Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons^™

Persistence Of Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense L.): Relationships Between Plant Population And Forage Yield, Fernando Ortega, Andrés Quiroz, Leonardo Parra, Juan Levío, Muriel Melo

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is an important forage species in temperate regions of the world; in Chile, it is a valuable resource for animal production and for the seed industry. However, the main limitation of this species worldwide is the lack of persistence related to the high mortality of plants due to a complex of multiple biotic and abiotic factors (Ortega 1996; Taylor and Quesenberry 1996). Therefore, in 1989, a red clover breeding program was started at INIA Carillanca Research Center, Chile, with the main objectives of improving the survival of plants, forage yield and persistence. Since then, …

Temporal Variations In The Carbon And Nitrogen Ecological Stoichiometry Of Lucerne, Zhennan Wang, Huimin Yang, Yuying Shen

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Ecological stoichiometry has been of great help in research investigating the coupling between plant and environment (Sterner and Elser 2002). It provides some synchronized evidence to explain the response and adaptability of plants to the environment. Carbon and nitrogen ecological stoichiometry (C/N) also embraces the use efficiency of nitrogen in plants. Previous research has focused on the spatial responses of plant C/N to different environmental factors (Yang and Wang 2011). However, there is still insufficient attention on the temporal variation in C/N, in the hope that such effort will help elucidate the mechanisms underlying plant growth/regrowth. Lucerne (Medicago sativa …

Changes In The Content And Allocation Of Carbon And Nitrogen During Forage Regrowth, Huimin Yang, Zhennan Wang, Xiaoyan Zhang

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Regrowth after cutting or grazing perennial grasslands sustains the production potential of forage and the persistence of grassland species. The changes in nature, content and allocation of compounds within plant parts are fundamentally correlated to the forage regrowth process (Lambers et al. 2008). These compounds are sourced from reserves and new assimilates. Carbohydrates and proteins stored mainly in the stem base and the root play an important role at the early stages of regrowth (Meuriot et al. 2004). The newly assimilated compounds include carbon from photosynthesis for the residual leaf and stem, and nitrogen absorbed by the roots …

Grass Species Population Studies In Freshwater Pools Of Sivaganga District, South India With Different Land-Use, Dorai Pandian Kannan, Zachariah Miller Paul

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands which fill with water in the rainy season and dry down in the spring and remain desiccated throughout the summer. These extreme conditions create a unique ecosystem that supports high species diversity (King et al. 1996). Ephemeral water pools have recently received more attention where studies have monitored the vegetation dynamics as the system shifts from an aquatic and terrestrial environment (Gopal and Junk 2000; Pott et al. 2010). Landscape changes are considered important on the biodiversity aggregation of meadows (Monterio et al. 2013). The present study was carried out to analyze …

The Effect Of Exclosure Grazing On The Distribution Pattern Of Two Important Shrubs In The Central Steppe Of Iran, Anahita Rashtian

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

As part of a program to improve management of rangeands, research is being undertaken on the effects of grazing intensity on vegetation communities, including the response of different plant species to long-term exclosure from grazing. Species dispersion patterns can be used as valid indicators for condition assessment of rangeland ecosystems. Landsberg et al. (2002) and Riginos and Hoffman (2003) found that excessive grazing changed the structure and composition of plant communities, increasing the abundance of some species and reducing the presence of others. Heavy grazing leads to the excessive defoliation of herbaceous plants, reducing their biomass, basal cover and …

The Effect Of Exclosures On Poa Bulbosa And Determination Of Predation: A Case Study In The Nodoushan Rangelands, Central Steppe Of Iran, Anahita Rashtian

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In order to undertake investigations leading to reclamation management for rangelands, information is needed on the effect of exclosures on the production and morphology of key species such as Poa bulbosa. This paper describes a comparison of some morphological and ecological characteristics of P. bulbosa when subjected to grazing or protected long-term with exclosures. The investigation was undertaken on the Nodoushan rangelands of Yazd Province, Iran.

Sward Structure Effects On Light Interception In Rotationally-Grazed Orchardgrass (Dactylis Glomerata L.), Glenn E. Shewmaker, Laura K. Hooper

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grazing managers need to know the relationship of sward height and mass to photosynthetic capacity. The aim of this study was to measure the interception of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and relate it to sward structure throughout the grazing season on rotationally-grazed orchardgrass/cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) pastures.

Functional Responses Of South African Rangelands In Contrasting Tenure Systems, Cristian A. Moreno García, Jürgen Schellberg, Frank Ewert, Anja Linstädter, Jan C. Ruppert, Susana B. Perelman

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Land degradation in South African rangelands has frequently been studied in the context of tenure systems, because both governmental policy and range management practices were historically implemented in contrasting forms. We compared the functional response of vegetation along grazing gradients between a communal (CU) and commercial (CO) farming areas. One transect was established per farm from the waterpoint to a mid-field position. Six equally spaced plots (5 m × 5 m) were set up along each transect. Using a taxon-free sampling procedure, we recorded the response of 15 community-aggregated plant functional traits (CPFT) in: (1) mature standing biomass; and (2) …

State Of Knowledge In Tiller Dynamics, Cory Matthew, Mónica G. Agnusdei, Silvia G. Assuero, André F. Sbrissia, Omar Scheneiter, Sila C. Da Silva

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Persistence of sown pastures is a concern for pastoral production worldwide. Fundamentally, when a pasture does not persist the problem can be expressed in terms of inadequate new tiller production or excessive tiller death. However, the collection of data to build an understanding of sward dynamics at this level is time consuming. Tiller survival diagrams are presented for a range of temperate and tropical grass species including Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Festuca arundinacea, Festuca pratensis, Phleum pratense, Bromus willdenowii, Cynodon dactylon, Brachiaria brizantha, Panicum maximum, Chloris gayana and Paspalum notatum. …

Grazing Management Flexibility In Pastures Subjected To Rotational Stocking Management: Herbage Production And Chemical Composition Of Kikuyu-Grass Swards, André F. Sbrissia, Valéria P. B. Euclides, Rodrigo A. Barbosa, Denise B. Montagner, Deisy A. Padilha, Gabriela T. Santos, Guilherme D. Zanini, Paulo G. Duchini, Sila C. Da Silva

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Several recent papers published on tropical pastures have pointed out that under rotational stocking management regrowth should be interrupted when canopy light interception is 95% (LI). Further, these studies have revealed a positive and high correlation between LI and sward height, allowing LI management targets to be defined in terms of sward height. However, there are some indications that lower pre-grazing heights relative to those targets would result in similar leaf accumulation without interfering with sward persistence. The objective of this paper was to verify a possible flexibility of such pre-grazing height targets. A replicated experiment was conducted with treatments …

Tactical Themes For Rangeland Research, Kris M. Havstad, Deb P. C. Peters, Brandon T. Bestelmeyer, Dawn Browning, Jason W. Karl, Darren James, Scott Schrader

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The problems threatening the conservation and management of rangeland, over one-half of the world’s terrestrial surfaces, are significant and growing. Current assessments of drivers and externalities shaping these problems have resulted in strategies intended to result in sustainable development of these lands and their resources. However, how can individual scientists and individual research programs support the needed strategies and goals? What can we realistically contribute and accomplish? We believe that technology can connect individual scientists and their science to the problems manifest in rangelands over the world, in a more rapid exchange than has occurred in the past. Recognition of …

Phyllochron And Leaf Lifespan Of Four C4 Forage Grasses Cultivated In A Silvopastoral System, Tiago C. Baldissera, Laíse Da S. Pontes, Raquel S. Barro, André F. Giostri, Keli C. S. Guera, Miquéias Michetti, Vanderlei P. Da Silva, Paulo C. De F. Carvalho

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Silvopastoral systems are emerging as an option for more sustainable land use. However, the challenge is to optimize pasture production and the determine suitable management by understanding the growth and development of forages under trees canopy (Palma et al. 2007). In the silvopastoral system, trees change the environment that forages grow, and can influence the development of plants and, consequently, the sward dynamics. For instance, the light quantity (i.e. photon flux density) and quality (e.g. changes in red: far-red ratios) can vary as a result of the tree canopy (Beaudet et al. 2011).

Phyllochron …

Botanical Composition And Nutritive Value Of Grazing Lands From Organic And Conventional Agrosilvopastoral Production Systems Of Tropical Southeastern Mexico, Claudia Delgadillo Puga, José Bernardo Sánchez Muñoz, José Nahed-Toral, Miguel Ángel Orantes Zebadua, José Luis Cruz Lopez, Mario Cuchillo Hilario

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In the current situation of agriculture, organic livestock farming has been not only adapted to ameliorate undesirable impacts on environment but also it is challenged to hold or improve agricultural yields obtain-ed by conventional agriculture. In the Mesoamerican biological corridor, a region recognized with an abundant diversity, almost all animal husbandry is based on extensive grazing and traditional agrosilvopastoral systems (Nahed-Toral et al. 2009; Nahed et al. 2010). Furthermore, the conversion of natural jungle areas to new farmland through deforestation is a prevalent problem for biological conservation. Therefore, precise knowledge for suitable agriculture and livestock product-ion are needed …

Performance Of Calves Receiving By-Products Of Oil Palm During The Dry Season In An Integrated Pasture-Forestry System In Pré-Amazonic Regions Of Brazil, Xerxes M. Tosta, Rosane C. Rodrigues, Maria Elizabeth Oliveira, Jose A. C. Junior, Ivan B. M. Sampaio

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The integrated farming and livestock-forestry constitutes a viable alternative for the advancement of sustainable agriculture through its influence on social and ecological processes. Silvopastoral systems are integrated systems characterised by the management of animals in an agricultural-forestry association. These systems aim to provide shade for animals, stabilize forage production for meat production and/or milk products, forestry and various other environmental services (Maurício et al. 2010). Despite the benefits mentioned, the seasonality in the production of tropical forages needs to be considered. An efficient way to avoid losses in animal production in the dry season is with the use of …

Herbage Mass, Forage Accumulation And Nutritive Value Of Brachiaria Decumbens In A Silvopastoral System, Domingos S. C. Paciullo, Carlos A. M. Gomide, Carlos R. T. Castro, Carlos A. B. Carvalho, Rogério M. Maurício, Mirton J. F. Morenz

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

The use of silvopastoral systems has been suggested to ensure sustainability in animal production systems because of their potential to increase soil fertility, improve forage quality, promote animal thermal comfort and provide income diversification for the producer (Paciullo et al. 2011). Nevertheless, the shade provided by trees may affect plant growth and nutritive value of forage (Sousa et al. 2010).

This study aimed to assess the impact of shading on the allocation pattern of dry matter and on herbage nutritive value, under various shading regimes, in a silvopastoral system, during both the dry and rainy seasons.

Contribution From Tree Legumes To Mixed Grass-Legume Pastures, Valéria X. De O. Apolinário, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., Mário De A. Lira Jr., Rinaldo Luis Caraciolo Ferreira, Alexandre C. L. De Mello, Diego De Lima Coelho, Everardo V. S. B. Sampaio

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Legumes and associated microorganisms may fix N from atmosphere and benefit grass on mixed grass-legume pastures. Nitrogen may be transferred by different mechanisms, including direct transfer of N compounds by roots, decomposition of nodules, roots, litter from legume (Nair 1993), and through animal excreta after legume intake by cattle. Silvopastoral systems including tree legumes may become a viable option in tropical regions, considering the increasing prices of N fertilizers compared to farm products such as beef and milk.

This experiment evaluated legume contribution on mixed grass-legume pastures in the coastal region of Pernambuco State, Brazil.

Animal Performance And Pasture Characteristics Of Brachiaria Decumbens Stapf., Gliricidia Sepium (Jacq.) Steud, And Mimosa Caesalpiniifolia Benth. In Silvipastoral Systems, Alexandre C. L. De Mello, Suellen Brandão De Miranda Costa, José C. B. Dubeux Jr., Mércia V. F. Dos Santos, Valéria Xavier De Oliveira Apolinário, Fernando Tenório Filho, Marcelo Santana Meireles, Camilla Gomes Pereira

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Grasslands are the major source of feed for ruminants (Zanine 2005). Seasonality of production, however, is a constraint in forage-based systems. Silvopastoril systems combine different components (animals, trees, and forages) into one integrated system and may improve forage distribution across seasons. Resource use is usually more efficient both spatially and temporally, increasing land use efficiency (Nair 1993). Tree legumes present potential for silvopastoril systems because they can fix N from the atmosphere, improve cattle diet, and lead to a faster N cycle. In addition, trees provide shade and may reduce heat stress for grazing animals in warm-climate grasslands. Legume trees …

Effect Of Defoliation Frequency On Forage Yield From Intensive Silvopastoral Systems Compared To A Monoculture Grassland, L. Sarabia-Salgado, Francisco J. Solorio-Sánchez, Fernando Casanova-Lugo, Luis Ramírez-Avilés, Juan C. Ku-Vera, Jose A. Caamal-Maldonado

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Livestock production in the tropical regions of the world faces serious constraints as a result of climate change. Monoculture based pastures require the use of large amounts of nitrogen fertilizers to sustain production throughout the year. In general terms, tropical grasses are of low quality and when consumed by ruminant species, contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases (methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide) (Herrero et al. 2009; Place et al. 2009). The establishment of intensive silvopastoral systems (iSPS) with associated shrubs legumes and grasses can increase the yield and quality of forage as well as fixation and transfer of …

Productive Performance Of Growing Cattle Grazing A Silvopastoral System With Leucaena Leucocephala, R. Mayo-Eusebio, M. P. Utrilla-García, C. F. Aguilar-Pérez, Francisco J. Solorio-Sánchez, A. J. Ayala-Burgos, Eduardo G. Briceño-Poot, Luis Ramírez-Avilés, Juan C. Ku-Vera

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

In tropical regions, the feeding of cattle is usually based on the grazing of medium to low quality grasses. Low fertility of soils, changing climatic conditions and the poor management of pastures, have further reduced the quality and forage yield of pastures. The low availability and quality of grasses gives modest weight gains for grazing cattle and this in-turn causes low economical efficiency of cattle production systems (Campos et al. 2011). Silvopastoral systems represent a sustainable option for meat and milk production in the tropics. The association of grasses with legumes such as Leucaena leucocephala (leucaena) supply forage with …

Hedges And Woody Strips Browsing By Cattle On Pasture In Wallonia, Belgium, Sophie Vandermeulen, Mathilde Pascal, Christian Marche, Arnaud Pilet, Yves Beckers, Jérôme Bindelle

IGC Proceedings (1977-2023)

Shrub and tree forages are commonly used in animal production in many regions of the world. Nonetheless, in Western Europe, and especially in Wallonia in Belgium, hedges and woody strips have disappeared from the agricultural landscape over the past 60 years. Browse species are usually rich in plant secondary compounds such as tannins whose benefits on CH4 production and intestinal parasitism have been highlighted (Ramírez-Restrepo et al. 2010). Currently, agri-environmental measures taken by the Walloon government promote hedges and woody strips in pastures, raising the interest in browse species functionalities in ruminant production.

This study aimed at: (1) determining …