Agricultural Science Commons^™

Annual Ryegrass And Its Management In Crops, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) is one of the most serious and costly weeds of annual winter cropping systems in southern Australia. It is highly competitive and can compete with a crop as early as the 2-leaf stage.

Annual ryegrass is a winter to spring growing weed that can emerge from late autumn to early spring. The number of emergence flushes and the density of plants that emerge are related to initial seedbank levels and the frequency and amount of rainfall.

Assessing Soil Properties For Optimized Irrigation Development In Sudan, Northern Africa, Suhib Hamid, Derek M. Heeren, Aaron R. Mittelstet, Saleh Taghvaeian, Randall S. Ritzema

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Sustainable irrigation methods maximize agricultural productivity in Northern African countries like Sudan. This project evaluates soil properties to develop optimized irrigation strategies for Sudan's arid and semi-arid climate. Assessing soil characteristics such as texture, infiltration rates, and nutrient content informs the selection of modern irrigation systems. Data from 3,192 locations, collected using GPS and ring infiltrometers for infiltration rates, alongside laboratory analyses for soil properties, were employed. A ranking system determined suitable irrigation systems for specific soil classes, considering factors like slope, wind, crop tolerance, available water capacity (AWC), drainage, germination, capital cost, labor cost, maintenance, and evapotranspiration (ET). The …

Investigating The Abilities Of Potentially Beneficial Bacteria For Increasing Nitrogen-Use Efficiency In Maize, Lexie R. Foster

School of Biological Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Global agriculture relies heavily on the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer to meet the current global food demand. Unfortunately, the average nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) of maize (Zea mays) is approximately 50 percent. Improving the NUE of maize is essential for meeting the growing global food demand while also decreasing the negative environmental impacts caused by losses of nitrogen fertilizer due to runoff and volatilization. Harnessing the symbiotic relationship between plants and the soil microbiome may be one method for increasing the NUE in crops such as maize. In the present study, a set of potentially beneficial bacterial species …

A Study On Bioaccumulation Of Two Heavy Metals In Pastures Irrigated With Wastewater And Translocation In Grazing Ruminants Through Forages: Public Health Implications, Zafar Iqbal Khan, Kafeel Ahmad, Tasneem Ahmad, Kausar Parveen, Asma Ashfaq, Naila Riaz, Faiza Zubair, Hafsa Memona, Shahzadi Mahpara, Ijaz Rasool Noorka, Tooqeer Abbas, Humayun Bashir, Abid Ejaz, Shahzad Akhtar, Aima Iram Batool, Naunain Mehmood, Farzana Siddique, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Umer Farooq Awan, Allah Bakhsh Gulshan, Tayyba Liaqat, Tayyaba Aziz, Natasha Ameer

Journal of Bioresource Management

Copper and zinc play a very important role in plant development, but exposure at higher concentrations causes severe toxic effects. Copper (Cu) is an essential element for plants as it is involved in the synthesis of ATP and CO₂ assimilation, while zinc (Zn) stimulates several enzymes and is necessary for the biosynthesis of chlorophyll. The present research appraised the Cu and Zn concentrations in water, soil, forages (Trifolium repens, Cynodon dactylon, Lolium perenne, and Festuca arundinacea), milk, and hair samples of buffaloes. The samples were collected from the selected sites of Tehsil Bhalwal Punjab, Pakistan, and analyzed through an …

Provincial Reference Fertilizer Testing Laboratory Raiwind, Lahore, Pakistan, Muhammad Arshad Khan, Haroon Shahzad, Muhammad Abubakar Siddique, Husnain Jawad, Muhammad Atiq Ur Rahman, Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Kashan, Farhana -

Journal of Bioresource Management

A field study conducted during the 2021-22 season aimed to assess the impact of varying nitrogen levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha^-1) on the wheat genotypes Faisalabad-2008 and AZRC-Dera. Detailed data on growth and yield parameters were collected and subjected to analysis. AZRC-Dera exhibited superior performance, consistently producing more plants throughout the crop growth. Incremental nitrogen application significantly increased plant number 224.2, 304.2 and 305.9 m^-2 on 15^th of December, 20^th of January and 5^th of April. AZRC-Dera, coupled with 150 kg ha^-1 nitrogen, showed a discernible increase in both …

A Comparative Review Of Soil Carbon Sequestration Methods In Brazil’S Agriculture, Skylar Cheng

Discussions

Brazil is under unique pressure to adopt sustainable agricultural practices due to its intricate biodiversity and globally dominant agricultural sector. Increasing soil degradation, agricultural land expansion, and rising levels of atmospheric carbon are nationwide concerns that require multifaceted solutions. Integrated agricultural systems, which rehabilitate soils through crop, forage, and livestock rotation as well as biochar—a carbon-rich soil amendment—can address such concerns. These sustainable farming practices improve carbon sequestration and soil fertility; however, uptake remains minimal due to environmental, economic, and policy barriers. Accordingly, this paper proposes a comprehensive model of integrated systems and biochar, in which the benefits of one …

Evaluating Past Progress And Assessing Prediction Breeding Strategies For Sustained Genetic Gains In The Louisiana Sugarcane Variety Development Program, Brayden A. Blanchard

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The aim of this dissertation is to outline important considerations for the Louisiana Sugarcane Variety Development Program (LSVDP) as it pertains to historical progress, impact, goal setting, and new strategies for continued genetic gains. Industry progress was evaluated with robust regression models to quantify rates of productivity gains. Over the last 50 years, statistically significant productivity gains were identified in sucrose content (45%), cane yield (32.2%), and sugar yield (93%) while pairwise comparisons of decades showed that progress was incremental rather than rapid and sustained once achieved. The decade from 1990-1999 was identified as the only decade with a significant …

The Potential Impact Of Endangered Species Legislation On Federal Grazing Lands And The Livestock Industry, G M. Luciuk, B Bristol, T W. Weins, D M. Boyle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Crown based grazing is an integral part of the management structure of cattle operations, and is very important to the economic fabric of rural communities. Federal crown lands, such as the PFRA operated community pastures are an integral part of the resource conservation efforts in western Canada. These lands represent a significant reservoir of the remaining natural lands which are important for wildlife habitat. Sustainable management of such contiguous blocks of land is essential for the maintenance of biodiversity. Proposed endangered species legislation would require the development of recovery plans on federal lands for endangered, threatened and extirpated species. Rural …

Concepts For Mining Landscape Development In Eastern Germany With Grazing Animals And Agroforestry, S Eichler, F Herzog

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Leipzig South (Saxony) has been heavily transformed by open cast lignite mining. Alternative forms of land use are sought which contribute to an increase of biodiversity and an improvement of soil quality. This could be achieved by the selective introduction of grazing animals and perennials. Specific scenarios for open pits, dumping areas, open pits’ slopes and land reclaimed for agriculture are proposed. Socio-economic drawbacks are outlined.

The Use Of Grasslands To Improve Water Quality In The New York City Watershed, D J. Flaherty, J Drelich Jr

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how grasslands are used in the New York City (NYC) Watershed to improve water quality. A Watershed Agricultural Program was established to voluntarily implement Pollution Prevention Best Management Practices on watershed farms. Grasslands have been used in Whole Farm Plans to reduce nutrients, sediments and other toxic materials reaching New York City’s water supply. Rotational grazing has been used to limit access to streams and stream banks and improve nutrient distribution on pastures. Improved grassland management also helps correct the nutrient balance on the farm and facilitates better nutrient management. Brush removal …

Objective Indicators For Monitoring Drought In Grasslands, D H. White, S M. Howden

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Australia’s National Drought Policy was ratified by the Commonwealth (Federal), State and Territory governments in 1992. However, a sequence of El Niño-based events that started in Queensland in 1991 culminated in much of Australia experiencing abnormally low rainfall throughout 1994 and into 1995. Many farmers experienced substantial loss of income. The Commonwealth government therefore devised measures to determine which areas had been exposed to exceptional drought so that financial assistance could be directed as effectively as possible. In this paper we discuss progress in developing regionally-sensitive indicators and methodologies to aid in future assessments of drought exceptional circumstances.

Are We Ignoring Science In Our Quest For Simplicity In Range Management?, W A. Laycock

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Accurate determination of range condition and trend is essential for proper range management. In the United States, the range condition model currently used is not based on up-to-date ecological knowledge. It assumes a single stable state (climax) and linear pathways. Multiple stable state models more accurately depict community dynamics but have not been widely accepted. U.S. Federal land management agencies are using surrogates, such as qualitative “instant trend” measures and substitution of utilization for measured condition and trend to guide management. Most of these short cuts are not based on science. Attacks on livestock grazing by environmentalists are based on …

Socio-Economic And Climate Change In Mongolia - Effects On Grassland Ecosystems, C Opp

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In Mongolia, in combination with strong changes of the whole society during the past 76 years, from the feudal system to socialism and from the socialist system of planned development to the market economy, there are a lot of changes in the use of natural resources all over the country. In consequence of this a lot of effects on grassland ecosystems, caused by socio-economic and climate driving factors, were observed and studied in different scales: zonal, regional, local.

Integrating Biophysical And Economic Models For Assessing Impacts Of Change On Grazingland Ecosystems, J De Souza Neto, J R. Conner, J W. Stuth, W T. Hamilton, J W. Richardson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

PHYGROW, a hydrologic-based forage simulation model, was parameterized to represent a typical South Texas ranch engaged in the production of cattle and meat goats with an indigenous population of white-tailed deer. Forage production and associated stocking rates for two cattle: goat ratios were simulated for 20 years. Two, ten-year weather scenarios, one representing normal conditions (30% drought years) and one representing dryer weather conditions (50% drought years) were analyzed. Management decision rules were developed for the region to produce estimates of annual animal production and operating cost for the enterprises in each of the four scenarios. These performance and cost …

Linear And Community-Based Processes Of Ethical Decision Making For Grassland Workers, Gary W. Fick

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands are basic elements in sustainable development, but few grassland workers are familiar with concepts of ethical decision making useful in integrating ecological, economic, and sociological components of sustainability. Most published procedures for ethical decision making are based on linear models for individualized social systems with modern technologies. In the context of sustainable agriculture, nonlinear community-based procedures may be more appropriate. In this paper, a nonlinear model from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Indians is compared to more conventional linear procedures. After identification of a problem, linear models often leave the solution of the ethical dilemma (ranking ethical goals when they conflict) …

Policy Options For Decreasing N And P2o5 Losses From Grassland Based Dairy Farms, P.B M. Berentsen, G.W J. Giesen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Policy instruments for reducing nutrient losses include extension and education, research, financial incentives such as subsidies and levies, and regulations. The potential of these instruments for reducing nitrogen (N), phosphate (P2O5), and ammonia (NH3) losses is examined for Dutch specialized dairy farms on sandy soils. A linear programming model is used to estimate policy impacts. Results indicate that efficiency improvements through extension, education, and research alone have the potential to decrease total N losses to government target levels in 2005 and to erase 92% of the gap between base and target P2O5 losses, but only 24% of the corresponding NH3 …

Production V Conservation: A Policy Dilemma In The Tree Clearing Debate In Queensland, Australia, J C. Scanlan, E J. Turner

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A process for developing policy for tree clearing that meets the competing goals of conservation and production has been followed. There were two levels at which policy was developed. An overall Statewide policy outlined general targets to meet commitments of the Queensland Government. Local guidelines were developed by a large number of groups containing representatives of government and interested conservation movement and industry representatives. The policy and the local guidelines are an important part of the process used to assess applications for permits to clear woody vegetation.

Forage Production And Performance Of Beef Yearlings Grazing Diploid And Tetraploid Crested Wheatgrass, J D. Bruynooghe, R.D H. Cohen, N W. Holt, P G. Jefferson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A series of experiments were conducted during 1994 and 1995 at Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada to evaluate forage production and animal performance on tetraploid Kirk (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) and diploid Fairway (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.) crested wheatgrass pastures under grazing conditions imposed by beef (Bos taurus) yearling steers at four stock density levels (3, 4, 6 and 8 steers ha-1). Total ungrazed forage production for Kirk was greater (<0.05) than Fairway (6302 kg ha-1 vs. 5235 kg ha-1) in 1994 but less (P<0.05) than Fairway in 1995 (3709 kg ha-1 vs. 4633 kg ha-1). Animal performance (average daily gain, animal grazing days and total animal production) did not differ (P>0.05) for steers grazing either Kirk or Fairway pastures. Plant vigour and available energy reserves following one season of grazing were evaluated through etiolated growth with …

Vertical Distribution In Grass Swards: Interactions Between Dry Matter And Nutritional Quality, D R. Buckmaster, R H. Mohtar, S L. Fales

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A field experiment was conducted to study the distribution of mass and quality over plant height throughout the growing season in a pure stand of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.). When plant density (expressed as kg DM/ha per cm height) is plotted against a height of strata, all treatments show a similar linear shape distribution. ADF and NDF concentrations declined with sward height. Fall treatments had lower ADF and NDF concentrations than summer treatments. Conversely, CP concentrations showed an increase with plant height. Fall treatments showed higher CP than spring and summer treatments. Defoliation management did not affect orchardgrass quality. …

Application Of The Phygrow Forage Production- Runoff Model For Regional Stocking Analysis, J W. Stuth, J R. Conner, W T. Hamilton, D M. Schmitt

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A hydrologic-based forage production model, PHYGROW, was used to simulate forage production and carrying capacity of a subtropical shrubland complex of over 34 species grazed by various ratios of cattle and goats with a population of indigenous white-tailed deer over a 20-yr simulated weather profile. The diet selection algorithm allowed the three animal populations to selectively graze preferred foods based on preferences of plant species, plant parts, and live:dead status by phenological stage. A level of maximum utilization of key species was specified. An incremental analysis of cattle:goat demand ratio was analyzed to determine how different combinations of livestock were …

Using Nested Paddocks To Study Multiple-Paddock Grazing Systems, B E. Anderson, W W. Stroup, W H. Schacht

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

There is insufficient information to guide development of multiple paddock grazing systems. Measuring vegetation responses to grazing period/recovery period intervals is prohibitively expensive when using most grazing research designs. Nested paddock designs reduce land area, number of herds, and number of paddocks needed for comparisons. Nested paddocks permit comparisons of animal performance among whole pasture treatments but comparisons are limited for animal performance differences among grazing/recovery period lengths. Nonetheless, nested paddock designs efficiently document vegetation responses to grazing intervals, which may permit predictions of animal performance.

Relationship Between Broadleaf Dock (Rumex Obtusifolius L.) And Seasonal Yield Of Orchardgrass Grazed Pasture, Y Iijima, Y Kurokawa, T Monya, Y Suzuki

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In order to grasp the ecology of R. obtusifolius and the effects of it on seasonal yield of grass in grazing pasture, we investigated seasonal sward characteristics and dry matter yield in grazing pasture. Dry matter yield and coverage of R. obtusifolius predominated those of grass after mid-June and mid-August, respectively. Throughout the year the coverage of R. obtusifolius negatively correlated to the grass yield. After August, the grass yield was negatively related to the yield and the population density of R. obtusifolius. From the facts described above, R. obtusifolius seems to reduce grass yield throughout the year, especially …

The Influence Of Light On The Succession Of Calcareous Grassland Using A Gis As An Instrument For Analysis, G Spatz, Th Fricke

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The change of light transmission along a gradient from shrub center to open grassland and its correlation to vegetation composition has been studied in two shrub surroundings on abandoned calcareous grassland. Light measurements were made at soil surface locations in high density and later interpolated to area maps. Low-growing plants were mapped in plots within the shrub area and their shapes subsequently digitized. Using SPANS GIS an overlay of maps representing light transmission, distance to shrub center and apearance of low-growing plants was made by calculating averages in a specified grid to create data sets for a statistical evaluation. The …

The Grazing Manager: A New Application Of The Carrying Capacity Concept, M M. Kothmann, R T. Hinnant

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Common approaches to evaluating carrying capacity are stocking rate trials for research and trial and error adjustments for ranchers. These approaches are inadequate as operational decision guides for grazing management. The Grazing Manager (TGM) is a generalized management level dynamic model that provides a new approach to stocking rate analysis. Grazing pressure is integrated over time with a function called pasture demand ratio (PDR) which is based on cumulative forage demand relative to cumulative forage production within a forage year. PDR is a dynamic variable that standardizes the forage balance relationship and makes the analysis of stocking rate data more …

Accounting For Selective Grazing In The Stocking Rate Decision, M F. Quirk, J W. Stuth

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

We describe the development and use of a simple, generic method for predicting botanical composition of herbivore diets, thereby allowing resource managers to consider selective foraging when setting stocking rates. For a particular season and herbivore, we found that forage species fall into one of 3 selection categories: preferred (consistently selected for), undesirable (consistently selected against), and variable (inconsistent selection pattern). Our studies showed that, for most situations, dietary composition is adequately predicted from regression relationships with the field proportions of preferred and undesirable species. We demonstrate how this method can help address issues such as the conservation of preferred …

Productivity And Genotypic Diversity Of Trifolium Ambiguum In The Central Caucasian Mountains, Georgia, R G. Patterson, P R. Espie

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Trifolium ambiguum occurred in12 diverse grassland communities, ranging from 1700 m to 2850 m, in the Kasbegi region, Central Caucasus. Total herbage mass in mid summer ranged from 310 to 763 g/m2with T. ambiguum composition ranging from 0.5 to 51%. Maximum T. ambiguum production occurred in fertile, regularly mown hay meadows, but was reduced in severely grazed pastures. It has persisted in these communities after centuries of grazing or cutting, without fertiliser input. T. ambiguum ploidy levels were predominantly diploid (82% frequency of occurrence), often in conjunction with triploid (18%) or tetraploid (27%) genotypes. The triploid T. ambiguum genotype ( …

Nitrogen Nutrition Of Brant (Branta Bernicla L.) Grazing On Saltmarsh And Pasture Species, G Q.A Anderson, M Andrews, S M. Percival, J S. Kirby

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Captive brant Branta bernicla were fed a range of food plants to determine their ability to digest nitrogen and specifically soluble protein. Soluble protein levels in droppings were only a small fraction of those in plants, indicating substantial uptake or conversion. For white clover Trifolium repens L., uric acid content indicated that at least 50% of excreted nitrogen had been metabolised, strongly suggesting that a substantial fraction of soluble protein is utilised by the geese. Carbon/nitrogen ratios increased from plants to droppings while carbon/hydrogen ratios remained nearly constant indicating greater uptake of nitrogen relative to carbon. T. repens was found …

Measuring Spatial Variation Within Pastures, C K. Mcdonald, R M. Jones

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Paddock means of pasture yield and composition can be inadequate or even misleading due to the spatial variability within pastures. The use of visual estimation procedures, particularly the BOTANAL technique, provides data suitable for analysing variability as many quadrats are sampled within the one paddock. Examples show how data from routine BOTANAL samplings can reveal small and paddock scale spatial variation, and how BOTANAL data can be used to examine relationships between the yield of legume and grass in a mixed pasture grazed at different stocking rates.

Effect Of Seed Storage On Integrity Of Grass Germplasm, G Zurek

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Experiment on estimation of qualitative changes in populations of meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.) after seed storage in different conditions were taken. Phenotypical traits for plants derived from seeds stored during 54 months in two different kind of storage conditions were compared. Storage of meadow fescue seed during 54 months in unfavourable conditions resulted in decrease of initial germination as well as in increase of abnormal seedlings and variation. Germination of seed samples stored in cold and dry conditions remain at the initial level. Results of the above experiment prove great variability of tested samples in case of reaction …

Post-Harvest Residue Management For Fine Fescue Seed Crops In Oregon, T G. Chastain, W C. Young Iii, G L. Kiemnec, C J. Garbacik, G A. Gingrich, G H. Cook

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

On-farm trials were conducted from 1992 to 1995 to investigate the efficacy of alternative post-harvest residue management practices for production of fine-leaf fescue seed crops, creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) and Chewings fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaud.). Seed yield and seed quality were maintained in Chewings fescue seed crops without burning when residue management techniques removed most of the straw and stubble remaining after harvest. Seed yield was reduced to unacceptable levels by all nonthermal management practices in creeping red fescue.