Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

The Product Of Science, Rolf A.E Mueller

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The relationships between agricultural science, invention, production and consumption are conventionally considered in a hierarchical model with consumption at the basis and science at the pinnacle of the hierarchy. -Two important shortcomings of that model as a basis for organising and manag\ng agricultural research are identified. First, the model does not specify how the direction and intensity of research Is guided in the absence of markets for the outputs from research. Second, the model does not identify the flows of specific information from the consumption and agricultural production sphere to the research sphere where such information is crucial for the …

From Technology Transfer To Resource Management, Janice Jiggins

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Six models of technological innovation are examined. The implications for the roles and functions of research and extension, and of agricultural education systems, are analysed. The models are assessed against issues of gender, natural resource management and poverty, with consideration of who pays, and who benefits. The conclusion is drawn that the Transfer of Technology model is not a generalisable model to all circumstances, clients and policy goals. Client-driven systems and participatory approaches which build partnerships among researchers, extensionists, producers and other users of grassland landscapes, can be more effective and efficient.

Combining Agricultural Agent Training In Forages With Graduate Credit, Garry Lacefield, Jimmy Henning, M Rasnake, C Forsythe, L Davis

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

An intensive agent training programme in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) production nnd utilisation was initialed in 1990. The training was organised by slate extension forage specialists to meet the needs of agricultural agents. Previous programmes have offered similar training but did nol resull in graduate credit. This unique approach offered intensive training to agents presented by a multidisciplinary learn of scientists. All requirements for graduate credit were met and the course completion resulted in 3 hours of graduate credit. The course has been rated "superior" by students. When properly organised and implemented, intensive agent training can be offered that …

A Grazing Land Conservation Plan, R G. Hendricks

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In a sample planning scenario, a ranching operation in the USA demonstrates a typical conservation problem on grazing lands. Using SCS conservation planning techniques, problems and objectives are identified, resources are inventoried, data are analysed, solutions formulated and conservation practices implemented to solve the resource problem. With use of the economic analysis routine in Grazing Land Applications (OLA) version 1.1 decision suppott software, return on investment was largest when the client installed a combination of rest-rotation grazing, prescribed burning, and initiated a hunting lease programme.

Range Conservation Planning: The Usda- Soil Conservation Service Method, Rhett H. Johnson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The USDA-Soil Conservation Service has responsibility for providing one-on-one conservation planning assistance with the private rangeland managers of over 160 million ha in the USA. This assistance is provided on voluntary basis at the request of the private land user through a local conservation district. Through SO years of experience, a successful planning process has evolved, known as the Ten Elements Of Conservation Planning. These elements are: (1) provide information, (2) request assistance, (3) develop resource inventories, (4) recognise problems and opportunities, (5) determine objectives, (6) develop and evaluate alternatives, (7) make decisions, (8) document decisions, (9) implement decisions, and …

Use Of Objective Planning Techniques In The Development Of Large Livestock Farm In New Zealand, K I. Lowe

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Limestone Downs is a sheep and beef cattle property of 3200 ha near Port Waikato, and provides funds for the C Alma Baker Trust for "the furtherance of the science of agriculture". A development programme slatted in 1981 transformed the farm from an extensive "station" into an intensive farming operation, lifting animal performance and financial returns. This followed the adoption of well-proven and relatively inexpensive modifications to management. Similar programmes should have realistic goals, and established decision rules with priorities. These should be supported by an appropriate monitoring programme and the use of objective data in decision making.

Interdisciplinary Research: A Vehicle For Meeting The Information Needs Of Grassland Producers, Robert O. Burton Jr, K P. Coffey, J L. Moyer, L W. Lomas, P T. Berends

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Representing the major academic disciplines involved in grassland research • agronomy, animal science and agricultural economics the authors discuss the benefits and pitfalls of interdisciplinary research. Factors discouraging interdisciplinary research include: (1) discipline chauvinism, (2) the time and effort required for communications .and co-ordination, (3) inadequate credit for multiple authorship and (4) importance of disciplinary research. However, link among disciplines are necessary because clientele commercially producing forage need information integrating agronomy, animal science, economics and other disciplines. Benefits of interdisciplinary research are ( I) stimulating highly specialised scientists to plan, perform and interpret their research in the context of whole-farm …

Applied Scientific Concepts For Dairy Cows And Crops, J R. Rodgers

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Prom a rural town to a dairy farm, from the halls of ivy to the smooth beauty of contour strips on the land: this paper is a practical application of science and technology transferred, through the life of the author, from the textbook to the bottom line of a financial report at year end. How this transfer of technologies (i.e. alfalfa, manure pits, computers, etc.) was used to develop the workable plan for my dairy farm operation will be addressed in detail in this presentation.

Extension Through The Landcare Movement In Australia's Pastoral Zone, B R. Roberts

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The Landcare movement, presently based on over 1300 landholder committees nationwide, is potentially Australia's most significant popular movement ever. Its success largely depends on producers identifying with the movement and "owning" its objectives and programmes, Central to attainment of Landcare's goals is the support given by technical advisors, These advisors require a special understanding of group extension techniques, group dynamics and the subtleties of invisible leadership when appropriate. In the vast pastoral zone of Australia, where highly independent graziers operate very individualistically, the required group extension is a special challenge to committed advisory officers.

A Farmlet For Teaching Grazing Management, J T. Green, J P. Mueller, S P. Washburn

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The _objectives were to provide a practical production unit to train students and farm advisors and to maximise grazing, evaluate forage cultivars, document production data and utilise woodlot understorey. A year-round grazing unit was developed on a S.86 ha farmlec (70% temperate pasture; 24% subtropical pasture; 20% woods) for 22-30 ewes and their lambs, 6-8 dairy heifers, and 12-24 angora and meat goats. Farmlet N rate averaged 135 kg/ha/year with excess spring growth harvesced for winter feeding. Live-weight gain averaged 6S4 kg/ha/year. Lambs weaned/ewe exposed to ram, was 1,6 (mature) and 0.8 (yearling). Stocking rate for 3 years ranged from …

A Quality-Tested Hay Market Association In The South-Eastern Usa, Jimmy C. Henning, G D. Lacefield, B Sims

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A hay marketing association was formed in Kentucky in 1989 as a means of increasing farm income and ·10 hedge against the uncertain future of tobacco production. The Kentucky Pride Hay Grower's Association (KPHGA) was designed to work in concert· with a hay testing and inspection service operated by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA). This testing service used near• infrared reflectance (NIR) technology as well as a visual appraisal by trained hay inspectors. The association may sell hay only which had been tested and inspected by the KDA. The hay association is a non-profit organisation designed to market Kentucky …

Adopting New Technologies For Grazing Lands: The Role Of Decision Systems, John A. Ludwig, Steve Marsden

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The management of Australia's arid and semi-arid grazing lands involves the consideration of many complex and interconnected issues related to both ecological and economic factors. Climates are highly variable across these lands and markets fluctuate widely; decision making is . difficult at the best of times, As new grazing and land management technologies become available through research organisations, such as CSIRO, the adoption of these technologies is a prime concern, Traditionally, State extension services provide this information to grazing land managers, which has proven effeclive for transferring information about current short-term problems (e,g,, locust plagues) and easy to apply products …

Applying "Farmer-First Research" In New Zealand, A F. Mcrae, F M. Anderson, R Brazendale

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The disciplinary orientation and other characteristics of traditional agricultural research may result in farmers' research needs not being central to the research proces·s. A Farmer-First Research programme (FFR) has been initiated to complement the traditional research approach. This programme involves collaboration with hill country sheep and beef farmers chosen at random from across the fuff range of farmer circumstances. It sets out to diagnose and describe where scope· exists to Improve farmers' circumstances, and lo design and test relevant innovations on-farm. In addition to seeking to improve research output for far1ners, the· programme has the objective of evaluating the Farmer-First …

Technology Transfer Strategies For Products Of Environmental Research And Development Projects, N D. Macleod, J A. Taylor, P.G H. Van Beek, P N. Vance

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Potentially high net benefits from Research and Development on sustainable grazing systems will not be captured unless the outcomes are adopted. Adoption is a complex process, often requiring integration with other technologies, and specialised extension packages. Technology transfer strategies based on experiences with relatively simple innovations are unsuited to more complex environmental innovations, A 6-stage interactive process involving researchers, extension specialists and potential end-users is suggested.

Development Of Environmental And Agricultural Professionalism, Robert F. Barnes, Thomas J. Hall

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The American Society of Agronomy {ASA) is' co-ordinating the development of a \ioluritary certification programme for the men and women who··make nutrient management strategies for farmers .• This paper examines the need, "history and obstacles in developing a crop advisor certification programme. Past arid proposed state and national legislative initiatives have indicated to some industry leaders that certification programmes' will be needed ·to operate in the coming regulat6ry environment. Other members· of industry· feel chat voluntary certification will bring on mandated programmes, The' differences in outlook, the diversity of the audience and the academic orientation of ASA ·have all created …

Grazier's Pattern Of Understanding Vegetation In The Semi-Arid Rangelands Of New South Wales, S.M M. Kersten, R L. Ison

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A matrix ranking (MR) technique was used by graziers in western New South Wales to rank rangeland plants according to preference. Graziers preferred a variety of plant species in their paddocks: "bushes" and "50f1 feed", perennials and annuals, winter-and summer­growing plants, on both stock-based and non-stock-based criteria, The criteria for evaluation were rarely independent of each other nor of different soil types on the grai:ier's property. Drought resistance was perceived as one of the more important criteria, followed by stock-based criteria such as "nutritious", "palatable" or "quick fattening" stock feed. The utility of MR for allowing graziers' knowledge to be …

Composition Of The Fractions Of Dry, Mature Subterranean Clover Digested In Vivo And In Vitro, L Klein, S K. Baker

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

A modified pepsin-cellulase procedure was used to improve the prediction of in vivo digestibility of dry, mature subterranean clovers (Trifolium subterraneum). Feed, faeces, and the residues from this /11 vitro procedure and the i11 vitro procedure of Tilley & Terry were analysed for protein, ash and fibre fractions lo determine the composition of the cell-wall functions that were digested. The extent of digestion of the cell-wall fractions differed between the two in vitro procedures, but the cell-wall fraction that was digested contained similar proportions of cellulose, hemicellulose, protein and lignin. The cellulose and protein contents of the cell-wall digested …

Effect Of Plant Leaf Age On The Production Of Tannins, Phenols, Proanthocyanidins And Flavanols In Eulalia Villosa, M M. Wolfson, E W. Du Toit, P Chesselet

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Histochemical and biochemical analyses have confirmed the presence of condensed tannins in a number of southern African tropical grasses. The ability to precipitate proteins, total phenols, condensed tannin and proanthocyanidin levels were significantly higher in mature leaves of Eulalia villosa than in young leaves. The ratio of condensed tannin to Jlavan 3,4-diols indicated that the young leaf material contained more monomeric unpolymerised flavan 3,4-diol units than mature leaves. The trend is repeated in the ratio 'of proanthocyanidin to flavan-4-ols, These low molecular weight proanthocyanidin precursors probably do not have the ability to precipitate proteins, The histochemical tests can be used …

Effect Of Inoculants And Absorbents Incorporated In Grass Silage On Silage Quality, Effluent Production And Animal Performance, Raymond Jones

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Unwilled ryegrass crops (151 kg DM) were enslled in 70-t bunker silos. Crop analysis (g/kg/DM) was water-soluble carbohydrates 153, nitrogen 24.1 and predicted digestibility (DOMD) 0.67. Molassed sugar beet feed pellets were incorporated at a rate of 25 kg/t in the harvested crop with or without inoculant treatment ("Live Systems", MMB, UK), and compared with a control silage with no additive. Absorbent addition with or without inoculant significantly reduced silage pH and ammonia-N compared with the control. Inoculant treatment further increased lactic acid content. Silage effluent production was reduced by up to 33% by absorbent inclusion with effluent DM losses …

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis Of The Nutrient Content Of Dairy Pastures, R C. Kellaway, C Stimson, R J. Tassell

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pasture samples from temperate and tropical species were collected before and after grazing, at regular intervals, on 3 dairy farms in New South Wales over a period of 3 years. All samples (n=693) were analysed on a near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer with a scanning monochromator. Subsets of samples selected for calibration and validation, were analysed by wet chemistry methods for estimated metabolisable energy (MID), crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), acid-detergent fibre (ADF), Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, S, Cu, Mn and Zn. These data were used lo develop NIR equations using partial least squares analyses. Standard errors of laboratory analysis …

Influence Of Oxygen Leakage Through Stretch Film On Quality Of Round Bale Silage, P Lingvall, C M. Pettersson, P Wilhelmsson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The ensiling-process is based on anaerobic conditions. Therefore, it is important to get "air tight" parcels covering big-bale silage. Wrapping round bales wilh stretch film has improved silage quality, and reduced diy matter (OM) and energy losses. In this experiment we studied the influence of stretch film quality, film thickness, .storage temperature and storage place on fermentation, microbial growth/ and DM losses. Additionally, oxygen permeability of stretch film wrapped in 4 or 6 layers around artificial bales (metal) and DM losses was tested In a model. High storage temperature, low total film thickness and high film permeability to oxygen increased …

Rotary Spading To Ameliorate Soil Water Repellence, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

One-off deep cultivation can reduce the severity of soil water repellence by mixing some of the repellent topsoil into the wettable subsoil and bringing wettable subsoil to the surface.

Rotary spading or deep cultivation increases water infiltration by providing pathways for water entry; diluting the water repellent soil with non-repellent soil; increasing the breakdown of soil organic matter causing water repellence; in some soil types, spading and other deep cultivation can lift subsoil with higher clay content to the surface.

Deep cultivation increases the risk of wind and water erosion. To minimise the risk of erosion, follow the guidelines on …

Button Grass And Its Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Grains and other field crops factsheets

Button grass (Dactyloctenium radulans) is a native species found throughout Australia. It is a common summer weed species that depletes soil moisture and nutrients, reducing the yield potential of the subsequent crop. It also acts as a green bridge for crop pests and disease.

The rapid emergence and growth of button grass after rainfall makes it important for the Australian plague locust.

It can be a valuable pasture species in arid areas, although overgrazing of button grass can result in toxicity for sheep and cattle.

Assessing Even Flat-Fan Nozzles For Spot Spray Herbicide Applications, Thiago H. Vitti

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

Herbicide efficiency in row-crop agriculture can be improved using precision technologies for controlling weeds and minimize agronomic, economic, and environmental impacts. Site-specific weed management technologies, such as spot-sprayers, allow herbicides to be sprayed only where weeds are present in the field. Understanding application parameters and their influence on weed control for site-specific spot-spray applications is essential. This research involved laboratory and greenhouse studies to investigate the coverage and coefficient of variation (CV) of even flat-fan spray nozzles under different spot-spray application scenarios, as well as the effect of weed size and application method on the control of various weed species …

B.R. Wells Arkansas Rice Research Studies 2023, J. Hardke, X. Sha, N. Bateman

Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Series

Arkansas is the leading rice producer in the United States. The state represents 49.0% of total U.S. rice production and 49.6% of the total acres planted to rice in 2023. Rice cultural practices vary across the state and across the U.S. However, these practices are also dynamic and continue to evolve in response to changing political, environmental, and economic times. This survey was initiated in 2002 to monitor and record changes in the way Arkansas rice producers approach their livelihood. The survey was conducted by polling county extension agents in each of the counties in Arkansas that produce rice. Questions …

Economics - The Neglected Dimension Of Pasture Disease R&D, N D. Macleod

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Pasture utilisation underpins a significant contribution of livestock industries to Australia’s economic well-being. Pasture disease represents a direct threat to these enterprises but the economic magnitude of this threat remains largely unknown as the contribution of agricultural economics to pasture disease R&D, management and policy making has been minimal to date. Some insights to explain this apparent neglect are highlighted and a suggestion is made for a multiple disciplinary approach to R&D.

The 'Pendulum Paradigm' - Trends In Nitrogen Fertilizer Use On Temperate Grass/ Clover Pastures, R J. Eckard, F R. Mckenzie, P A. Lane

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Nitrogen fertiliser responses, on perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) / white clover (Trifolium repens) dominant pastures, are compared between sub-tropical South Africa and temperate Australia. The data highlight the similarity in inflection point of the response curve, while emphasising the influence of high residual soil N at lower N application rates. The propensity of communities to oscillate between extremes in terms of N fertiliser use on intensive pasture, or the ‘Pendulum Paradigm’ is discussed. Particular reference is made to the dramatic increase in N fertiliser use in dairy pasture of temperate Australia and New Zealand. Emphasis is …

Linking Grassland And Range National Goals With The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative For National Benefit, David B. Hannaway, Walter F. Wedin, Gerald W. Evers

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grassland and Range National Goals (GRNGs) were developed to identify national research and education needs for these resources, both public and private. The Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) developed within the NRCS to address the need for technical assistance for the management of privately held grazing lands. These activities are complimentary and, when combined, will address the national need for research, education, and technical assistance leading to better management of grassland and range resources.

The Effect Of Grazing On Etiolated Regrowth In Eight Grass Species, H A. Lardner, S.B M. Wright, R.D H. Cohen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazing by herbivores affects grass species both morphologically and physiologically. A grazing study was conducted on an irrigated pasture near Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada during the summers of 1991 and 1992 to determine etiolated regrowth after grazing of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners subsp. trachycaulus), intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey subsp. intermedium), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus beibersteinii Roem. & Schult.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.) Wimm.) and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in …

A Vison Of The Future World Food Production And Implications For The Environment And Grasslands, Per Pinstrup Andersen, Rajul Pandya Lorch

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Increases in world population, projected to rise to 8 billion by 2020, and the resultant demand for food places great pressure on our agricultural and aquacultural resources. Anxiety about the future is exacerbated by decreasing grain stocks. Production increases of many commodities are projected to be between 1 and 2% per annum and will generally be higher in developing than in developed countries. Cultivatable land area will increase in some areas of the world but not in others. To cope with these challenges, yield increases will be essential and the application of existing knowledge and technologies will not suffice. Accelerated …