Digital Commons Network^™

Increase In Forage Maize Production By Bacterial Fertilisers, D. Egamberdiyeva, G. Hoflich

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Farmers in many countries value green material generated from maize as a high quality forage. Its inclusion in dairy cow diets can improve forage intake, increase animal performance and has the potential to reduce production costs (Phipps, 1994). Restrictions on the use of chemical fertilisers and a renewed interest in organic sustainable farming systems in general, has restored attention to crop rotations The increase of maize production using bacterial fertilisers also gives alternative ways to reduce chemical fertilisers in forage production. Increased uptake of nutrients such as N, P, and K and crop yield was reported with rhizobacteria (Lazarovits & …

Soil Organic Matter Along A Degradation Gradient In A Semi-Arid Rangeland Of South Africa, Chris C. Du Preez, Hennie A. Snyman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In a semi-arid South Africa rangeland on a sandy loam soil, artificial manipulations to create various rangeland conditions typical of different levels of livestock impact were shown to result in considerable losses of organic matter after 15 years (Du Preez & Snyman, 1993). In this follow-up study on a similar soil, we regularly measured the organic matter content following the conversion of rangeland in a good to a poor ecological condition, an undisturbed bare soil and a cultivated soil respectively. The changes in soil organic matter content after five years are reported.

Soil Microbial Diversity Of An Artificial Caragana Korshinskii Plantation On The Loess Plateau Of China, W. Zhang, H. L. Wei, H. W. Gao, Y. G. Hu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Peashrub (Caragana korshinskii) is an important dune-fixation plant on the loess plateau of China and is valuable in ecological environment construction of North-western China. For determining relationships between peashrub and soil microbes, three clone libraries of 16S rDNA from rhizoplane, rhizosphere and bulk soil communities of peashrub were constructed with a culture-independent approach. The data obtained from three clone libraries were used to investigate the magnitude of vegetative changes in the microbial community, and to search for general ecological relationships.

Grazing Effects On Some Soil Characteristics In Lar Rangelands, S. A. Javadi, M. Jafari, Gh. Zahedi

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Heavy grazing pressures jeopardise the sustainability of the ecosystem by reducing soil fertility (Dormaar et al., 1998). Different results have been reported of grazing intensities on soil chemical properties, which stem from climate, soil, vegetation, management and kind of animal (Dormaar et al., 1998; Javadi, 2003; Sanadgool, 2002).

Accumulation And Decomposition Rates And N, P And K Returned To The Soil By The Litter Of Tropical Legumes And Grasses, Gustavo Crespo, I. Rodríguez, M. F. Días, Sandra Lok

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The return of plant nutrients through litter decomposition of legumes and grasses is important for the sustainability of grassland ecosystems (Sánchez et al., 1989). Therefore, the selection of species that produce high amounts of decomposable litter is important . The objective of the present work was to study the production and decomposition rates of litter from various legumes and grasses in Cuba.

Validation Of The Software “Recycling Of Nutrients” In Dairy-Farms Of Western Cuba, I. Rodríguez, Gustavo Crespo, M. F. Días, S. Fraga

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

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 …

Modelling Urine Nitrogen Production And Leaching Losses For Pasture-Based Dairying Systems, I. M. Brookes, D. J. Horne

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Urine from dairy cattle grazing pastures with high crude protein (CP) concentrations is a major source of N lost in drainage water from New Zealand farms. This paper provides predictions of urinary N leaching losses for a range of stocking rates and levels of supplementation.

Cap Reform And Nitrate Restrictions: Implications For Irish Grass Based Dairy Production Systems, Anne Marie Butler, M. Wallace, P. Dillon

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The benefit of a systems approach to analysing production situations has long been recognised in agricultural research. The development and application of production-oriented dairy models offer tremendous capabilities for both encompassing the realities faced by producers while also considering the adaptation possibilities available to them in light of internal and external forces of change. This farm level dairy model represents one such approach. The objectives of the study were: (1) to develop a comprehensive farm-level model of Irish milk production systems and (2) to apply the model to identify optimal adaptation strategies of dairy farmers within the context of European …

Silvopastoral Systems: Analyses Of An Alternative To Open Swards, James H. Mcadam, M. R. Mosquera-Losada, V. Papanastasis, Andrea Pardini, M. L. Rigueiro-Rodríguez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Silvopasture is a sustainable land use management practiced in most continents in the world including parts of southern Europe, but is not broadly used in northern and western Europe. The importance of this practice has been recognised and the last draft of the EU regulation by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (http://europa.eu.int/comm/agriculture/capreform/rurdevprop_en.pdf) includes specifically funding for establishment of agroforestry practices in Europe. This paper discusses the advantages of managing semi intensive grassland within a silvopastoral system from an ecological, productive and social point of view in the south, south-central and western countries of Europe.

Sustainable Grazing On Saline Land In Western Australia - Multidisciplinary Research Linking Producers And Scientists, Hayley C. Norman, D. G. Masters, M. G. Wilmot, A. J. Rintoul, R. Silberstein, E. Lefroy, T. York

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Dryland salinity is one of the most critical environmental issues challenging Western Australian farmers. Currently 10% of the cropping zone (1.8 million ha) is salt-affected and this is predicted to increase dramatically in the next 50 years (NLWRA, 2001). Animals grazing saline pasture systems represent the most likely large-scale opportunity for economic return from saline land in the short to medium term. To date, few farmers have invested in large-scale revegetation of saline land as the economic return from grazing has not been perceived to cover costs. Furthermore other benefits of saltland pasture systems, such as biodiversity, water use and …

Low Input Techniques For Firebreak Covering: Agronomic Aspects, S. Caredda, Antonello Franca, F. Sanna, G. Seddaiu

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In Sardinia, wild fire prevention is traditionally "passive" , based on mechanical removal of vegetation and upper soil layers. This has a dramatic negative effect on plant diversity and soil erosion. This experiment concerns "active" prevention of wildfires, based on green covering and grazing of firebreaks. The objective was the establishment of a persistent green cover, to be grazed by animals to reduce fuel accumulation.

Evolution And Ageing Of Brachiaria Brizantha Pasture Component In A Silvopastoral System, M. Rakocevic, F. C. De Oliveira, J. Ribaski, O. J. Lavoranti

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The main causes of the decline of Brachiaria pasture in the tropics are lack of maintenance, fertilisation and excessively high animal stocking rates (Boddey et al., 2004). Brachiaria brizantha has two predominant morphological forms: 1) relatively high stems with grouped tillers at a high position constructed from short leaves (bunch type); 2) low stems with long leaves, which in time evolve into the first type (Kanno et al., 1999). The concept of Brachiaria management involves animals entering to commence grazing when the pasture is 50-60cm high and being removed at 25-30cm, leaving a regrowth period of at least …

The Influence Of Tree Thinning And Tree Species On The Dry Matter Yield Of Grasses Of A Bush Encroached Semi-Arid Savanna In South Africa, G. N. Smit

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Acacia erubescens-Combetum apiculatum dominated savanna of South Africa is water-limited and an increase in woody plant abundance suppresses the grasses. This is the major reason why thinning or total clearing of all woody plants is often considered by landowners. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of intensity of tree thinning and tree species on grass yields in a semi-arid South African savanna.

Productivity Of A Leucaena Leucocephala-Cynodon Nlemfuensis Silvopastoral System With Sheep In Yucatan, Mexico, J. G. Escobedo-Mex, L. Ramirez-Aviles

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Animal production in the tropics of Mexico is based on grazed grasslands of low productivity; this type of production system has reduced the areas of natural vegetation and damaged the ecology (erosion of flora, fauna and soil). Silvopastoral technologies may improve the welfare and economic conditions of the rural population and, consequently, preserve their natural resources. The current work was designed to assess the introduction of Leucaena leucocephala in a silvopastoral system with Cynodon nlemfuensis (star grass) grazed by sheep.

Agroforestry Systems In Cuba: Some Aspects Of Animal Production, J. Iglesias, L. Simón, L. Lamela, I. Hernández, M. Milera, T. Sánchez

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The silvopastoral systems, that nowadays constitute scientific achievements of the Grasses and Forages Research Station "Indio Hatuey ", have been developed from the results of investigations that were carried out since the 1980s, to improve the productivity of natural pastures through the introduction of valuable herbaceous species and tree legumes. Those investigations also determined the essential elements of pasture management such as the optimal stocking rates for low input systems and suitable methods of grazing to obtain sustainability of grasslands.

Optimising Forage Production On Degraded Lands In The Dry Tropics Through Silvopastoral Systems, P. S. Pathak

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In India, 187 M ha out of a total area of 328 M ha face the problem of land degradation, mostly due to water and wind erosion. The problems are aggravated by poor land cover and increasing pressure of human and livestock populations. There is over-exploitation of the scarce resources of forage and firewood. Several techniques, including watershed based silvopastoral land use have been proposed (Patil & Pathak, 1977). Tree, grass and legume based systems have been tried after land treatment to reduce runoff and soil loss while meeting the forage needs of the livestock and firewood for cooking in …

The Valuation Of Service Of Recreation Function Of Dalinor National Natural Reserve, G. Qiao, H. Wang, G. Han, M. Zhao

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Dalinor National Natural Reserve is located in the west of Keshketeng Banner of Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR). It covers a total area of 119,413.35 ha, and is in drought or semi-drought continental climatic zone. DNNR is a comprehensive natural reserve made up of different ecosystems including lakes, prairies, wetlands, and forests. Dalinor Lake in DNNR is regarded as the paradise of birds, covering an area of 238 km² between sandy lands and grasslands. DNNR was established in 1987 as a provincial natural reserve and was upgraded to a National Natural Reserve by the State Council of …

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 (1977-2023)

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.

Farmer Field Schools In Expanding Cultivation To Newly Reclaimed Land In Ismailia In Egypt, Oiva Niemeläinen, M. Komulainen, Y. Ahmed, M. El-Sayes, A. El-Adwy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The use of irrigation systems is expanding in Egypt to facilitate cultivation on sandy areas that were previously desert. Many of the farmers starting on the new areas are undergraduates and others with no background in farming. Much support is required when they start farming. In addition, farmers moving to the new lands from the Nile Delta meet completely new challenges because the poor and infertile sandy soils require different management from the clay soils at the Delta. Ismailia Agricultural Research Station (IARS) of the Agricultural Research Center of Egypt focuses on research on how to cultivate the newly reclaimed …

Rotational Grazing Demonstration With Beef Cattle On Conservation Reserve Land In Adams County, Iowa, Usa, S. K. Barnhart, B. Peterson, C. O. Nelson, R. Bredahl, J. Klein, R. Sprague

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The United States Dept. of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers who will enroll erosive, marginally productive cropland for a 10 to 15 year period. In return, participants are provided annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish and maintain long- term, resource-conserving vegetative cover to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. Since the inception of the CRP, policymakers, conservationists, farmers, and rural residents have been concerned about the likely fate of program land after the contracts expire. Most of the existing research, whether it relies on …

Utilisation Of Whole-Crop Rice Silage As A Feed For Ruminants, N. Yoshida, M. Ogawa, Y. Cai, H. Nemoto, M. Ishida

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A national project on the utilisation of whole-plant rice (Oryza sativa L.) as a feed has developed in Japan since 2000. The use of a home-produced forage may be useful to reassure consumers concerned with risks of BSE and foot and mouth disease. Furthermore, Japanese farmers have been obliged to convert one million ha of paddy field from rice to other crops.

Development Of A Grazing Land Management Education Program For Northern Australia’S Grasslands And Grassy Woodlands, Chris R. Chilcott, M. F. Quirk, C. J. Paton, B. S. Nelson, T. Oxley

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Recognition of the potential to enhance grazing land management to meet the goal of sustainable beef production has been increasing over the past decade. Recognition of the relationship between poor land management and negative off-site environmental impacts, such as soil erosion and a decline in the condition of rivers and adjacent near shore coastal areas from sediment transport, has increased also. This concern has matured somewhat to include the critical link between land condition and production, and the threat to sustainable carrying capacity that comes from declining land condition. Concurrently, interest has increased in optimising the use of pasture, e.g. …

Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (Fapru): Establishment Of A New Usda-Ars Research Location, J. R. Strickland, Glen E. Aiken, Isabelle Kagan, R. D. Dinkins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forages are vital to the success of grazing livestock production systems. Forages provide a low cost source of nutrients for animal production (Barnes & Nelson 2003; Ball et al., 1996). Limited fundamental (i.e., genomic, proteomic, metabolomic) research on the effects of environment and management on plant quality and production and the effects of plant metabolites (i.e., nutrients, anti-quality factors, nutraceuticals) on animal performance has hindered our ability to improve the productivity of forage-based enterprises. There is insufficient information for reliable prediction of animal performance in response to plant metabolites. To address these issues, USDA-ARS established FAPRU (Forage-Animal Production Research …

A Systems Approach To Assessing The Viability Of Grazing Legume Systems Across Europe, C. F. E. Topp, C. J. Smith, L. Wu, G. Molle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Forage legumes are important in grassland farming throughout much of the world because of their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and hence they are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in low- input grazing farming systems in Europe. Nevertheless, the socio-economic impact of the adoption of the "new" legume based grazing technologies have been poorly researched (Rochon et al., 2004). Thus a methodology has been developed to:

* Assess the on-farm costs and benefits of including different legume crops for animal production;
* Determine the types of management systems and environmental conditions under which forage legumes may play …

Land Stewardship For The 21St Century: Pasture And Livestock Management Workshop For Novices, L. A. Redmon, G. M. Clary, J. J. Cleere, G. W. Evers, V. A. Haby, C. R. Long, L. R. Nelson, F. M. Rouquette Jr., G. R. Smith

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Land ownership patterns in Texas and the southern USA are changing. Since 1994 (Wilkins et al., 2000) consumers interested primarily in recreational purposes have become the predominant owners of rural land. This land ownership change has created potential land stewardship problems associated with natural resource management. Few, if any, new landowners have any training related to the soil-plant-animal interface. New land owners need linkage with subject matter experts from land grant universities in a relaxed instructional setting while providing the opportunity for question and answer sessions. Thus, a programme was developed by a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency team at the Texas …

New Zealand Pastoral Systems: A Current Perspective, F. R. Duder, R. B. Green, W. D. Catto, D. R. Woodfield, B. R. Guy

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

New Zealand's diverse grassland resource of 13.5 M ha of permanent pasture, tussock or alpine grasslands underpin an intensive pastoral industry worth NZ$13 billion in 2004. The pastoral industry involves 37,000 farmers and a service industry of about 215,000 persons. It produces 27 M prime export lambs and 180,000 t of predominantly crossbred wool from 40 M ewes; 13 B litres of milk from 5.2 M dairy cattle; 800,000 t of beef from 4.7 M beef cattle and 33,000 t of venison from 2 M deer. Pastures and forage crops, mostly non- irrigated, are grazed 'in situ' by animals through …

A University Course On Management Intensive Grazing, D. L. Zartman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Education of new talent in good grassland management is important. Farmer-oriented extension- and outreach- programs do this, but USA university curricula rarely include it. Some livestock production courses contain a segment on grazing management, but there seem to be no credit-bearing, formal courses in USA universities except in the Ohio State University (OSU). Our course teaches management of intensive grazing (MIG) for three credit hours in a quarter system. It has been a popular elective course for the past 6 years. Every year that they have entered, OSU students have won all prizes in the 18-22 age division in the …

Spatio-Temporal Scales Of Animal Grazing In Herding Systems, Hossein Barani

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A holistic approach is needed for natural resources management and this demands understanding of the role of all the components in a system. Animal grazing is one of the most important processes in rangeland ecosystems. In rangeland utilisation in Iran, the human herder is crucial in achieving sound management. This study focused on the role of the human as a grazier (herder).

Potential And Constraints For Animal Feed As An Objective Of Poor Farmers In Participatory Research With Multipurpose Forage Crops In Central-America, R. Van Der Hoek, M. Peters, V. Hoffmann

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Multipurpose forage crops can play an important role in improving the environmental and socio- economic sustainability of smallholder production systems in fragile environments. However, since the forage technology development framework has not been sufficiently applicable for poor farmers, adoption of especially legumes has been generally low (Peters et al., 2001). In a participatory research effort with smallholder farmers in Honduras focused at forage based technologies, food security turned out to be the main selection criterion whereas animal feed was secondary. Since animal feed related activities (farmer-led forage seed systems, production of dry season feed) have been identified as promising …

Priority Tree Fodder Species In The Maasai Silvopastoral System Of Kajiado District, Kenya, Evelyne Kiptot

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In an effort to improve pastoral land management systems, donor agencies have spent millions of dollars over the last two decades on research and development programmes. However, most of these programmes have been unsuccessful. The reasons for the failure are increasingly clear. Current thinking argues that more attention needs to be given to local knowledge systems and rural people's participation in development planning and implementation. The involvement of local communities in the research process is critical and has been shown by Ego (2001) to lead to the design of appropriate interventions. The main objective of this study was to elicit …