Soil Science Commons^™

Towards More Forage Seeds For Small Farmers In Latin America, J E. Ferguson, G Sauma

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Smallfarmers in Latin America are scattered among different agroecosystems, such as: Andean highlands; Central American and Andean hillsides; Amazonian basin forest margins; and non-Andean crop margins. Forages, mainly grasses, are used to different degrees in mainly mixed and diversified crop-livestock farming syslems. The range of species, both temperate and tropical, is wide and increasing. Seed supply is variable, but limited by the range and availabilily of materials, variable quality of tropical grasses and high prices. Seed systems tend to be informal and incipient, especially with tropical species. This paper describes five seed projects and seed enterprises and draws generalisations from …

Sustainable Supplies Of Quality Herbage Seed For Sub-Saharan Africa Smallholders, R Griffiths

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

SubSaharan Africa herbnge seed activities were evaluated by means of questionnaires. Topics ranged from collection and evaluation, through multiplication to distribulio,n nnd seed quality. The current smallholder lack of access lo herbage seed supplies is discussed and proposals for overcoming this problem submitted for consideration by those concerned.

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 competing vegetation mechanically; Herbicide application markedly increased herbage mass of sown species in the triple-disc treatments. ,However, herbage mass was. ��igher 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.

A 52-Year Ecological History Of Selected Introduced And Native Grasses Planted In Central Idaho, Stephen B. Monsen, Val Jo Anderson

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

This study evaluated the longevity of 132 introduced and iiative grass ecotypes seeded on a mountain big sagebrush-bluebunch wheatgrass (Atremisia tridentata ssp. vaseeyana-Agropyron spicatum) site in south• central Idaho. Species were established by direct seeding in 2 randomly replicated plots in 1939. Plantings were evaluated annually for 10 years and then at approximately 10-year intervals until 1991. Intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron lntermedium), Fairway crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum), and sulcata sheep fescue (Festuca ovina ssp. sulcata) were the primary introductions that persisted throughout the study. Native bluebunch wheatgrass and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithii) were equally …

Effect Of Direct Drilling On The Establishment On The Establishment And Growth Of Birdsfoot Trefoil In Montane Tussock Grasslands, R F. Woodman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Establishment of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) using an experimental strip-seeder drill was compared with that of a conventional triple disc in the presence and absence of paraquat in the Mackenzie Basin, South Island, New Zealand. Measurements of shoot, root and nodule formation showed that plants established with the experimental strip-seeder drill nodulated earlier and had significantly greater vigour than those established with the disc drill. These results are discussed in relation to the ability of the experimental strip-seeder to improve plant growth, survival and yield in stressed environments compared to the triple disc.

Pasture Grasses For Semi-Arid Environments In New Zealand, R F. Woodman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The production of 8 dryland forage gross species and compatibility with lucerne were evaluated over a period of 2 years in the Hakataramea Valley, South Canterbury, New Zealand. Black Mountain rye (Seca le 1110111am1111) is highly promising as a palatable, drought, frost- and pest-tolerant species that provides large amounts of green feed, par ticularly in early spring and autumn. Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerala), tall oat grass (A rrhenalherum e/atius), smooth brome (Bro111 11s inennis) and phalaris (Phalaris aq11atica) also show potential as productive drought-tolerant grasses, compatible with lucerne (Medicago saliva cv .), and exhibiting good cool•season growth. Wheatgrass (Electrlgia i111ermedia) appears …

Improvement Of Shrub-Covered Hill Pasture By Root Raking: Effect Of Aspect, Superphosphate And Time From Sowing On Nitrogen Fixation And Clover Growth, M P. Rolston, J R. Crush, B P. Devantier

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

New white clover (Trifolium repens) grass pastures were established on shrub-covered hill slopes cleared by bulldozer root raking, The site included north and south aspects, and plots were individually fenced and grazed with sheep with superphosphate treatments of 1815 or 790 kg/ha (9% P). Nitrogen fixation was assessed over 5 years, with up. to 308 kg N/ha fixed in year I. Nitrogen fixation rates declined with time and were 72% higher on the moister southern aspect, and 33% higher with high superphosphate. Clover production showed similar trends. Nitrogen fixation efficiency (kg N fixed/I clover dry matter) increased from …

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 …

Evaporation Basins For Salinity Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

An evaporation basin is an engineered earth structure designed to safely store and evaporate saline water discharged from drainage or pumping, while protecting high-value agricultural land, natural assets or built infrastructure.

DPIRD recommends that evaporation basins should form part of an integrated water and salinity management program. Information on this page is a guide only.

It is recommended that landholders seek expert advice plus engineering design and related support from qualified contractors.

Puccinellia (Puccinellia Ciliata) For Dryland Salinity Management, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Puccinellia (Puccinellia ciliata) is a potentially valuable fodder on waterlogged saline land. Puccinellia, Distichlis and marine couch are the most salt tolerant of the commercially available grasses. It is best suited to areas with more than 400mm annual rainfall and where the watertable is shallow over summer.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Shallow Relief Drains In Western Australia, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Shallow relief drains are easy to construct and a cost-effective way to:

• remove accumulated surface water from depressions and low-lying land
• divert run-off from land that is prone to inundation or flooding
• remove surface water to a safe disposal area, to reduce the length of time the land is inundated or flooded
• reduce the potential for localised recharge and the development of secondary salinity
• improve the continuity of flow within the catchment along the valley floor.

Measuring Soil Salinity, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

To make sound decisions on managing saline sites, you need to know the source of salt, how salinisation is occurring, the landscape context, and most importantly, the actual salt concentration of the soil.

The most common 'measures' of salt concentration are actually estimates based on electrical conductivity of a soil and water solution. Soil salt content can be measured in a laboratory by measuring the total dissolved solids in a sample. In the field, salt concentration can also be estimated using electromagnetic induction-based soil sensors.

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 …

Pumping Groundwater For Salinity Control In Wa, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

DPIRD recommends that groundwater pumping is used as part of an integrated water and salinity management program.

Groundwater pumping can lower local water tables, recover land for production and reduce the spread of local salinity or to protect high value assets at risk, such as townsites, roads or railway lines. Pump water can be discharged to safe disposal points or used on farm for desalination.

Roaded Catchments In Wa, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

Roaded catchments are earthwork structures designed to increase the amount of run-off from the catchment above a receiving farm dam.

Roaded catchments are lined with clay and compacted to make a smooth surface that reduces infiltration and increases run-off. Roaded catchments should discharge into a silt trap and then into a dam (excavated earth tank). This combined structure should be fenced to exclude livestock.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development recommends that roaded catchments are part of an integrated water and salinity management program.

The information in this page is only a guide – seek expert advice before …

Natural Revegetation And No Grazing, Department Of Primary Industries And Regional Development, Western Australia

Natural resources factsheets

The department recommends that any dryland salinity management is part of a whole farm, and preferably a whole catchment, water management plan.

Natural revegetation and no grazing are only recommended for sites that are too saline, waterlogged and/or inundated for other treatments to succeed in the south-west of Western Australia. It is also the preferred option for the lowest possible cost.