Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Tree Canopy Effect On Grass And Grass/Legume Mixtures In Eastern Nebraska, Michael El. L. Perry, Walter H. Schacht, Gregory A. Ruark, James R. Brandle

School of Natural Resources: Faculty Publications

A study to determine the feasibility of producing forage for grazing livestock under trees was conducted as a step toward evaluating the potential for silvopasture systems in the northern and central Great Plains. The effects of overstory leaf area index (LAI), percentage understory light transmittance (LT), and soil moisture (SM) on yield and crude protein (CP) of big bluestem [Andropogon gerardii Vitman; (BB)], smooth bromegrass [ Bromus inermis Leyss.; (SB)], and mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil [ Lotus corniculatus L.; (BFT)] were examined. The study was conducted in both Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and green ash (Fraxinus …