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The Evolving International Grassland Congress, L R. Humphreys
The Evolving International Grassland Congress, L R. Humphreys
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The locations of the International Grassland Congresses are listed. Analysis of the disciplinary themes of papers presented at five Congresses from 1937 to 1993 indicated a considerable homeostasis of content. The plant genetic base for grassland improvement received most attention, and this, together with plant physiology, plant ecology and soil science contributed 52 to 57 per cent of the subject matter at all five Congresses. Emergent topics are mentioned.
Short-Term Effects Of Grazing And Rest Treatments On The Seed Banks Of Two Contrasting Sites In The Semiarid Pampas, Argentina, M O. Aguilera, M M. Marchi, O Terenti
Short-Term Effects Of Grazing And Rest Treatments On The Seed Banks Of Two Contrasting Sites In The Semiarid Pampas, Argentina, M O. Aguilera, M M. Marchi, O Terenti
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The germinable seed bank was characterized in relation to season, grazing, and site type at southcentral San Luis, Argentina. Vegetation is typical of the semiarid western extreme of the Pampas grasslands. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of grazing and rest during the growing season on seed banks for two contrasting sites. Seed banks were sampled twice, in spring and fall. In each date, soil cores were obtained in sanddune and flat sites, for pastures grazed or that remained ungrazed during the growing season. Soil was spread in trays under suitable conditions for germination. Evaluations were done on total …
The Effect Of Phytotoxic Substances In Permanent Grassland, E Haugland, R Elven
The Effect Of Phytotoxic Substances In Permanent Grassland, E Haugland, R Elven
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The concentration of phytotoxic substances in permanent grassland was studied and related to botanical composition in a two year study. Species that were negatively correlated to growth retardation varied between the two years. This may have been caused by variation in growth conditions between the two years, but may also indicate that single plant species are not the main source for the phytotoxic substances. Dead decomposing tissue may instead be the main source of phytotoxic substances in permanent grassland.
Growth Of Heifers And Changes In Vegetation In A Natural Grassland Oversown With Caribbean Stylo, Vinod Shankar, J N. Gupta, V S. Upadhyay
Growth Of Heifers And Changes In Vegetation In A Natural Grassland Oversown With Caribbean Stylo, Vinod Shankar, J N. Gupta, V S. Upadhyay
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The paper reports a three year study on the growth of heifers and vegetational changes in a natural grassland oversown with caribbean stylo and grazed in a deferred- rotational grazing system. There were two feeding treatments. One set of grazing heifers was given common salt only. The other set of heifers were given supplemental feeding of leucaena green @4 per cent or Leucaena hay @ 1 per cent body weight. The supplemental feeding of leucaena was beneficial in terms of body weight gain particularly during the dry summer months. Population of the caribbean stylo oversown in natural Sehima- Heteropogon …
Negative Hypergeometric Series And Taylor's Power Law In Occurrence Of Plant Populations In Semi-Natural Grassland In Japan, M Shiyomi, T Egawa, Y Yamamoto
Negative Hypergeometric Series And Taylor's Power Law In Occurrence Of Plant Populations In Semi-Natural Grassland In Japan, M Shiyomi, T Egawa, Y Yamamoto
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Attempts were made to determine whether the spatial distribution of the plant species composing vegetation of a semi-natural grassland is heterogeneous, using negative hypergeometric series (NHG) and Taylor’s power law (TPL). The occurrence of each species was observed, in an area of the grasslands, using 100 quadrats with a size of 50 cm x 50 cm, each of which was divided into 4 small quadrats with an area of 25 cm x 25 cm. For all species dominating in the grassland, good fits to the NHG and TPL were obtained. Species which grow stolons, rhizomes and tillers for propagation such …
Nitrogen Leaching From Dairy Pastures In The Northeast United States, W L. Stout, G F. Elwinger, S L. Fales, L D. Muller, R R. Schnabel, W E. Priddy
Nitrogen Leaching From Dairy Pastures In The Northeast United States, W L. Stout, G F. Elwinger, S L. Fales, L D. Muller, R R. Schnabel, W E. Priddy
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
While intensive grazing has the potential to increase dairy farm profitability in the Northeast United States, the uneven recycling of N through feces and urine can increase NO3 - leaching. We measured NO3 - leaching loss from urine and feces beneath N-fertilized orchardgrass using 60 cm diameter by 90 cm deep drainage lysimeters. Mean NO3-N levels in leachate beneath these areas were 3.8, 6.5, 93.5, 110 and 139 mg l-1 for the control, feces, and spring, summer and fall applied urine. Extrapolation of the leaching data over a grazed landscape indicates that a grazing intensity for a 180-day grazing season …
Overseeding Methods For Communal Grassland, L Tahtacioglu, A Mermer, M Avci
Overseeding Methods For Communal Grassland, L Tahtacioglu, A Mermer, M Avci
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Two establishment methods, cultivator+roller and grassland drill, in combination with four plant mixtures were evaluated for the improvement of degraded communal grassland in two provinces of Eastern Anatolia. The establishment had been satisfactory with both methods and no significant differences were observed between two overseeding methods. Sainfoin, alfalfa, smooth brome and crested wheatgrass were used in this work and plant mixtures consisted of one legume and one grass species. Compatibility of introduced seedlings with existing vegetation was very weak. Although, the contribution of introduced plant mixtures to DM yield was significantly higher under protected condition, the survival and regeneration rates …
Study Of The Diversity Of Soil Animal Community In The Songnen Plain Grassland Of China, Yin Xiuqin, Zhu Tingcheng, Zhong Weiyan, Peng Wu Kui
Study Of The Diversity Of Soil Animal Community In The Songnen Plain Grassland Of China, Yin Xiuqin, Zhu Tingcheng, Zhong Weiyan, Peng Wu Kui
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
This paper makes a diversity study of 8 habitats of soil animal communities in Songnen plain grassland. The research shows that the better the habitat condition is, the higher the diversity index of soil animals, and the worse the habitat condition is the lower the diversity index of soil animals. The diversity of soil animal communities has a positive relationship with soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and has a negative relationship with pH value. It has no obvious relationship with soil water content and total phosphorus. The diversity of soil animal communities decreases with increasing depth of soil layer and …
Increasing Grassland Biodiversity Within The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme In The U.K, S Peel
Increasing Grassland Biodiversity Within The Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme In The U.K, S Peel
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The ESA scheme is the main vehicle in the UK for increasing biodiversity on agricultural land. It is voluntary, and payments are made to compensate for reduced profitability when prescribed practices are followed. These include conversion of cropping land to grassland, zero fertiliser use and late cutting for hay. The scheme is supported by an R & D programme aimed particularly at practical problems arising from the need to reconcile environmental targets with the need to maintain viable and profitable livestock systems. The paper cites examples of this R & D, including choice of seeds mixtures, the role of soil …
Medicinal Plants As Indicators Of Grassland Biodiversity, G Nagy, I Vinczeffy, K Peto
Medicinal Plants As Indicators Of Grassland Biodiversity, G Nagy, I Vinczeffy, K Peto
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
A study has been made to identify the medicinal plants on the existing Hungarian grasslands. Sixty-three plants have been found to possess medicinal effects. Twenty-six, 15 and 22 species are for internal, internal or external and external use, respectively. This result reflects the low management intensity of grasslands in the country, as well as the species richness of semi-natural grasslands. It is suggested that the number of medical plants on the grassland, - in general - can also be used as an indicator of grassland biodiversity.
Graded Management Intensity Of Grassland System For Enhancing Biodiversity On A Species And Landscape Scale, E Meister, B Koch
Graded Management Intensity Of Grassland System For Enhancing Biodiversity On A Species And Landscape Scale, E Meister, B Koch
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The objective of our research is to maintain and enhance wildlife resources, landscape diversity and economic competitiveness of grassland-ruminant systems. This may be accomplished by a diversified, graded management intensity of pastures and meadows (Dietl,1990), resulting in a network of intensively and extensively used grassland and other semi-natural habitats. Botanical diversity is thus increased on both a habitat and landscape level. In intensively farmed regions it may be necessary to re-establish species-rich grassland types and adjust management intensity to the site conditions and species’ requirements.
Effects Of Climate Change On Grassland Production In Switzerland, J Fuhrer, M Riedo
Effects Of Climate Change On Grassland Production In Switzerland, J Fuhrer, M Riedo
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
A mechanistic model for productive grassland was used to simulate annual dry matter yield in relation to fluxes of C, N, and water, and to test the sensitivity to climate change and to elevated [CO2] (2xCO2). Local weather scenarios were derived from the results of two General Circulation Models (GCM) by statistical down-scaling. Annual yield increased by a maximum of 10% without 2xCO2 effects, by 1-16% in response to 2xCO2, and by 6-24% with the combination of climate change and 2xCO2. Decreased evapotranspiration and increased water use efficiency in response to 2xCO2 were partially offset by climate change. The simulations …
Spring Grazing To Manipulate The Composition Of A Re-Created Species Rich Grassland Habitat, R Chapman, A Younger
Spring Grazing To Manipulate The Composition Of A Re-Created Species Rich Grassland Habitat, R Chapman, A Younger
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Botanical diversity in species rich grasslands re-created on restored opencast coal sites may be threatened by aggressive growth from the legume component. A previous study indicated that this aggressive legume growth may be suppressed by spring grazing with sheep. A detailed study was conducted to determine the effect of spring grazing on the two most abundant legumes within the community; white clover (Trifolium repens) and lesser trefoil (Trifolium dubium). The results obtained suggested that the control of legumes was apparently mediated principally through the suppression of white clover, with lesser trefoil growth actually being increased by …
The Impacts Of Collective Action In Common-Pool Resources ——Evidence From The Field Of Grassland Use, Wang Jizhe, Liu Min, Nie Zihan
The Impacts Of Collective Action In Common-Pool Resources ——Evidence From The Field Of Grassland Use, Wang Jizhe, Liu Min, Nie Zihan
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The deterioration of common-pool resources is a serious issue faced by over the world now. How to manage public resources sustainably is extremely urgent. Collective action plays an important role in the sustainable management of common-pool resources. It creates a common goal that makes resource users not only concern their individual interests, but also the collective interests, in order to avoid the common-pool resource dilemma. The extent of collective interests that resource users concern affects their decisions in collective action, which further impacts the sustainable use of common-pool resources. We use a grazing experiment to observe and measure collective action. …
Vicuñas’ (Vicugna Vicugna Mensalis) Diet Composition Under Community Management In The Puna Grasslands, Katherine Capuñay, Samuel Pizarro, Javier Ñaupari
Vicuñas’ (Vicugna Vicugna Mensalis) Diet Composition Under Community Management In The Puna Grasslands, Katherine Capuñay, Samuel Pizarro, Javier Ñaupari
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The objective of the present study was to determine the composition of the vicuña (V. vicugna mensalis) diet at the end of the drought period (November, 2019) in the San Cristobal de Lucanas Community, in the department of Ayacucho, Peru. Eight sites were chosen, where vicuñas were observed grazing in Pajonal (tussock grassland), Cesped (short grassland), Pajonal-Cesped and Tholar-grass. For the botanical composition of the diet, fecal samples were collected in 80 dung piles, which were prepared for microhistological analysis and determined the plants consumed in the vicuña’s diet. The botanical composition of the diets in the different …
Enclosure Rather Than Topography Enhances The Soil Ecological Stoichiometry In Typical Steppe On The Loess Plateau, China, Zhaoxia Guo, Fujiang Hou, Jiao Ning
Enclosure Rather Than Topography Enhances The Soil Ecological Stoichiometry In Typical Steppe On The Loess Plateau, China, Zhaoxia Guo, Fujiang Hou, Jiao Ning
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Grassland is one of the largest terrestrial ecosystems in the world, a large part of which is distributed in varied topography. And grazing and enclosure are the main ways to use this part. Grazing changes the soil structure through feeding, trampling and excreta return, thus affects the soil nutrients. The aspect mainly affects soil temperature and moisture by affecting solar radiation. The slope affects soil nutrients by affecting surface runoff. Water and temperature are the main factors affecting soil nutrients. We carried out to explore the effect of enclosure years and topography on soil ecological stoichiometry. The results showed that: …
Adjusting Ley Grassland Duration In Crop Rotations To Reconcile Food Production And Soil Carbon Stocks, Abad Chabbi
Adjusting Ley Grassland Duration In Crop Rotations To Reconcile Food Production And Soil Carbon Stocks, Abad Chabbi
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Introduction of grasslands into cropping systems represents a strategy to ensure food production while reducing soil carbon losses. Yet, mixed crop and grassland management systems need to be evaluated in terms of achieving balanced food production and soil carbon (C) sustainability. The objectives of the study are: 1) to explore the impact of grassland duration on C input and soil C changes in agricultural systems; and 2) to test the variation in C input and soil C changes between rotations using grassland fertilized at high or low Nitrogen (N) application rates and their impacts on productivity. Field data regarding C …
The Ag-Biota Project: A Preliminary Assessment Of Potential Indicators Of Biodiversity In Agricultural Grasslands, Gordon Purvis, A. Anderson, A. J. Helden, L. Kirwan
The Ag-Biota Project: A Preliminary Assessment Of Potential Indicators Of Biodiversity In Agricultural Grasslands, Gordon Purvis, A. Anderson, A. J. Helden, L. Kirwan
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In compliance with European commitments to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity within agricultural land is a primary objective of current agri-environmental measures. However, there is a widespread lack of information concerning the effectiveness of agri-environmental schemes in Europe, (Kleijn & Sutherland, 2003). In large part, this is due to uncertainties about selection of appropriate biological indicators of biodiversity (Buchs, 2003; Duelli & Obrist, 2003).
The Victorian Volcanic Plains Grassland: Past, Present And Future, Steve G. Clark, J. Crosthwaite, J. Dorrough, J. R. Hirth, Y. Ingeme, J. Mavromihalis, V. Turner
The Victorian Volcanic Plains Grassland: Past, Present And Future, Steve G. Clark, J. Crosthwaite, J. Dorrough, J. R. Hirth, Y. Ingeme, J. Mavromihalis, V. Turner
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The Grasslands of the Victorian Volcanic Plains have been replaced with introduced pastures and crops since European settlement with the loss of many plant and animal species. What remains, on public and private land, has high conservation value and needs urgent protection.
Contributions Of The United States Department Of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service To Conserving Grasslands On Private Lands In The United States, L. P. Heard
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The future of biodiversity in the USA is tied inseparably to activities taking place on private lands. Agriculture is by far the most important user of these lands, with about 50% or 900M acres managed as private cropland, grassland or rangeland. Decisions made by America's farmers and ranchers directly affect grasslands and their impact on food supply, biodiversity, soil protection and water quality. Agricultural programs and policies in the USA have had a large influence on the choices available to farmers and ranchers in land management. Since the 1930s, USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has been working with farmers, …
Biodiversity In Grassland: Bangladesh Perspective, B. Hossain
Biodiversity In Grassland: Bangladesh Perspective, B. Hossain
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The rapidly increasing human population in Bangladesh has caused widespread damage to and disturbance of natural habitats and a loss of indigenous wildlife. There are now very few, if any, extensive patches of grassland in Bangladesh and any that might remain are inundated for two-thirds of the year with no alternative refugia available. Most remaining grassland areas are fragmented, heavily used and harvested up to three times a year. Furthermore, the reed lands of northeast Bangladesh were leased out for paper production and are reported to have been entirely destroyed and settled by encroachers. Tall grasslands around rivers and lakes …
Phosphorus Transfer To River Water From Grassland Catchments In Ireland, H. Tunney, P. Jordan, G. Kiely, R. Moles, G. Morgan, P. Byrne, W. Menary, K. Daly
Phosphorus Transfer To River Water From Grassland Catchments In Ireland, H. Tunney, P. Jordan, G. Kiely, R. Moles, G. Morgan, P. Byrne, W. Menary, K. Daly
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In Ireland it is estimated that at least half of phosphorus (P) loss to water is from agricultural sources and National and European Union policy and legislation aim at reducing phosphorus (P) loss to water in order to reduce eutrophication. In Ireland, the average soil test P (STP) levels increased ten-fold, from less than 1 to over 8 mg Morgan P per l soil over the past 50 years, reflecting increased P inputs in fertiliser and animal feed. One of the main objectives of this three-year research programme, started in 2001, was to investigate P loss to water in grassland …
Early Spring Surface Runoff From Grassland And Arable Land, S. Hejduk, K. Kasprzak
Early Spring Surface Runoff From Grassland And Arable Land, S. Hejduk, K. Kasprzak
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Surface runoff is regarded as an undesirable phenomenon because it deprives plants and soil of precipitation water and reduces its penetration underground. It is also the cause erosion and flooding. The occurrence and depth of a frozen soil layer is the main factor which determines the amount of surface runoff in winter. A well-developed surface and/or sub-surface layer of frozen soil is practically impenetrable for water. This layer results from ice-forming processes, which are influenced by snow melting due to diurnal fluctuations in temperature in early spring, partial thaws, winter rainfalls, and thermocapillary processes taking place in frozen soil.
Soil Enzyme Activities As Bio Indicators Of Soil Ph And Fertility In Temperate Grassland, Iker Mijangos, A. Ibarra, Isabel Albizu, Sorkunde Mendarte, Carlos Garbisu
Soil Enzyme Activities As Bio Indicators Of Soil Ph And Fertility In Temperate Grassland, Iker Mijangos, A. Ibarra, Isabel Albizu, Sorkunde Mendarte, Carlos Garbisu
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In recent years, biological indicators are being used to estimate the continued capacity of a given soil to function (i.e., soil health). After all, biological processes are intimately linked with the maintenance of soil structure and fertility, being more sensitive to changes in the soil than conventional physicochemical parameters. Soil enzymes, as mediators and catalysts of vital soil functions, offer great potential as integrative indicators of soil health (Dick et al., 1996). The main aim of the current work was to study the potential of soil enzyme activities as biological (more precisely, biochemical) indicators of soil physicochemical …
Validation Of The Software “Recycling Of Nutrients” In Dairy-Farms Of Western Cuba, I. Rodríguez, Gustavo Crespo, M. F. Días, S. Fraga
Validation Of The Software “Recycling Of Nutrients” In Dairy-Farms Of Western Cuba, I. Rodríguez, Gustavo Crespo, M. F. Días, S. Fraga
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
To maintain a good productivity in the soil-plant-animal system it is necessary to achieve an equilibrium between input and output of nutrients and energy. Models and simulation software have been proposed for this purpose. For dairy farms, models have been utilised to show the behaviour of different aspects, such as: feed utilisation, energy flow, digestibility values and daily weight gains (Freer et al., 1970; Assis & France, 1983, Bruce et al., 1984). However, there are few models showing the interaction between soil-plant- animal components of these systems. The objective of the present study was to validate the software …
The Role Of The Phare Programme And The Danish-Lithuanian Project On The Development Of The Grassland Production And Of Dairy-Beef Cattle Husbandry, V. Vrotniakiene, Jonas Jatkauskas
The Role Of The Phare Programme And The Danish-Lithuanian Project On The Development Of The Grassland Production And Of Dairy-Beef Cattle Husbandry, V. Vrotniakiene, Jonas Jatkauskas
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Animal production is one of the priorities for economic development in Lithuania. Dairy-beef cattle husbandry has remained an important branch of animal production under the conditions of agricultural reform. Favorable agroclimatic conditions for grass cultivation, old traditions of agricultural production and the ability to train farmers in new techniques creates good conditions for the development of dairy-beef cattle husbandry. It is most appropriate to use cattle types suitable for grass feeding with low inputs of concentrates. This paper reports on two development projects that sought to increase animal production through grassland improvement and the production of high-quality silage.
Diagnosing Nitrogen, Phosphorous And Potassium Status Of Natural Grassland In The Presence Of Legumes, C. Jouany, P. Cruz, J. P. Theau, M. Duru
Diagnosing Nitrogen, Phosphorous And Potassium Status Of Natural Grassland In The Presence Of Legumes, C. Jouany, P. Cruz, J. P. Theau, M. Duru
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
In most temperate areas, sustainable management of grassland ecosystems has to deal with evaluation and management of N, P and K resources. For this purpose, appropriate diagnostic systems are needed in order to manage fertilisation accordingly. The nutrient index method based on nutrient concentrations in plant tissues relative to the degree of growth has been developed; it relies on critical curves which serve for diagnostic: for N, the critical curve gives the optimum N concentration for different levels of biomass accumulation in swards, for P and K optimum concentrations are a linear function of sward N concentration (Duru & Thélier-Huché, …
Assessment Of The Nitrogen Nutrition Index (Nni) By The Nitrogen Concentration Of The Upper Part Of The Sward, B. Deprez, R. Lambert, A. Peeters
Assessment Of The Nitrogen Nutrition Index (Nni) By The Nitrogen Concentration Of The Upper Part Of The Sward, B. Deprez, R. Lambert, A. Peeters
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The Nitrogen Nutrition Index (NNI) is based on the concept of a critical nitrogen concentration, defined as the minimum N concentration in the aerial biomass necessary to obtain maximum yield. Values of Ncrit are high at the start of the growing period and decline during growth, in relation to dry matter accumulation (t DM/ha) according to the equation of Lemaire & Salette (1984): Ncrit(%) = 4.8(DM)-0.32. The NNI is calculated as the ratio of the actual N concentration of the sward to the N concentration required at a similar biomass to sustain non-limiting growth and biomass …
Forage Suitability Group Report: A Tool For Grassland Management, James B. Cropper, G. L. Peacock
Forage Suitability Group Report: A Tool For Grassland Management, James B. Cropper, G. L. Peacock
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
Forage suitability groups (FSG's) are USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) interpretative reports used to develop conservation plans for forage-producing farms and ranches and provide grassland resource information to producers. These electronic reports use soil properties and climatic data to develop forage selection, management recommendations, seasonal distribution of growth, and yield potentials for groups of soil map unit components that have like agronomic characteristics. The information contained in a FSG report can help the user develop proper livestock-forage balances, grazing management plans, pasture and haycrop renovation options, and land treatment measures.
Irish Grassland Association: Delivering The Benefits From Grassland, S. Flanagan
Irish Grassland Association: Delivering The Benefits From Grassland, S. Flanagan
IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)
The Irish Grassland Association (IGA) is Ireland's leading forum for discussing the science of grass and animal production, the economics and finances of dairy, beef cattle and sheep farm enterprises. Membership is 800 and is a lively mix of progressive farmers (70%), research scientists, advisers and agribusiness personnel. The IGA is a member of the European Grassland Federation and has close ties with the Ulster Grassland Society, Fermanagh Grassland Club and the British Grassland Society.