Digital Commons Network^™

A 52-Year Ecological History Of Selected Introduced And Native Grasses Planted In Central Idaho, Stephen B. Monsen, Val Jo Anderson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study evaluated the longevity of 132 introduced and iiative grass ecotypes seeded on a mountain big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass (Atremisia tridentata ssp. vaseeyana-Agropyron spicatum) site in south• central Idaho. Species were established by direct seeding in 2 randomly replicated plots in 1939. Plantings were evaluated annually for 10 years and then at approximately 10-year intervals until 1991. Intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron lntermedium), Fairway crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), and sulcata sheep fescue (Festuca ovina ssp. sulcata) were the primary introductions that persisted throughout the study. Native bluebunch wheatgrass and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii) were equally …

Effect Of Direct Drilling On The Establishment On The Establishment And Growth Of Birdsfoot Trefoil In Montane Tussock Grasslands, R F. Woodman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Establishment of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) using an experimental strip-seeder drill was compared with that of a conventional triple disc in the presence and absence of paraquat in the Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand. Measurements of shoot, root and nodule formation showed that plants established with the experimental strip-seeder drill nodulated earlier and had significantly greater vigour than those established with the disc drill. These results are discussed in relation to the ability of the experimental strip-seeder to improve plant growth, survival and yield in stressed environments compared to the triple disc.

Pasture Grasses For Semi-Arid Environments In New Zealand, R F. Woodman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The production of 8 dryland forage gross species and compatibility with lucerne were evaluated over a period of 2 years in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury, New Zealand. Black Mountain rye (Seca le 1110111am1111) is highly promising as a palatable, drought, frost- and pest-tolerant species that provides large amounts of green feed, par ticularly in early spring and autumn. Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerala), tall oat grass (A rrhenalherum e/atius), smooth brome (Bro111 11s inennis) and phalaris (Phalaris aq11atica) also show potential as productive drought-tolerant grasses, compatible with lucerne (Medicago saliva cv .), and exhibiting good cool•season growth. Wheatgrass (Electrlgia i111ermedia) appears …

Improvement Of Shrub-Covered Hill Pasture By Root Raking: Effect Of Aspect, Superphosphate And Time From Sowing On Nitrogen Fixation And Clover Growth, M P. Rolston, J R. Crush, B P. Devantier

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

New white clover (Trifolium repens) grass pastures were established on shrub-covered hill slopes cleared by bulldozer root raking, The site included north and south aspects, and plots were individually fenced and grazed with sheep with superphosphate treatments of 1815 or 790 kg/ha (9% P). Nitrogen fixation was assessed over 5 years, with up. to 308 kg N/ha fixed in year I. Nitrogen fixation rates declined with time and were 72% higher on the moister southern aspect, and 33% higher with high superphosphate. Clover production showed similar trends. Nitrogen fixation efficiency (kg N fixed/I clover dry matter) increased from …

Breeding Switchgrass For Improved Animal Performance, K P. Vogel, K J. Moore, A A. Hopkins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Studies on breeding and evaluating switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) for improved animal performance have been conducted for the last 18 years. !ti vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) has been increased 3 8 g/kg after 3 cycles of selection; demonstrating· that IVDMD of switchgrass can be improved using recurrent, phenotypjc selection. Digestibility of plant tillers collected at panicle emergence was an excellent predictor of IVDMD of progeny in pastures or swards during the growing season. Small improvements in IVDMD (20-30 g/kg} significantly improved average daily gains and gains/ha (17-24 %) of beer cattle (Bos taurus) grazing switchgrass. It should …

Fertilizer Policies For Grassland Production In Winter Cold High Country In The South Island New Zealand And Southern China, C C. Boswell, M.J S. Floate

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Fertiliser policies for legume-based pastures on the high plateau of Guizhou province southern China are compared with those for the South Island of New Zealand, Guizhou policy is reduced to a few essentials. Choice of fertiliser is restricted; severe phosphorus deficiency is corrected with locally manufactured fused calcium magnesium phosphate, potassium deficiency with imported potassium sulphate or chloride. A simple recommendation applies for establishment and maintaining production over vast areas and potentially to huge numbers of small farms (3-7 ha). In the South Island high country, fertiliser forms and rates are matched as far as possible to the variety of …

Residual Effects Of Oversowing, Overdrilling, And Herbicide In The Long-Term Control Of Hieracium Pilosella In Otago, New Zealand, G G. Cossens, C C. Boswell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The mat-forming weed Hieracium pilosella {mouse-eared hawkweed) has become a major problem of tussock grasslands in New Zealand. Thirteen trials investigating methods of hawkweed control were laid down during 1975-80, monitored for 3 years, and subsequently reassessed in 1991. When grazing was excluded hawkweed was reduced from 60 to 3% ground cover within 18 months by topdressing and oversowing or overdrilling legumes; and to 22% by the use of the herbicides, 2,4 D and mecoprop-MCPA-dicamba. With grazing and no further topdressing, these improved lands reverted to hawkweed at a mean rate of 2-3%/year, as did overgrazed unimproved tussock grassland. In …

Rangeland Improvement On Granitic Soils In Uruguay, D F. Risso, D A. Moron

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Granitic soils comprise more than 15% of productive land of the country, Soils are variable, all being deficient in nitrogen and phosphorus, having a moderately low pH, more than 40% being shallow with low levels of organic matter. Livestock production is predominantly developed on range with moderate yield and ample variations (avg. DM/ha/year=3.l t; c.v.=27.6%; winter yield=l2%), Research conducted to improve this situation, evaluated: 1) range P fertilisation during 5 years, which resulted in a small (but significant) yield increase and improved P concentration of forage. 2) P fertilisation and interseeding of legumes through different methods. Largest differences were due …

Use Of Dryland Forage Plants For Improving Semi-Arid And Hawkweed-Affected Land In New Zealand, B J. Wills, J S. Sheppard, J.S C. Begg

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

mi-arid climatic conditions affect large areas of New Zealand's South Island east coast and inland basins. A significant area - some 6 million ha - is affected by, or is at risk from, invasion by hawkweeds, mainly Hieracium pilose/la. This plant, along with rabbits, is severely affecting the viability of extensive pastoral grassland farming in New Zealand. Soil erosion, in particular associated with frost heave and wind, is notable in areas associated with both a semi-arid climate and high densities of hawkweeds. The use of dryland pasture plants selected for drought tolerance, frost tolerance and ability to grow under low …

Small-Grain Forage For Winter Pastures, D J. Undersander, D P. Hutchenson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The paper summarises 2 studies comparing wheal (Triticum aestivum), barley (Horderim vulgare), rye (Triticale secale), and triticale (x Triticoseca/e) for fornge production and animal performance. Wheat, rye and triticale were planted in 10, 20 and 30 cm row spacings and grown over 2 winters in South Carolina. Porage yield from early­October plantings ranged from 2961 to 5000 kg/ha in 1986-87 and from l012 to 3400 kg/ha in 1987-88. Porage yield was highest from rye, most of the forage growth occurring in autumn. Wheat produced forage growth most uniformly throughout autumn and spring. In the …

Effects Of Lime And Fertilizer On The Establishment Of White Clover In The Falkland Islands, J A. Kerr, Rosie Poultney

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

White clover (Trifolium repens L.)-based pastures could improve low pasture and animal production in the Falkland Islands. However, establishment is difficult and expensive. Effects of lime and fertilisers containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) on white clover dry matter yield and root nodulation were experimentally assessed between 1986-88. Lime at 1 t/ha and 30 kg/ha P as triple superphosphate, separately improved clover yield. Nodulation was improved only by lime. Neither N nor K fertilisers affected on white clover establishment yields,

Complementarity Between Summer-Active Grasses And Cool-Season Annual Legumes In Temperate-Zone Pastures, W H. Johnston

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The effect of mowing and subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneaum) on plant density; basal area and total dry matter yield of the C perennial grasses Eragrostis curvula complex, cv. Consol and 4 Accession 4660, and Cenchrus ciliaris cv. American, and the c; Pllalaris aquatica cv. Sirocco was studied at Cowra, NSW, Australia between spring 1982 and spring 1987. C. cilaris did not persist. The density and basal area of phalaris was not affected by subterranean clover but declined with mowing, Clover reduced the density, basal area and summer dry matter ·yield of E. curvula while mowing was', advantageous. E. curvula …

Winter Grazing Rough Fescue Grasslands With And Without Preconditioning On Annual Pasture, W D. Willms, L M. Rode, B S. Freeze

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Winter grazing of the fescue prairie is desirable to reduce the cost of feeding preserved forages and to conserving the native prairie. Rough fescue (Festuca campestris Rydb,), the dominant and most productive forage species in the foothills region, is highly sensitive to summer grazing but tolerates grazing while dormant. Since the forage quality declines after senescence, and the energy requirements increase in winter, this study was made to determine the feasibility of winter gmzing pregnant Hereford cows with and without preconditioning on annual pasture. The study, replicated over a 4-year period {n=4), used a 2x2 factorial design representing native …

Interaction Of Drill Type And Herbicide On Pasture Establishment In Semi-Arid Environments, W L. Lowther, R F. Horrell, P D. Johnstone, K D. Trainor

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Results are presented from an overdrilling experiment comparing a conventional triple-disc drill with an' experimental single-pass strip­seeder drill designed to remove competiting vegetation mechanically; Herbicide application markedly increased herbage mass of sown species in the triple-disc treatments. ,However, herbage mass was. higher from the strip-seeder drill than the .triple-disc in both ihe' nbsence and presence of herbicide. The results indicate the potential of the strip-seeder drill technology for cost-effective establishment of pasture species in difficult environments.

Alfalfa Cultivar Selection From 30 Years Of Records In The State Of Illinois, Usa, Don W. Graffis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Data from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivar trials in Illinois, USA from 1963 lo 1992 have been adapted to a computer software spreadsheet for storage and manipulation. The data recorded have been the percentage of check cultivar's yield. The average % of checks for a given cultivar is calculated after each year of recorded yield. The computer spreadsheet enables sorting of resultant yields. The sorting in descending order determines lhe top-performing cultivars. Criteria used lo determine cultivar suggestions for extension clienlele are: (a) a minimum of 3 harvest years in the region of cultivar suggestion, and (b) the cultivar …

Developing Eastern Gamagrass On A Conserved Forage, John A. Dickerson, Paul R. Salon

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Bastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) is highly regarded as a native forage resource in the prairie region of North America. Recent discovery of a gynomonoecious plant in Kansas has raised expectations that efficient seed production will be possible with the species. A possible use for eastern gamagrass is as a perennial haylage crop for dairy farms, replacing erosion-prone silage corn. Compared with corn silage, eastern gamagrass forage has higher crude protein, slightly lower energy, and higher neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre. Breeding work is underway to develop hardy, high volume forage-producing strains with good seed production capability. …

Rangelands In Dry Mountain Areas, T Boyadgiev

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The extent and characteristics of temperate and mountainous climatic zones, steeply dissected and mountainous areas, permanent meadows and pasture lands, and the trend of land use evolution and aspects of land degradation are presented and discussed. The rangelands improvement strategy in Bulgaria is based on mineral fertilisation of mountainous grasslands leading to an increase in production of dry material, protein, phosphorus and cereals, This reduces sheet erosion. Overgrazing and prolonged dry periods, causing a decrease in the number of species, are also discussed, Measures to improve grassland practices are proposed.

Improvement Strategies In Winter Cold Temperate Rangeland Ecosystems With Particular Reference To Extensive Grazing Lands Of Iran, A Koocheki

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Traditional land use systems in Iran have been divided between crop production and livestock grazing. Grazing land management in most parts is based on pastoral nomadism which operates between plains as winter grazing lands and mountains as summer grazing lands. Mountainous areas are an important source of food and feed production for nomads and their herds. In Iran two main ranges of mountains, Elburz and Zagros, are the summer territory of nomadic pastoralists. At present 1.5% of total population of the country are nomads. They contribute as much as 27% of value added in the animal industry of the country. …

Winter Cold Temperate Rangelands: Improvement Strategies For Intensive Rangeland Ecosystems, B E. Allan, D Scott

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Transfer of developed grassland technologies to rangelands is discussed in terms of environmental gradients and the options and constraints they impose. Winier feed limitation can be overcome through conserved feeds and various in situ systems involving special purpose pastures and feed banks. General animal nutrition can be improved through intensive development, low input systems, better control of range utilisation and, where appropriate, correction of mineral deficiencies. The emphasis in seeking quick and easy solutions to rangeland management problems is questioned, A more informed, environmentally sound and sustainable approach to rangeland fanning atlitudes and management is proposed. A stepwise process to …

Results From A Multi-Laboratory Ocean Metaproteomic Intercomparison: Effects Of Lc-Ms Acquisition And Data Analysis Procedures, Mak A. Saito, Jaclyn K. Saunders, Matthew R. Mcilvin, Erin M. Bertrand, John A. Breier, Margaret Mars Brisbin

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Metaproteomics is an increasingly popular methodology that provides information regarding the metabolic functions of specific microbial taxa and has potential for contributing to ocean ecology and biogeochemical studies. A blinded multi-laboratory intercomparison was conducted to assess comparability and reproducibility of taxonomic and functional results and their sensitivity to methodological variables. Euphotic zone samples from the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) in the North Atlantic Ocean collected by in situ pumps and the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Clio were distributed with a paired metagenome, and one-dimensional (1D) liquid chromatographic data-dependent acquisition mass spectrometry analysis was stipulated. Analysis of mass spectra from …

A Decade Of Monitoring Reveals A Dynamic Fish Assemblage On A Substantial Artificial Reef In The Texas Gulf Of Mexico, David Hicks, Ethan T. Getz, Richard Kline, Carlos E. Cintra-Buenrostro

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Fish communities on artificial reefs have rarely been monitored over long periods to evaluate success of reef deployment. Here, we used roving diver surveys to assess changes in fish assemblages on a large, reefed vessel during 2008–2017. Multivariate analyses revealed a dynamic community that stabilized after 5 years. Species richness increased and species dominance decreased during 2008–2017. The fish community shifted toward reef-associated species such as hogfish and pufferfish. Species composition shifted, but trophic structure was relatively stable, which suggested that functional groups may not reflect larger community shifts. Our results indicate that fish communities on artificial reefs are temporally …

Excavated Tanks (Farm Dams), Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Guidelines and information for planning, legal requirements, design, construction and management of excavated tanks for water storage on farm.

Excavated tanks (farm dams) provide effective water storage wherever surface water run-off can be harvested for livestock, crop spraying, irrigation and domestic use on rural properties.

Excavated tanks for rainfall storage are common in the southern agricultural areas of WA.

Well-designed and constructed dams are farm assets, safe and require little maintenance.

Poor design and construction can lead to poor water harvesting and storage, excessive costs, downstream erosion and risks to property and people.

DPIRD recommends that excavated tanks should be …

Natural Revegetation And No Grazing, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

The department recommends that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Natural revegetation and no grazing are only recommended for sites that are too saline, waterlogged and/or inundated for other treatments to succeed in the south-west of Western Australia. It is also the preferred option for the lowest possible cost.

Rabbit Fencing To Protect Crops And Pastures, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet outlines the use of fencing to protect crops and pasture from rabbits.

Rabbits cause an estimated loss of $217 million each year to Australian agricultural production and cause significant environmental damage. In Western Australia (WA), areas of native vegetation, particularly on sandy ridges that would otherwise be subject to wind erosion, have been retained on farms. Bush remnants are a major refuge habitat for rabbits, which can cause considerable damage to nearby pastures and crops. A measure of rabbit control can be achieved by poisoning around bush remnants in late summer or autumn, prior to seeding. To be …

Comparison Of Soil Organic Matter Fractions In Non-Grazed And Prescribed Sheep-Grazed Managed Land In Southwest Michigan, Julia M. Shreve, Katelyn Smith, Lauren Burns

Student Summer Scholars Manuscripts

The impact of prescribed sheep grazing on soil organic carbon (SOC) was investigated by comparing a 2-acre grazed and a 2-acre non-grazed (control) portion of redeveloped land previously seeded with pasture mix in Southwest Michigan. This study aimed to measure changes in SOC resulting from prescribed sheep grazing by examining two key soil organic matter (SOM) fractions: particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) along with soil physical and chemical properties (e.g., bulk density, infiltration rate, moisture content, pH, conductivity). Soil cores were collected from 5 locations within each of the 2-acre plots using a diagonal random sampling …

Evaluation Of Dual Purpose Canola And Cereals Grazed With Cattle, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development conducted research to investigate and demonstrate the importance of dual-purpose crops (canola, wheat and barley) to improve the feed availability for cattle (in late autumn to early winter) in mixed farming systems of the high rainfall environment of Western Australia (WA).

The grain yield of a wide range of canola and cereal varieties sown in mid-April were unaffected by the grazing of cattle at a stocking rate of 20 to 22 dry sheep equivalent (DSE) per hectare (ha) for up to 4 weeks at Esperance in 2011.

The grazed crops yielded the …

Rabbit Control: Warren And Harbourage Destruction, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

If correctly and appropriately undertaken, the destruction of rabbit warrens, or modification of the habitat so it becomes less favourable to rabbits, can be an important and effective part of reducing the impacts of rabbits.

Destruction of warrens can improve the overall effectiveness of rabbit control programs, even though many rabbits live and shelter above-ground under bushes, and in scrub). If undertaken properly, the ripping of rabbit warrens can often provide a relatively permanent and long-term benefit. Similarly, removing or modifying other forms of rabbit-harbourage (for example, removing rock piles) can help, particularly in semi-urban areas or on smallholdings.

Accumulation Of Road Salt In A Calcareous Fen: Kampoosa Bog, Western Massachusetts, Wayne Ndlovu, Andrew J. Guswa, Amy L. Rhodes

Geosciences: Faculty Publications

Road salt poses a threat to the quality of soils and water resources. Wetlands located in salt contaminated areas are at risk of experiencing lower plant and animal species diversity. Therefore, it is critical to understand how modifications to salt application rates and hydrological events impact wetland water quality. Here, we use chloride mass flux, discharge, groundwater chloride concentration, meteorological, and salt application data from 2012– 2020 to estimate chloride accumulation and outflux rates in the Kampoosa Bog subwatersheds, located in Stockbridge and Lee, Massachusetts, and bordered by major highways (Interstate-90 and U.S. Route 7). We also investigate the correlation …

Modern Lakeshore Processes And Historic Lake And Glacial Changes In Taylor Valley, Antarctica, Michael Stanley Stone

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Taylor Valley, which opens to the Ross Sea, is one of several ice-free valleys comprising the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. The valley is home to several close-basin, perennially ice-covered lakes, whose lake levels largely reflect a balance between meltwater inputs and lake ice ablation; both being driven by climate. A dynamic environment exists where the lake ice covers meet the lakeshore, with the ice grounding to the substrate throughout the cold and dark of winter, and melting to form a perimeter of thin-to-no ice around the lake during the summer. These marginal freeze-thaw regions are known as moats. Here, physical, …

Evaluating Indoor Air Quality In Residential Environments: A Study Of Pm2.5 And Co2 Dynamics Using Low-Cost Sensors, Kabir Bahadur Shah, Dylan Kim, Sai Deepak Pinakana, Mkhitar A. Hobosyan, Armando Montes, Amit U. Raysoni

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Indoor air quality (IAQ) poses a significant public health concern, and exposures to high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and carbon dioxide (CO2) could have detrimental health impacts. This study focused on assessing the indoor air pollutants in a residential house located in the town of Mission, Hidalgo County, South Texas, USA. The PM2.5 and CO2 were monitored indoors: the kitchen and the bedroom. This investigation also aimed to elucidate the effects of household activities such as cooking and human occupancy on these pollutants. Low-cost sensors (LCSs) from TSI AirAssure™ were used in this study. They were deployed within …