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Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis Of The Nutrient Content Of Dairy Pastures, R C. Kellaway, C Stimson, R J. Tassell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pasture samples from temperate and tropical species were collected before and after grazing, at regular intervals, on 3 dairy farms in New South Wales over a period of 3 years. All samples (n=693) were analysed on a near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer with a scanning monochromator. Subsets of samples selected for calibration and validation, were analysed by wet chemistry methods for estimated metabolisable energy (MID), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), acid-detergent fibre (ADF), Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, S, Cu, Mn and Zn. These data were used lo develop NIR equations using partial least squares analyses. Standard errors of laboratory analysis …

Influence Of Oxygen Leakage Through Stretch Film On Quality Of Round Bale Silage, P Lingvall, C M. Pettersson, P Wilhelmsson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The ensiling-process is based on anaerobic conditions. Therefore, it is important to get "air tight" parcels covering big-bale silage. Wrapping round bales wilh stretch film has improved silage quality, and reduced diy matter (OM) and energy losses. In this experiment we studied the influence of stretch film quality, film thickness, .storage temperature and storage place on fermentation, microbial growth/ and DM losses. Additionally, oxygen permeability of stretch film wrapped in 4 or 6 layers around artificial bales (metal) and DM losses was tested In a model. High storage temperature, low total film thickness and high film permeability to oxygen increased …

Detection Of Fungicide Resistance In Population Of Corynespora Cassiicola From Arkansas Soybean And Cotton Fields, Rafael Zaia

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Target spot, caused by the fungus Corynespora cassiicola, has reemerged since 2016 as an economically important disease on soybean and cotton across the Southern U.S. The quinone outside inhibitors (QoI) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI) are important fungicide classes used to control foliar diseases in soybean and cotton. The efficacy of these products is rapidly decreasing, impacting control, and causing significant yield losses. The overall objective of this study was to determine the risks associated with chemical control by screening fungicide sensitivity, evaluating target site alterations, and analysis of disease control efficacy and yield response of fungicides for soybean in …

Developing A Controlled Traffic (Tramline) Farming System, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Controlled traffic farming (CTF) is a farming system built on permanent wheel tracks where the crop zone and traffic lanes are permanently separated. It can improve profitability and sustainability.

Implements for seeding, spraying, spreading and harvesting have a particular span, or multiple of it, and all wheel tracks are confined to specific traffic lanes.

CTF increases profit by more yield, better grain quality, improved operation timeliness, and reduced costs. The environment can improve, with less nutrient leaching, less water erosion, better water infiltration, and less greenhouse gas emission. Implementation needs a clear, long-term plan, and prioritisation of soil health.

Another …

Assessing Soil Properties & Suitability For Optimized Irrigation Development In Sudan, Northern Africa, Suhib O. Hamid

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Masters Project Reports

In Chapter 1, soil properties essential for efficient irrigation are thoroughly assessed. Factors such as soil texture, infiltration rates, and nutrient content are analyzed to provide insights into the selection of modern irrigation systems. Utilizing data collected from 3,192 locations through GPS and laboratory analyses, alongside sophisticated ranking systems, the research determines the most suitable irrigation methods for specific soil series. Findings highlight the remarkable efficiency of drip irrigation across various soil types, contrasting with the consistently lower performance of surface irrigation. The chapter emphasizes the significance of considering soil variability, evapotranspiration, and investment factors in selecting irrigation methods for …

Key Stages In The Growth And Maturity Of Field Pea, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Many farm operations rely on a clear understanding of the stage of crop development. This factsheet describes key growth stages of field pea, which will aid growers and their advisers in determining the appropriate timing for the application of herbicides, crop-topping, swathing, and harvest.

There is likely to be considerable variability in a crop, particularly at maturity and harvest. Therefore, it is often necessary to estimate the average or majority development stage of a crop. At first, this is best done numerically, but with experience it can be done by eye.

Button Grass And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) is a native species found throughout Australia. It is a common summer weed species that depletes soil moisture and nutrients, reducing the yield potential of the subsequent crop. It also acts as a green bridge for crop pests and disease.

The rapid emergence and growth of button grass after rainfall makes it important for the Australian plague locust.

It can be a valuable pasture species in arid areas, although overgrazing of button grass can result in toxicity for sheep and cattle.

Assessing Even Flat-Fan Nozzles For Spot Spray Herbicide Applications, Thiago H. Vitti

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Herbicide efficiency in row-crop agriculture can be improved using precision technologies for controlling weeds and minimize agronomic, economic, and environmental impacts. Site-specific weed management technologies, such as spot-sprayers, allow herbicides to be sprayed only where weeds are present in the field. Understanding application parameters and their influence on weed control for site-specific spot-spray applications is essential. This research involved laboratory and greenhouse studies to investigate the coverage and coefficient of variation (CV) of even flat-fan spray nozzles under different spot-spray application scenarios, as well as the effect of weed size and application method on the control of various weed species …

Identifying Genes Linked To Variation In Metabolic And Whole Plant Phenotypes Using Data From Genome Resequencing, Transcriptomics, And Metabolic Profiling Of A Field-Grown Maize Diversity Panel, Ramesh Kanna Mathivanan

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Maize metabolism is highly complex and influenced by genetic variation, yet the specific genes contributing to this variation and their links to non-metabolic traits remain less understood. To address this knowledge gap, we identified genes involved in maize metabolic variation and linked them to non-metabolic traits. We utilized a quadruplicate dataset of whole genome resequencing, transcriptomic, metabolic, and whole plant phenotype data from a single common field experiment of 660 diverse maize inbred lines. Leaf samples were collected shortly before flowering and analyzed using GC-MS for 26 metabolites. A Resampling Model Inclusion Probability Genome-Wide Association Study (RMIPGWAS) of approximately 2.6 …

Integrating Water And Nitrogen Management For Sustainable Agriculture: Optimizing Resource Use Efficiency And Maximizing Crop Productivity, Jiaming Duan

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Advisors: Derek Heeren and Daran Rudnick Maize, accounting for over 95% of national grain production in the United States, is highly sensitive to water and nitrogen (N) inputs. Conventional agricultural practices often lead to excessive application, causing groundwater contamination through nitrate leaching. Therefore, there is a demand for integrating water and nitrogen management with innovative scheduling methods for sustainable agricultural development.

This dissertation first reviewed two decades of U.S.-based research, highlighting the optimal management of water and N to enhance yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Findings indicate that maintaining optimal levels of N and water …

Dynamics Of Soybean Seed Protein And Oil Content With Depth In The Canopy, Hafith Furqoni

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Understanding the physiological basis of variation in seed composition is critical for optimizing soybean seed composition. Also, studying dry matter accumulation and nitrogen uptake, partitioning, and redistribution in soybeans is crucial due to its direct impact on seed yield levels and overall plant productivity. This study aimed to test the primary proxy influencing seed protein and oil content, which is their accumulation rate determined by the assimilate supply per seed. The second objective was to comprehensively understand soybean dry matter (DM) accumulation and nitrogen (N) uptake, partitioning, and removal patterns within the canopy. Field experiments were conducted using two soybean …

Integration Of Matlab And Machine Learning To Accelerate Evaluation Of Biological Activity In Agricultural Soils And Promote Soil Health Improvement Goals, Andrew Stiven Ortiz Balsero

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Traditionally, assessments of soil biological activity have been confined to laboratory settings, creating a disconnect with practical in-field methods. To bridge this gap, cotton fabric degradation has been used to illustrate soil microbial activity under different management practices. While effective, these demonstrations are subjective and labor-intensive.

Researchers have explored using image processing software like ImageJ and Adobe Photoshop to streamline this process. Although these tools accurately quantified fabric degradation under varying soil conditions, the methods remained labor-intensive and complex. Consequently, these methods were still not ideal for on-farm use by agricultural practitioners.

To further address labor and complexity limitations, the …

Enhancing Crop Resilience: Physiological And Omics Approaches For Drought And Heat Stress Tolerance In Soybean And Peanut, Jyoti Prasad Kakati

All Dissertations

Soybean and peanut are two major crops globally grown for oil and protein. Climate change-associated factors like drought and increased temperature (heat stress) challenge the global production of soybeans and peanuts. Though the United States is the second-largest producer of soybean and the fourth-largest producer of peanuts, it still faces production constraints associated with drought and heat stresses. In the present study, we have examined the responses of soybean and peanut plants to drought and heat stresses during germination and reproductive phases. We conducted field and controlled environmental studies to elucidate the impact of drought stress on germination and seedling …

Assessment Of American Tannin-Free Grain Sorghum As Feedstuff For Poultry: Nutrient Composition, Amino Acid Digestibility And Bird Performance, Santiago Sasia

All Dissertations

Given the rising cost of poultry diets, alternative ingredients like sorghum are crucial for maximizing returns without compromising product quality. Sorghum's drought tolerance and adaptability, along with its nutritional profile, make it a viable corn substitute. This dissertation examines the nutrient composition, amino acid digestibility, and performance of poultry fed with American tannin-free grain sorghum. Chapter II evaluates the impact of sorghum-based diets, with or without phytase superdosing, on broiler performance, including body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Results indicate that sorghum can replace corn without adverse effects on broiler performance. Chapter III explores the partial …

B.R. Wells Arkansas Rice Research Studies 2023, J. Hardke, X. Sha, N. Bateman

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Arkansas is the leading rice producer in the United States. The state represents 49.0% of total U.S. rice production and 49.6% of the total acres planted to rice in 2023. Rice cultural practices vary across the state and across the U.S. However, these practices are also dynamic and continue to evolve in response to changing political, environmental, and economic times. This survey was initiated in 2002 to monitor and record changes in the way Arkansas rice producers approach their livelihood. The survey was conducted by polling county extension agents in each of the counties in Arkansas that produce rice. Questions …

Use Of Herbicides Coated Onto Fertilizer And Applied Over-The-Top Of Cotton, Summer Linn

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production faces numerous challenges, many related to weed management. A herbicide application method that focuses on combing resources that producers already have access to, such as herbicide-coated fertilizers, could be a practical approach for addressing late-season control of Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats) and other problematic weed species. Two main factors would potentially impact the efficiency of utilizing this method: cotton tolerance to the application and weed control provided by the herbicide-coated fertilizers. Some considerations could affect the efficacy of these applications, such as when the treatments are applied and when they are activated by …

Approaches To Controlling Palmer Amaranth And Its Interference In Furrow-Irrigated Rice, Tanner Austin King

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats) is the most troublesome and problematic weed in most mid-southern U.S. row crop production systems. With the increased adoption of furrow-irrigated rice (Oryza sativa L.), there is a greater occurrence of Palmer amaranth due to sustained moist conditions allowing continual emergence of the weed throughout the growing season. Palmer amaranth has previously been shown to negatively affect crop yields when left unmanaged. Therefore, there is a high potential for rice yield loss due to the weed’s ability to emerge over an extended period and interfere with crop development. However, there is a lack of …

Economics - The Neglected Dimension Of Pasture Disease R&D, N D. Macleod

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pasture utilisation underpins a significant contribution of livestock industries to Australia’s economic well-being. Pasture disease represents a direct threat to these enterprises but the economic magnitude of this threat remains largely unknown as the contribution of agricultural economics to pasture disease R&D, management and policy making has been minimal to date. Some insights to explain this apparent neglect are highlighted and a suggestion is made for a multiple disciplinary approach to R&D.

The 'Pendulum Paradigm' - Trends In Nitrogen Fertilizer Use On Temperate Grass/ Clover Pastures, R J. Eckard, F R. Mckenzie, P A. Lane

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nitrogen fertiliser responses, on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) / white clover (Trifolium repens) dominant pastures, are compared between sub-tropical South Africa and temperate Australia. The data highlight the similarity in inflection point of the response curve, while emphasising the influence of high residual soil N at lower N application rates. The propensity of communities to oscillate between extremes in terms of N fertiliser use on intensive pasture, or the ‘Pendulum Paradigm’ is discussed. Particular reference is made to the dramatic increase in N fertiliser use in dairy pasture of temperate Australia and New Zealand. Emphasis is …

Linking Grassland And Range National Goals With The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative For National Benefit, David B. Hannaway, Walter F. Wedin, Gerald W. Evers

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grassland and Range National Goals (GRNGs) were developed to identify national research and education needs for these resources, both public and private. The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) developed within the NRCS to address the need for technical assistance for the management of privately held grazing lands. These activities are complimentary and, when combined, will address the national need for research, education, and technical assistance leading to better management of grassland and range resources.

The Effect Of Grazing On Etiolated Regrowth In Eight Grass Species, H A. Lardner, S.B M. Wright, R.D H. Cohen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazing by herbivores affects grass species both morphologically and physiologically. A grazing study was conducted on an irrigated pasture near Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada during the summers of 1991 and 1992 to determine etiolated regrowth after grazing of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners subsp. trachycaulus), intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey subsp. intermedium), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus beibersteinii Roem. & Schult.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.) Wimm.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in …

A Vison Of The Future World Food Production And Implications For The Environment And Grasslands, Per Pinstrup Andersen, Rajul Pandya Lorch

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increases in world population, projected to rise to 8 billion by 2020, and the resultant demand for food places great pressure on our agricultural and aquacultural resources. Anxiety about the future is exacerbated by decreasing grain stocks. Production increases of many commodities are projected to be between 1 and 2% per annum and will generally be higher in developing than in developed countries. Cultivatable land area will increase in some areas of the world but not in others. To cope with these challenges, yield increases will be essential and the application of existing knowledge and technologies will not suffice. Accelerated …

Canada's Forage Resources, D Mccartney, P R. Horton

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Canada is the second largest country in the world and stretches 5,500 km east to west and 4,600 km north to south. About 90% of Canada is uninhabited with 90% percent of the population living within 500 km of the Canadian-American border. About 60% of Canadians live in southern Ontario and Quebec. The grazing industry is located primarily in western Canada with British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba having 84% of the national beef herd. Ontario and Quebec have 73% of the national dairy herd. The majority of harvested forage, dehydrated alfalfa and forage seed crops are grown in western …

Opening Ceremony Address By Chairman Of The Continuing Committee, T Nolan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board ofDirectors of the XVIII International Grassland Congress, Your Honour, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Manitoba, Minister of Agriculture of the Province of Manitoba, Distinguished guests, members of the International Rangeland Congress, members of the International Grassland Congress, ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of the Continuing Committee, I am privileged to welcome you to the XVIII International Grassland Congress. What we will witness is the culmination of about six years of preparatory work by the Canadian Organising Committee and on your behalf! sincerely congratulate them for setting the basis for most interesting scientific and …

Closing Address: A Developing Country Perspective, Walter S. Alhassan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

It is an honour to present this closing address for the XVIII International Grassland Congress and I do it on behalf of colleagues in Africa, Asia and South America. The thirty themes and over 800 papers presented reflect the growing complexity of our grasslands in shaping the general well-being of people on this planet. The XVIX Congress, to be held in Brazil in 2001, will move the frontiers of knowledge concerning sustainable use of grassland resources even further.

This address is being made from the perspective of developing countries that contain the majority of tropical pastures. This region of the …

Closing Address: The View From Outside, Allan Nation

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Closing Address

The Xvii International Grassland Congress And Challenges For The Future Of Tropical Grasslands: A Developing Country Perspective, W S. Alhassan

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

All too soon we are to draw down the curtains on the XVIII International Grassland Congress and it is my pleasure and honour to contribute to the closing statements of this historic event, the first of its kind in Canada and one to bring us to the end of the present millennium as we as set the stage for the next. I do this on behalf of my colleagues in Africa, Asia and South America.

The thirty themes and the nearly 2000 technical presentations underscore the growing complexity of the role of our grasslands in shaping the general well-being of …

Congress Highlights From Perspective Of Temperate Regionsr, R J. Wilkins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This paper commences with brief reference to points made in the concluding paper at the XVI International Grassland Congress in Nice in 1989 (Wilkins, 1989) and then gives consideration in turn to technical advances reported in the Congress and to the future socio­ economic situation and its impact on research priorities. This is inevitably a personal view which does not give justice to the 800 or so papers presented at the Congress.

Forage And Animal Management Systems On Communal Rangelands In Arid And Semi-Arid Regions, Panjab Singh, A N. Ghosh

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands and savannas, which comprise about 25% of the earth's land surface, are undergoing constant degradation, particularly in ar d and semi-arid regions. The rangeland resource is constantly sinking mainly because of its conversion to crop land, leaving farmer and pastorilist vulnerable to environmental extremes. This Paper presents the existing situation and the herbage and animal Product biomass of these regions. Climate and its impact on the Vegetation are discussed. Prevalent systems of rangeland use by sedentary and nomadic herdsman are considered and the constraints 0 the system are enumerated. Livestock 'rearing has been the most important occupation in these …

Autumn Grass Growth- The Effect Of Rest Interval, R Neilan, E G. O'Riordan, G Keane

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of closing dates (Experiment 1: August 1, August 14 and September 18) and grass regrowth interval (Experiment 2) on herbage yield in the autumn/winter and in the following spring were investigated on a previously grazed Lolium perenne sward. In Experiment 1, similar yields were obtained for the August 1 and August 14 closing. Yields decreased and the proportion of dead material increased from 0.19 to 0.61 between mid-October and late- December. In Experiment 2, dry matter yield increased linearly (P < 0.05) with rest interval up to 7 wks in swards closed in September. There was no significant yield advantage for rest intervals greater than 5-6 wks. It is concluded that accumulated autumn and spring yields showed increased DM production with the shorter regrowth intervals.