length and lateral root production under cattle grazing. Percentage of nodes with roots was greater under rotational than set-stocked …

Effects Of Quantity And Pattern Of Herbage Removal On Botanical Composition Of A Temperate Pasture, W Harris

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Ryegrass-white clover (Lolium perenne L.- Trifolium repens L.) pasture was cut in continuous and .rotational patterns to provide herbage for 15, 20 and 25 ewes/ha. A comparison was made with grazed pasture. Dead matter content from rotational management decreased as stocking rate increased, but was high for high stocking rate continuous management when herbage requirements were high. Ryegrass decreased and clover content increased under continuous . management particularly as stocking rate increased. Unsown species • increased markedly under continuous management at high stocking. Changes of ryegrass and clover content under grazing were less than' under cutting possibly owing to …

Distribution And Abundance Of Plant Species In Pastures And Rangelands, John G. Mcivor

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The competition-stress-disturbance (CSD) model of Grime (Plant strategies and vegetation processes, New York, John Wiley 1979) is used as the basis for discussing the forces that influence the distribution and abundan.ce. of plant species. Characteristics of plant strategies (competitive, ruderal and stress-tolerator) in both the established and regenerative phases are summarised. Pasture management can be viewed as the manipulation of competition, stress and disturbance. A number of pasture situations ( disturbance-diversity relationships, pasture degradation, weed invasion, management of abandoned farm land, species conservation) are analysed in ecological terms and the consequences for pasture management are outlined. The CSD model can …

The Product Of Science, Rolf A.E Mueller

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. -Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organising and manag\ng agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research Is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the …

A Farmlet For Teaching Grazing Management, J T. Green, J P. Mueller, S P. Washburn

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The _objectives were to provide a practical production unit to train students and farm advisors and to maximise grazing, evaluate forage cultivars, document production data and utilise woodlot understorey. A year-round grazing unit was developed on a S.86 ha farmlec (70% temperate pasture; 24% subtropical pasture; 20% woods) for 22-30 ewes and their lambs, 6-8 dairy heifers, and 12-24 angora and meat goats. Farmlet N rate averaged 135 kg/ha/year with excess spring growth harvesced for winter feeding. Live-weight gain averaged 6S4 kg/ha/year. Lambs weaned/ewe exposed to ram, was 1,6 (mature) and 0.8 (yearling). Stocking rate for 3 years ranged from …

Forage-Based Seasonal Dairying In South Louisiana, H A. Deramus, L Labbe, K Ingawa, W A. Atkinson, M J. Simon, J D. Roussel

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The effects on the net profit and total milk production were compared using two levels of grain supplementation and forage-only feeding in a program of seasonal dairying in South Louisiana using management intensive grazing. Treatments were 8 kg grain, 4 kg grain, and 0 grain supplementation. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorium) and clovers (Trifolium incarnatum, and T. Alexandrinum) were grazed intensively with 51 multiparous Jersey and Holstein cows in mid-lactation in 1993-1995. Milk production, milk fat, milk protein, and blood urea nitrogen were measured. Milk and protein models were all highly significant for all classes. Daily milk …

Vertical Distribution In Grass Swards: Interactions Between Dry Matter And Nutritional Quality, D R. Buckmaster, R H. Mohtar, S L. Fales

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A field experiment was conducted to study the distribution of mass and quality over plant height throughout the growing season in a pure stand of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). When plant density (expressed as kg DM/ha per cm height) is plotted against a height of strata, all treatments show a similar linear shape distribution. ADF and NDF concentrations declined with sward height. Fall treatments had lower ADF and NDF concentrations than summer treatments. Conversely, CP concentrations showed an increase with plant height. Fall treatments showed higher CP than spring and summer treatments. Defoliation management did not affect orchardgrass quality. …

An Interactive Multimedia Educational Program For Pasture Management, P G. Tow, Corina Mulholland, P Marriott, D A. Shelton

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Developing abilities in pasture management decision making is important for all students of pasture agronomy, whether they plan to work in management, extension or research. Such problem-based learning fosters an ability to understand and apply principles, and to integrate and use information from various sources. A computerassisted, problem based, multimedia educational programme, “Pasture Management” has been developed to complement limited field exercises in pasture assessment and management. It comprises illustrated case studies and supporting information. Students interact with the programme by choosing alternative management options, calling up images and text as required to assist them. The programme supplies feedback for …

The Effect Of Different Winter Utilization Periods Of A C4 Subtropic Foggage On The Growth Of Weaners, I F. Reckling, G.H J. Kruger

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A significant (P<0.05) increase in lick consumption was found, as winter progressed, which was attributed to a significant decline in the quality (P<0.05) of Digitaria eriantha foggage. Harvested treatments resulted in a significant (P<0.05) decline in residual soil nitrogen levels compared to unharvested treatments. Losses, due to trampling, on average was 21.25%. It is advocated that Digitaria eriantha ought to be utilised in summer and is only suitable for maintenance if utilised in winter.

The Accession Of Grassy Weed Seeds Into The Soil Seedbank Of Grasslands, R.D B. Whalley, T S. Andrews, M R. Gardener

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Perennial grassy weeds of grasslands are usually characterised by substantial and long lived soil seedbanks. A comparison of the potential seed production and accession into the seedbanks of giant Parramatta grass (Sporobolus indicus var. major (Buse) Baaijens) and Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana (Trin. & Rupr.) Barkworth) revealed big differences in their potential annual seed production and in the proportion being incorporated into the seedbank. The potential seed production of giant Parramatta grass was about 668,000 seeds m-2 and only about 0.3% of these were incorporated into the seedbank. The figures for Chilean needle grass were 22,000 seeds …

Grassland Management In Central Area Of The Masurian Landscape Park, K Mlynarczyk, E Marks, E Korona

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Permanent grassland occupy some 12% of the area of the Masurian Landscape Park. The Cirsio-Polygonetum plant association was distinguished on the semi-natural meadows situated on the peat-marsh soil. Changes in botanical composition of the meadow sward and the productivity of DM, against a background of different mineral fertilization, were examined in a medium-scale plot experiment. It was concluded that both aspects ofutilization must be accorded high priority in the case of extensively managed meadows: medium level of forage production and the landscape conservation.

Breeding Morphogenetic Traits To Match Genotypes To Their Utilization, L Hazard, M Betin, M Ghesquiere

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A divergent selection for lamina length was done from natural populations of perennial ryegrass. Tested in a multi-site experiment in France, the short-leaved perennial ryegrass was more productive under simulated grazing and less productive under infrequent cutting than the long-leaved perennial ryegrass. Matching cultivars to their management is possible by selecting for morphogenetic traits. However, our results suggest the range of adaptation to different managements of perennial ryegrass cultivars could be extended by increasing their phenotypic plasticity.

Evaluation Of Oat Genotypes For Forage And Seed Production In The Northeast Region Of Sao Paulo State-Brazil, R A. Reis, L R. De A. Rodrigues, T De J D. Rodrigues

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The DM production (DMP), chemical composition, and seed production of black oats (Avena strigosa Schreb.) and the yellow oat cultivars ‘UPF2’ , ‘UPF3’ and ‘UPF7’ (A. byzantina C. Kock.) were evaluated under two management systems: plants cut (60 days after sowing-DAS) and uncut for seed production. Oat genotypes were sown in 1993 and 1994. UPF7 was the least productive. No difference was detected (P > 0.05) in the cell wall composition of the genotypes. High values of CP (22.9%) and IVDMD (77.6%) were determined across all genotypes. In 1994, cutting at 60 DAS affected the seed production of the cultivars. …

Contribute To A Definition Of Extensive Grazing (Mediterranean), J. Potes, J. P. F. Almeida, C. Matos, A. Teixeira

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The subject of this paper is a definition of Extensive Grazing from Extensive Systems of Animal Production in Mediterranean environments. The edaphoclimatic characterization is essential to understand the low level of primary productivity as a consequence of irregular precipitation over the year and its absence during the long, dry and hot summer. The powerless of soils justify the limited contribution of plants and make clear the necessary recovery of the soil and storage of water naturally (soil) or artificially (irrigation). Considering the IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) definition of extensive grazing it has been used the …

Rangeland Devastated By Invasive Annual Grass, H. E. Quicke

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

This paper serves as an introduction to the thematic session on protection and restoration of western US rangelands. Exotic annual grass species have steadily invaded western US rangeland for decades. More recently, the problem of invasive annual grasses received national attention with multiple stakeholders working together under the auspices of Western Governors’ Association to develop a common strategy to fight back.

Development Of Forage Curriculum For Extension Educators In The Southeast Usa, L. S. Silva, L. Dillard, K. Mullenix, M. Wallau, J. J. Tucker, C. Vasco

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

In the Southeast USA, livestock production is one of the largest agricultural activities, and forages are the primary feed source. Most livestock systems are highly dependent on off-farm inputs to support forage production and animal performance, which elevates production costs and the activity's carbon footprint. There is a strong need to develop forage educational resources to enhance productivity, environmental sustainability, resilience, and profitability of agricultural systems in the region. This multi-disciplinary initiative was a collaboration among several land-grant Universities across the region. The objective was to develop decision tools and provide in-classroom training associated with hands-on demonstrations to Extension agents …

Forage And Grazinglands Extension: Training The Next Generation Of Specialists, D. W. Hancock

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

This invited talk provides a perspective on what is required to excel in the role as an Extension Specialist. In the USA, most such Extension Specialists are tenure-track faculty, and have state-wide or even multi-state responsibilities. Advice is given on how to balance the high expectations of such a faculty appointment while providing appropriate recommendations to farmers/ranchers and service providers in the forage and grazinglands industry. This talk will offer one former Extension Specialist’s perspective on the skills, experience, and persona required to begin a successful career as a Forage and Grazinglands Extension Specialist. Additional exposition will be given on …

Challenges Of Grassland Policies Implementation In Kenya And The Sustainable Development Goals, N. Daari

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Since independence, Kenya has found herself at the crossroads caused by economic recession, criminality, corruption and ineptitude leadership that has led to persistent household extreme poverty. It is time now to search for solutions to address the challenges facing sustainable livelihood development in Kenya. This study, therefore examines the challenges of grasslands related policies and their implementation in Kenya and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A review study of the literature on grasslands and rangelands related policies and laws, SDGs frameworks, government and academic literature was carried out. The study results show that; Kenya has faced challenges of grasslands policies …

Integrating Plant Secondary Metabolites And Foraging Behavior To Enhance Animal Health In Ruminant Production Systems, J. J. Villalba, J. W. Macadam, S. Van Vliet, F. D. Provenza

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Legumes and forbs contain bioactives or plant secondary compounds (PSC) with potential to enhance animal health through their antibiotic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties that are evident even at small dietary concentrations. In turn, ruminants can regulate their ingestion of PSC through behavioral mechanisms that allow for the efficient achievement of homeostasis. High concentrations of PSC lead to food avoidance, whereas lower content of PSC in the diet achieved through regulatory mechanisms of ingestion could promote medicinal and/or prophylactic effects in the animal and concomitant health benefits to milk and meat products. Under this context, we discuss the restructuring of rangelands …

The Future Of Clovers In Forage Systems And As Cover Crops, J. H. Bouton, John R. Caradus

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Clovers (Trifolium spp.) are the most widely used genera of legumes in forage systems, although only a limited number of the hundreds of perennial and annual species are commercially available. The number of varieties available within each of the main commercial species can be high and demonstrates past breeding achievements. Success relates to any clover’s ability to persist in mixtures with other forage species, across a range of soil types, management systems, and climates, while providing animal nutrition and biologically fixed nitrogen benefits. Uses range from traditional pasture mixtures with grasses to inclusion in multi-species mixtures, and as cover …

A Comparison Of Four Methods Of Botanical Analysis In Kentucky Cattle Pastures, Echo Elizabeth Gotsick, S. Ray Smith, Jimmy C. Henning, Christopher D. Teutsch

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Throughout the many decades of grassland and forage research, practitioners have used many different methods to assess botanical composition. While a few of these methods have proven to be accurate and efficient, there has been limited direct comparison between methods. The objective of this study was to determine an accurate and efficient method to determine botanical composition for researchers, practitioners, and students. Six farms with two pastures each were monitored across the state of Kentucky. Sampling started fall 2020 and continued through fall 2022 with measurements taken three times a year using the following measurement techniques: step point, visual estimation, …

Comparing Forage Biomass Estimation Between Forager-Mounted Near Infrared Spectroscopy (Nirs) And Rising Plate-Meter (Rpm) Techniques, Andy G. Jones, G. Irisarri, T. Takahashi, M. J. Rivero, P. Harris

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Quantifying the forage mass harvested per paddock is essential for informing late-season management decisions on grazing livestock farms. This information can be used to calculate winter feed budgets and thus support decisions such as area of land to defer for autumn grazing, and head of stock to sell before winter housing. However, there are practical limitations associated with existing measurement methods, which can influence the accuracy of forage biomass estimates. The purpose of the current study was therefore to compare biomass estimation from two alternative precision farming methods — near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) integrated within-spout of a self-propelled forage harvester, …

Conservation Reserve Program Hay Quality From Producer Submissions To A Commercial Laboratory In Central Nebraska, R. J. Kern-Lunbery

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) sets aside hectares to be permanent grassland and keeps those acres out of rotation for agricultural use. In drought conditions, these acres open to emergency haying and grazing. CRP hay is harvested at the end of the primary nesting season, mid to late summer, therefore this is a very mature product for stored forage. Many beef cow producers in the Midwest feed CRP hay in the last third of gestation until cattle can be turned out for spring grazing. Data was obtained from CRP hay samples to evaluate forage nutritive value and supplementation needs relative …

Australian Cool-Season Pulse Seed-Borne Virus Research: 1. Alfalfa And Cucumber Mosaic Viruses And Less Important Viruses, Roger A C Jones, Benjamin S. Congdon

Biosecurity Research Articles

Here, we review the research undertaken since the 1950s in Australia’s grain cropping regions on seed-borne virus diseases of cool-season pulses caused by alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). We present brief background information about the continent’s pulse industry, virus epidemiology, management principles and future threats to virus disease management. We then take a historical approach towards all past investigations with these two seed-borne pulse viruses in the principal cool-season pulse crops grown: chickpea, faba bean, field pea, lentil, narrow-leafed lupin and white lupin. With each pathosystem, the main focus is on its biology, epidemiology and management, …

Reduce Crop Weed Seed Numbers In The Soil, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

There are various methods of weed control in the pre-sowing phase, including removing weed seed numbers in the soil, fallow, stubble, and by various methods. This factsheet covers some of the methods, including:

• Burning crop residues to reduce the surface seed bank of many weeds

• Encouraging insect predation of seed

• Inversion ploughing to bury weed seeds at a depth they can’t germinate

• Autumn tickle to encourage earlier germination of weed seeds for destruction using a knockdown herbicide

• Delaying sowing to allow greater germination of weed seeds for destruction using a knockdown herbicide or cultivation, prior …

Is Biodiversity Declining In The Traditional Haymeadows Of Skye And Lochalsh, Scotland?, G. E. D. Tiley, D. G. L. Jones

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Species-rich haymeadows have developed on crofts in the Isle of Skye and Lochalsh Districts of north-west Scotland as a result of a century or more of traditional land use. This has involved long rotations of late cutting for hay with aftermath grazing by cattle and short breaks for cropping. The traditional haymeadows are increasingly coming under threat from changes taking place in the countryside. A survey of the main haymeadows still remaining in Skye and Lochalsh was carried out during 2003 to assess the current botanical composition, management and conservation value, and to compare with earlier surveys.

Phytosociological And Economical Properties Of Some Water-Meadows Of Nemunas, Lithuania, L. Baležentienė, E. Venskutonienė

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The water meadows of Nemunas in Lithuania have a high biological diversity as well as economic value. This paper describes the syntaxonomic type of meadow communities, plant species diversity of some water meadows of Nemunas, estimating the productivity of these grasslands in the summers of 2002 and 2003 and the optimal method of management.