Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

A Multidirectional Study On Chemical Fingerprints And Biological Activities Of Three Cistus Extracts (C. Creticus, C. Laurifolius, And C. Salviifolius) With Ethnomedicinal Uses, Sakina Yagi, Gökhan Zengi̇n, Selami̇ Selvi̇, Güneş Ak, Zoltán Cziáky, József Jekő, Maria J. Rodrigues, Luisa Custodio, Roberto Venanzoni, Giancarlo Angeles Flores, Gaia Cusumano, Paola Angelini

Turkish Journal of Botany

Humans have used medicinal plants to treat various diseases for thousands of years. Cistus species are also widely used in traditional medicine and have various medicinal applications; therefore, they deserve more in-depth research. The present study evaluated the chemical profile, antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic properties of the twigs and leaves of C. creticus L., C. laurifolius L., and C. salviifolius L. grown in Türkiye. Methanolic extracts of the three species were rich in phenolics, mainly flavonoids, and exerted potent antioxidant activity with methanolic extract from the leaves of C. salviifolius displayed the highest total phenolic (97.08 mg GAE (gallic …

Morpho-Environmental Variability For Scilla L. The Biogeographic Dynamism Under Climate Change Scenarios, João Rocha, Rubén Ramírez-Rodríguez, Francisco Amich, Darinka Gonzalez, Mário Santos, Reinaldo Cajaiba, António L. Crespí

Turkish Journal of Botany

This paper explores the correlations between morphological variability and range dynamics in western Eurasian-Mediterranean flora through a fluctuating asymmetry (FA) perspective across ten climate scenarios. We investigate the potential distribution of Scilla L. and its thermopluviometric correlations, and compare them with other three genera analysed previously, for western Eurasia and northern Africa (Baldellia Parl., Jasione L., and Ononis L. -Viscosae and Natrix sections-), considering past (22 Kyrs), present, and future conditions (2081-2100). By comparing "overlapped areas" (OA) with "non-overlapped areas" (NOA), we found two distinct groups of responses among genera: Scilla show higher morphological variability in NOAs, while Baldellia concentrate …

Implementation Of A New Non-Destructive Phytobenthic Index (Npi) With The Posidonia Biotic Index (Bipo) To Evaluate The Ecological Status Of The Turkish Aegean Coasts (Eastern Mediterranean), Ergün Taşkin, Aysu Güreşen, Furkan Bi̇lgi̇ç

Turkish Journal of Botany

Within this study, the ecosystem status of the Aegean Sea coasts of Türkiye (Eastern Mediterranean) was assessed using the Posidonia Biotic Index (BiPo) and a newly proposed Non-destructive Phytobenthic Index (NPI) according to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD 2000/60/EC). In addition, their relations with Land Uses Simplified Index for shallow water macroalgae (MA₋LUSI) were evaluated. The descriptors measured through NPI were: shoot density, cover, depth and type of lower limit of Posidonia meadows and cover of other macrophytic communities; Cymodocea/Zostera, canopy forming brown, coralligenous, opportunistic and alien macroalgae. The “good” status is presented by mean value of …

A New Species Of Polygonum Sect. Polygonum (Polygonaceae) From Southwest Of Türkiye, Kami̇l Coşkunçelebi̇, Suzan Kundakçi, Mutlu Gültepe, Serdar Makbul

Turkish Journal of Botany

Polygonum uysalii (Polygonaceae), a new species from the transition zone between Mediterranean and Irano-Turanian floristic region of Türkiye is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is similar to P. ekimianum and P. salebrosum endemic to Türkiye, but it clearly differs by its ovate-broadly elliptic leaf (not linear–lanceolate to narrowly elliptic- suborbicular), 0.9 ̶ 1.6 mm length pedicel (not 2.1 ̶ 4.88 mm), dark brown ochrea at base (not pale brown) and trigonous fruit (not weakly trigonous only in upper part or ovate-elliptic). Diagnostic characters and phylogeny of the new species are discussed with respect to taxonomy …

Responses Of Salvia Nemorosa L. To Silver Nanoparticle And Methyl Jasmonate Stimuli Under Salt Stress, Bi̇lal Andi̇ç, Pinar Orcan

Turkish Journal of Botany

The present study evaluated the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) on Salvia nemorosa L. under NaCl stress. To this end, total soluble sugar, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, total antioxidant capacity, H2O2 content, photosynthetic pigment, MDA, and proline contents, and enzymatic antioxidant activities were assessed. When the results for photosynthetic pigment contents were evaluated, the highest levels of total carotenoid content, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b were obtained with NaCl + AgNP + MeJA treatment. Under NaCl stress, MDA and H2O2 levels increased, but they decreased when AgNP and MeJA were applied. All treatment groups had …

The Effects Of Sunlight On The Decomposition Rate Of Opuntia Humifusa, Paul George, Elena Amonette, Celine W. Seder, Katherine Massaro

Science University Research Symposium (SURS)

Plant decomposition plays a critical role in community and ecosystem ecology by recycling minerals and returning nutrients to the soil. The rate of plant decomposition can be impacted by a multitude of factors including chemical composition of the plant, presence of decomposing microorganisms, temperature, and more. This study sought to quantify the effects of sunlight on plant decomposition. In this project, Opuntia humifusa (prickly pear) were placed outside on the Belmont greenroof to decompose in sunny and shaded environments. The plants were collected over a period of 12 weeks, and data on the masses of the decomposing plants was used …

Bodine: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach To Studying Localized Coexistence Across Environmental Heterogeneity, Alexandra Campbell

Annual Symposium on Biomathematics and Ecology Education and Research

No abstract provided.

Examining Wildfire Dynamics Using Ecostress Data With Machine Learning Approaches: The Case Of South-Eastern Australia's Black Summer, Yuanhui Zhu, Shakthi B. Murugesan, Ivone K. Masara, Soe W. Myint, Joshua B. Fisher

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research

Wildfires are increasing in risk and prevalence. The most destructive wildfires in decades in Australia occurred in 2019–2020. However, there is still a challenge in developing effective models to understand the likelihood of wildfire spread (susceptibility) and pre-fire vegetation conditions. The recent launch of NASA's ECOSTRESS presents an opportunity to monitor fire dynamics with a high resolution of 70 m by measuring ecosystem stress and drought conditions preceding wildfires. We incorporated ECOSTRESS data, vegetation indices, rainfall, and topographic data as independent variables and fire events as dependent variables into machine learning algorithms applied to the historic Australian wildfires of 2019–2020. …

Evaluating Growth Of Coastal Grass In Recycled Glass Sand: Evidence For Safe Application In Coastal Restoration, Allison B. Huddleston

Honors Capstones

Louisiana’s coastal land loss results from complex interactions of anthropogenic and naturally occurring processes that impact sediment supply in the Mississippi river delta. Given the coastline's vital role in the state’s economy, Louisiana has made significant investments in coastal restoration projects, including planting native vegetation and adding borrowed sediments. The amount of sediment needed to maintain Louisiana’s existing coastline exceeds the available amount that could be extracted, and state officials have since identified this lack of sustainable sediment resources as a critical limitation for future restoration projects. One proposed solution to address this shortage is using recycled crushed glass cullet …

Determining The Long-Term Effectiveness Of Seeding Post-Dam Removal In The Elwha River, Wa, Through Soil Seed Bank Analysis, Makenna Tabino, Rebecca Brown

2024 Symposium

Following the historic dam removal along the Elwha River in Olympic National Park, we are evaluating the impact of seeding in the former Lake Mills reservoir by examining the soil seed bank composition. The Elwha River had the largest dam removal project in history, and the second largest ecological restoration project in National Parks Service history. Active restoration (seeding and planting) took place in terraces and valley walls, the two dominant landform types found in the former reservoir. While the plant community in the former dam reservoirs is well documented, the soil seed bank remains unexplored.

My objective is to …

Rabbit Control: Bait Products, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet is part of the bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests in Western Australia (WA). It provides information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA to control rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

For information on how to access bait, poison and toxin (bait) products, training required, animal welfare considerations and legal requirements, refer to the Bait and poison directory for vertebrate pests’ page on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au. Information on bait, poison, and toxin (bait) products available for use in WA for rabbits, is provided below.

Cane Toad, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Biosecurity factsheets

This factsheet provides information about the identification, biology, impact, and management of the cane toad.

The cane toad (Rhinella marina), or giant toad, is native to central and South America. It has been introduced to many countries, including northern and eastern Australia. The cane toad is a declared pest under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007 (BAM Act) in Western Australia (WA). The Western Australian Organism List (WAOL), available on the website at dpird.wa.gov.au) contains information on the area(s) in which this pest is declared, and the control and keeping categories to which it has been assigned in WA.

Fallow And Red Deer: Requirements To Keep, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Animal production and livestock factsheets

This factsheet provides information on the requirements for keeping fallow and red deer species in Western Australia.

Fallow (Dama dama) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) are declared pests under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management (BAM) Act 2007 in Western Australia (WA).

The department assists in preventing the establishment of deer in the wild. This means a permit is required to keep fallow and red deer in WA. Animals that escape or become feral must be recaptured or destroyed.

Small populations of feral deer occur in WA from escaped captive stock and deliberate release. Deer damage native plants, crops and plantation …

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 …

Designing A Decision-Support Tool For Fertilizer Recommendations In Oil Palm Smallholders, Rana Farrasati

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

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), originally from West Africa, now accounts for 42% of global vegetable oil production and mainly includes key regions cultivated in tropical regions of Southeast Asia, West Africa, South America, and Central America. Despite its economic significance, the oil palm industry faces challenges of stagnant yields and large yield gaps, particularly among independent smallholders. These issues often stem from inadequate nutrient management practices and limited agronomic knowledge. Our objective was to quantify nutrient requirements for mature oil palm plantations as a basis to design a decision support tool (DST) for fertilizer recommendations. To do so, …