Forage And Livestock Productivity On Pastures Of Differing Plant Diversity,
2023
University of Illinois
Forage And Livestock Productivity On Pastures Of Differing Plant Diversity, B. F. Tracy
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Plant diversity and its function in grassland ecosystems has been the focus of many recent studies, and debate, in the ecological literature (Wardle 1999, Loreau and Hector 2001). We know less about the role of plant diversity in pastures used solely for agricultural production (Sanderson et al. 2004). The objective of this study was to learn how pastures planted with increasing levels of plant diversity would affect forage yields and beef cattle performance.
Effect Of Acacia Caven On The Productivity And Botanical Composition Of Low-Rainfall Mediterranean Grassland In Central Chile,
2023
The Catholic University of Maule, Chile
Effect Of Acacia Caven On The Productivity And Botanical Composition Of Low-Rainfall Mediterranean Grassland In Central Chile, D. Troncoso, N. Farías, R. Franco
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The dryland of central Chile (33° to 38° S) presents a Mediterranean-type climate. Typical local grassland is characterised by multiple annual herbaceous species, which coexist with the small tree Acacia caven, covering up to 3 m hectares. Over the past 100 years, the main use of this land has been for charcoal production from trees and uncontrolled grazing by sheep and cattle in rotation with wheat. Previous research has reported that Acacia caven can improve grassland condition (Olivares et al, 2000). The objective of this study was to analyse the influence of Acacia caven on productivity and botanical …
The Relationship Between Species Diversity And Productivity Of Cool-Season Grassland,
2023
Iowa State University
The Relationship Between Species Diversity And Productivity Of Cool-Season Grassland, S. E. Florine, Kenneth J. Moore, Steven L. Fales, R. L. Hintz
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Iowa grasslands consist mainly of introduced cool-season grasses and forbs. Many of these species are well adapted and have become naturalised. Most of these grasslands are located on marginal sites with heterogeneous soils and topography. Consequently, there is significant variation in the botanical composition and biomass productivity within and across grassland sites. This experiment aimed to evaluate the botanical composition and biomass productivity of representative grasslands and to determine if there was a relationship between grassland species diversity and biomass production across sites.
Plant Functional Diversity Increases Biomass Production In The Establishment Of Perennial Herbaceous Polycultures,
2023
Iowa State University
Plant Functional Diversity Increases Biomass Production In The Establishment Of Perennial Herbaceous Polycultures, V. D. Picasso, E. C. Brummer
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Natural grasslands are functionally diverse mixtures of perennial species and provide a model for sustainable agriculture systems. There is strong evidence for positive relationships between species and functional diversity and ecosystem processes like productivity and stability (Loreau et al., 2001). This research aimed mainly to study the effect on biomass production (BM) of increasing plant functional diversity in agriculturally relevant perennial herbaceous polycultures during their establishment years.
Relationships Between Productivity, Quality And Traits In Seven Co-Occurring Grass Species,
2023
INRA, France
Relationships Between Productivity, Quality And Traits In Seven Co-Occurring Grass Species, L. S. Pontes, Jean-François Soussana, P. Carrère, F. Louault, J. Aufrère, D. Andueza
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The impacts of management options sometimes have dramatic effects on botanical composition which in turn affect yield and nutritive value. A functional analysis of vegetation response may help to understand and predict the impact of changes in grassland management in a more general way screening for plant traits that may control productivity and nutritive value.
Specific Leaf Area On Fresh Matter Basis: A Soft Trait For Leaf Thickness?,
2023
INRA, France
Specific Leaf Area On Fresh Matter Basis: A Soft Trait For Leaf Thickness?, J. Debril, E. Kerneïs, S. Carré, P. Cruz, F. Gastal
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and the specific leaf area (SLA), are leaf traits frequently measured in field studies. Unfortunately, leaf thickness (LT) rarely is measured because that is time consuming and needs special equipment. Specific leaf mass (SLM), or leaf dry matter content/unit of leaf area, has been correlated positively to leaf density (Van Arendonk & Poorter 1994) but very few studies have examined its correlation with leaf thickness (Witkowsky & Lamont 1991). Since leaf volume is basically related to its water content, specific leaf area on a fresh matter basis (SLAW) could be consistently correlated to …
The Potential For Using The Alkanes And Long-Chain Alcohols Of Plant Cuticular Wax To Distinguish The Contribution Of Different Plant Species To A Mixed Root Mass,
2023
CSIRO, Australia
The Potential For Using The Alkanes And Long-Chain Alcohols Of Plant Cuticular Wax To Distinguish The Contribution Of Different Plant Species To A Mixed Root Mass, Hugh Dove, T. P. Bolger
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
In mixed pastures, plants compete below ground for soil water and nutrients, just as they compete above ground for light. Quantifying below-ground competition is difficult, partly because of the difficulty of measuring the contribution of different plant species to a mixed root mass. For some years, the hydrocarbons (alkanes) of plant cuticular wax have been used to quantify the species composition of the diet of herbivores (see Mayes & Dove, 2000). More recently, the long-chain aliphatic alcohols (LCOH) of plant wax have also proved useful markers (Bugalho et al., 2004). Plant roots also contain cuticular alkanes and these may …
Does Niche Complementarity Explain The Relationship Between Biodiversity And Ecosystem Functioning In Managed Grasslands?,
2023
ETH Zuerich, Switzerland
Does Niche Complementarity Explain The Relationship Between Biodiversity And Ecosystem Functioning In Managed Grasslands?, Nina Buchmann, A. Kahmen
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Niche complementarity was suggested to largely explain the positive relationship noted between plant diversity and productivity in some recent studies. This suggests that an increasing number of species exploits resources more efficiently and thus enhance ecosystem functions. This hypothesis, however, implies that niches occupied by different plant species are rather distinct so that niches from extinct or missing species stay unoccupied by the remaining species of an ecosystem. This experiment tested if plant species occupy different and distinct niches with respect to soil N uptake, being a possible functional explanation for the biodiversity ecosystem functioning relationship.
Linking Community And Ecosystem Ecology By Developing A Grassland Ecosystem Model (Gemini) With Interactions Between Plant, Herbivore And Soil Microbial Populations,
2023
INRA, France
Linking Community And Ecosystem Ecology By Developing A Grassland Ecosystem Model (Gemini) With Interactions Between Plant, Herbivore And Soil Microbial Populations, Jean-François Soussana, S. Witzmann, P. Loiseau, S. Fontaine, Pascal Carrère, Catherine Picon-Cochard, F. Louault
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Simulation models may help to understand the functional role of plant and soil biodiversity for C and N cycles and for intake by herbivores in semi-natural grassland ecosystems. Detailed models of grassland ecosystems calculate C, N, water and energy fluxes without accounting for the species dynamics in the plant and soil communities. Schwinning & Parsons (1996) proposed a simple pasture growth model that includes mixed grass and clover components. This model was, however, restricted to 2 plant functional groups and it excluded the dynamics of the soil organic matter. The role of competitive interactions between at least 2 functionally distinct …
Study Of Characteristics Of Soil Animals In Halophilous Plant Communities Of Leymus Chinensis Grasslands Of Northeast In China,
2023
Northeast Normal University, China
Study Of Characteristics Of Soil Animals In Halophilous Plant Communities Of Leymus Chinensis Grasslands Of Northeast In China, Xiuqin Yin, Y. Zhang, W. Dong
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
We have researched soil animals in 8 types of halophilous plant communities of Leymus chinensis grasslands of Northeast China to characterise soil animal groups and explain the role and function of soil animals in grassland ecosystems (Richard & Roger, 1998) and provide a scientific basis for research to improve alkaline lands in these grasslands.
Spatial Distribution Of Soil Macroinvertebrates In A Dry Steppe (South-Eastern Siberia, Russia),
2023
Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
Spatial Distribution Of Soil Macroinvertebrates In A Dry Steppe (South-Eastern Siberia, Russia), K. B. Gongalsky
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Soil macroinvertebrates are important components of ecosystems. They play a key role in decomposition processes and turnover of the most of elements. Adequate estimation of abundance and biomass of these animals is fundamental for understanding their input in steppe ecosystems. Asian steppes of Russia are poorly studied. Therefore, baseline soil invertebrate composition, abundance and rules of distribution were estimated.
Grazing Effects On Spatial Microdistribution Of Soil Macroinvertebrates In A Steppe Of European Russia,
2023
Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia
Grazing Effects On Spatial Microdistribution Of Soil Macroinvertebrates In A Steppe Of European Russia, F. A. Savin, K. B. Gongalsky, A. D. Pokarzhevskii
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Measures of ecosystems and their populations include biomass, production and trophic composition and animal spatial distribution. Grazing of grasslands influences spatial distribution of vegetation seriously. The same effects on soil macroinvertebrates are less well studied. Spatial distribution is usually studied at a coenosis level, and not at a studied point level, although the scale of sampling has a giant importance in estimation of organism's distribution. The aim of our study was to estimate grazing impact on large soil invertebrates in steppe ecosystems in Chernozem Nature Reserve in Russia.
Grassland Arthropod Species Richness In A Conventional Suckler Beef Production System And One Compatible With The Irish Agri-Environment Scheme (Reps),
2023
University College Dublin, Ireland
Grassland Arthropod Species Richness In A Conventional Suckler Beef Production System And One Compatible With The Irish Agri-Environment Scheme (Reps), Alvin J. Helden, A. Anderson, Gordon Purvis
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Grassland management practices, such as grazing, strongly affects the biodiversity of grassland arthropods; increasing grazing intensity causes a general decline in species richness (Morris, 2000). One of the aims of the Rural Environment Protection Scheme (REPS) is to conserve and enhance biodiversity within Irish agricultural land (Feehan et al., 2002). In order to determine the effectiveness of this aspect of REPS, one must compare the relative biodiversity of grassland under REPS with that of conventionally managed grassland. Aiming to determine whether species richness was higher in REPS-compatible compared with a standard system of management, we measured the species richness …
Comparison Of Epigeic Spider (Arachnida : Araneae) Assemblages In Winter Wheat Agroecosystems Of The European Part Of Russia,
2023
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia
Comparison Of Epigeic Spider (Arachnida : Araneae) Assemblages In Winter Wheat Agroecosystems Of The European Part Of Russia, R. R. Seyfulina
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Spiders comprise 20-80% of predatory fauna (Ferguson et al., 1984) and are important in controlling dangerous pests (Horner, 1972). Although different from most natural associations, cropland spider complexes resemble meadow communities and their diversity varies from tens to more than 300 species. About 20 species, referred to as agrobionts (Luczak, 1979), are common to all European agroecosystems.
Grassland And Avian Biodiversity Within Irish Agriculture,
2023
University College Dublin, Ireland
Grassland And Avian Biodiversity Within Irish Agriculture, Barry J. Mcmahon, J. Whelan
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
In the last quarter of the 20th century, populations of farmland birds have declined markedly, representing a severe threat to biodiversity (Donald et al., 2001). Because the vast majority of Irish farmland is devoted to intensive grassland, it is important to establish what quality of habitat this provides for biodiversity, especially avian. This study aimed to establish the avian species on the selected sites, compared with the total number of species that have been recorded on Irish farmland in recent years, as documented by the Complete Guide to Irish Birds (Dempsey & O'Clery, 2002).
The Effect Of Burning Abandoned Reclaimed Land In Early Spring On The Distribution Of An Endangered Grassland Bird Species - The Japanese Marsh Warbler,
2023
Kitasato University, Japan
The Effect Of Burning Abandoned Reclaimed Land In Early Spring On The Distribution Of An Endangered Grassland Bird Species - The Japanese Marsh Warbler, T. Sugiura, E. Ochiai, M. Baba, H. Kobayashi
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
The Japanese Red Data Book of Birds lists the Japanese Marsh Warbler (Locustella pryeri pryeri) as an endangered species. It feeds and breeds in-reed dominated (Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin.ex.Steud.) grassland in N Japan. Expanses of reclaimed land (Hotokenuma) are its largest breeding grounds. Each April, fire management is used to rid the area of the dead reed material amassed from the previous year. Circa 1 month after burning, the species returns to the area to inhabit and breed in the unburned areas. Fire use to manage grasslands is an important tool for the conservation and management of …
Lapwing And Redshank Nesting Sites On Coastal Marshes: Does Sward Structure Matter?,
2023
INRA, France
Lapwing And Redshank Nesting Sites On Coastal Marshes: Does Sward Structure Matter?, D. Durant, Muriel Tichit, E. Kernéïs
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Grazing is central to the debate on wildlife conservation. Agricultural grasslands are the main breeding areas for many waders and grazing is very important in grassland use by these species. Waders, groundnesting birds, are very sensitive to sward structure for nesting (Milsom et al., 2000). As a marsh has different grazing regimes, all fields are not equally suitable for waders. This study evaluated the factors affecting lapwing and redshank selection of nesting sites. Also, the hypothesis was tested that sward structure (mean grass height, frequency of tussocks) is an important factor affecting this selection.
Management Of Grasslands Used By Waders: Integrating Time And Key Spatial Scales Of Grazing Processes,
2023
INRA, France
Management Of Grasslands Used By Waders: Integrating Time And Key Spatial Scales Of Grazing Processes, M. Tichit, D. Durant, O. Renault, E. Kernéïs
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Agriculture has many functions. Mainly through agri-environment schemes, farmers are asked to manage grasslands of special value to conserve biodiversity. Assessment of grazing as an ecological factor of variation of grassland characteristics is needed to understand how grazing contributes to grassland management for species conservation. Several wader species use wet grasslands preferentially for nesting and foraging. Like many ground-nesting birds, they are very sensitive to the sward structure (see Durant et al., this congress).
A Comparison Of Restored Native Grasslands And Exotic Grass Pastures As Wintering Habitat For Declining Grassland Bird Species In The Southeastern United States,
2023
University of Georgia
A Comparison Of Restored Native Grasslands And Exotic Grass Pastures As Wintering Habitat For Declining Grassland Bird Species In The Southeastern United States, A. B. Mcmellen, S. H. Schweitzer
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Southeastern grasslands were not pristine when the first Europeans arrived in the 15th century. American Indians had modified the landscape through centuries of fire use, cultivation, and other activities (Denevan, 1992). However, native southeastern grasslands did not evolve with disturbance from intensive grazing. Livestock and intense grazing pressure arrived with the Europeans. Modifications to southeastern grasslands by the early 1900s included exclusion of fire, intensive grazing, and introduction of cultivated, sodforming grasses, which resulted in an increase in hardwood trees and shrubs, changes in herbaceous species composition, and the near extirpation of native warm-season species such as switch grass ( …
Agricultural Intensification: Have Sown Pastures Damaged The Environment?,
2023
CSIRO, Australia
Agricultural Intensification: Have Sown Pastures Damaged The Environment?, John G. Mcivor, C. K. Mcdonald, Neil D. Macleod, Ken C. Hodgkinson
IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)
Concerns are growing about the impact of agriculture on the environment. Particular concerns have been expressed about the impacts of intensive agriculture (e.g. cropping involving fertiliser, pesticides, limited germplasm, fuels, etc) on biodiversity, and both on-site (e.g. soil health and fertility) and off-site resources (e.g. pesticide contamination). Less intensive agriculture (e.g. sown pastures) can also have undesirable impacts. In the woodlands of eastern Australia sown pasture development has been associated with loss of native vegetation and wildlife habitat, accelerated soil acidification, salinisation and poor tree health (McIntyre et al., 2002). Based on this, there have been calls to restrict …
