Irrigated Forage Production under Extreme Arid Zone Conditions in Saudi Arabia

1976 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-187 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Farnworth

SUMMARYSince 1970 the University College of North Wales, in co-operation with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Agriculture and Water, has been investigating the potential for forage production in all-year-round irrigated conditions in Saudi Arabia, and the principal results of the first 4 years of field experiments are discussed. Both temperate and tropical annual forages as well as perennial species were tested, and generally produced high yields with high nutritional value. Fertilizer responses and different management practices were evaluated and their relevance to the development of systems of forage production are discussed.

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsin Siddique ◽  
Lucy Semerjian ◽  
Maamar Bettayeb ◽  
Zaid A. Al-Sadoon ◽  
Bushra Hussein Al Jaberi ◽  
...  

The University of Sharjah is a leading educational and research institution in the Gulf region. To stimulate the different aspects of sustainability in education and research as well as to ensure the implementation of sustainability concepts throughout the University campus operations, the concept of sustainability circles is implemented. The University being in hot-arid-zone and mostly surrounded by desert terrain relies on unconventional water conservation programs and initiatives such as the use of innovation & technology, reuse and recycling of water, and awareness campaigns. In line with such programs, the use of potable water is limited for hygiene purposes and wastewater generated within the University is reused after treatment to irrigate the vast green spaces through the most efficient irrigation water application systems. Examples of water conservation practices include use of efficient water devices, reuse of treated greywater for toilet flushing at a selected location, water quality monitoring, preservation to conserve water for its intended use, promoting waterless car wash on the campus grounds etc. On-campus water is also conserved through disseminating knowledge and awareness to the University community and beyond through various sustainability related programs and initiatives organized by Sustainability Office for water conservation and environmental protection.


EDIS ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonja C. Crawford ◽  
Christa L. Kirby ◽  
Tycee Prevatt ◽  
Brent A. Sellers ◽  
Maria L. Silveira ◽  
...  

The University of Florida / IFAS South Florida Beef Forage Program (SFBFP) is composed of county Extension faculty and state specialists.  The members, in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit, created a survey in 1982, which is used to evaluate ranch management practices.  The survey is updated and distributed every 5 years to ranchers in 14 South Florida counties: Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Polk, and Sarasota.  The responses are anonymous.  


Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 440
Author(s):  
Barbara Sawicka ◽  
Honorata Danilčenko ◽  
Elvyra Jariene ◽  
Dominika Skiba ◽  
Leszek Rachoń ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional value of H. tuberosus tubers grown in the organic farming system in Poland and Lithuania. The work was based on field experiments carried out in 2015–2017 in Parczew (Poland) and Akademija (Lithuania). The experiments were carried out using the randomized block method in four replications. Two cultivars of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) ‘Albik’ and ‘Rubik’ were tested. After the harvest of tubers, an assessment of their quality was carried out by standard methods. Due to the relocation of JA cultivation from Central and Eastern Europe to Northeast Europe, there were changes in the chemical composition of H. tuberosus tubers. The tubers from crops in Lithuania were characterized by a lower content of inulin, crude fiber and protein, ascorbic acid, total and endogenous amino acids than in Poland, but a higher content of true protein and macroelements. Edaphic factors determined, to a greater extent than genetic factors, the nutritional value of tubers. Assessment of the influence of varietal characteristics, meteorological conditions, and geographic location on the amount of biologically active compounds in JA will allow growers and consumers to choose the most suitable cultivars.


Weed Science ◽  
1985 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 703-707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amadou Diarra ◽  
Roy J. Smith ◽  
Ronald E. Talbert

Field experiments were conducted to investigate methods of controlling red rice (Oryza sativaL. ♯ ORYSA) in drill-seeded rice (O. sativa). Treatments included the rice cultivar ‘Mars', coated with calcium peroxide (CaO2) at 40% (w/w) and a crop protectant, R-33865 (O,O-diethyl-O-phenyl phosphorothioate) at 0.5 and 1% (v/w). Molinate (S-ethyl hexahydro-1H-azepine-1-carbothioate) at 6.7 kg ai/ha was applied preplant incorporated (ppi). The land was flooded (2.5 to 5 cm deep) after seeding with rice (100 kg/ha, 2.5 cm deep), and the water was maintained throughout the growing season. CaO2, with or without molinate, increased rice grain yield 50% and increased rice culm density fivefold above untreated rice. Molinate applied ppi controlled 96% of the red rice. Rice seed coated with only CaO2or with CaO2plus R-33865 at 0.5%, each combined with ppi molinate, produced 5690 and 6030 kg/ha of grain, respectively. These high yields were associated with red rice control by molinate and good stands of rice provided by O2supplied by CaO2. R-33865 applied to rice seed at 1% (v/w) injured rice by reducing rice culm densities 41%, compared with rice without protectant.


Author(s):  
L. S. Sampaio ◽  
R. Battisti ◽  
M. A. Lana ◽  
K. J. Boote

Abstract Crop models can be used to explain yield variations associated with management practices, environment and genotype. This study aimed to assess the effect of plant densities using CSM-CROPGRO-Soybean for low latitudes. The crop model was calibrated and evaluated using data from field experiments, including plant densities (10, 20, 30 and 40 plants per m2), maturity groups (MG 7.7 and 8.8) and sowing dates (calibration: 06 Jan., 19 Jan., 16 Feb. 2018; and evaluation: 19 Jan. 2019). The model simulated phenology with a bias lower than 2 days for calibration and 7 days for evaluation. Relative root mean square error for the maximum leaf area index varied from 12.2 to 31.3%; while that for grain yield varied between 3 and 32%. The calibrated model was used to simulate different management scenarios across six sites located in the low latitude, considering 33 growing seasons. Simulations showed a higher yield for 40 pl per m2, as expected, but with greater yield gain increments occurring at low plant density going from 10 to 20 pl per m2. In Santarém, Brazil, MG 8.8 sown on 21 Feb. had a median yield of 2658, 3197, 3442 and 3583 kg/ha, respectively, for 10, 20, 30 and 40 pl per m2, resulting in a relative increase of 20, 8 and 4% for each additional 10 pl per m2. Overall, the crop model had adequate performance, indicating a minimum recommended plant density of 20 pl per m2, while sowing dates and maturity groups showed different yield level and pattern across sites in function of the local climate.


2016 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 73-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahar Salimi ◽  
Somayeh Nassiri ◽  
Alireza Bayat ◽  
Don Halliday

Real Time Traction Tool (RT3)-Curve was used in this study to evaluate the effect of ice and snow on tire–road lateral friction coefficient, herein referred to as the Halliday Friction Number (HFN). The field experiments for the study were performed in winter 2012–2013 on the University of Alberta’s test road facility in Edmonton, Alberta. Each run was repeated at three target speeds under varied road conditions, bare dry, dry with ice patches, ice, and three levels of snow accumulation. No considerable correlation was found between vehicle speed and the friction measurements for bare dry, ice- and snow-covered conditions. Expectedly, the bare dry asphalt concrete surface had the highest HFN, the presence of ice reduced the dry surface friction by 55%. The accumulation of snow on the dry surface reduced the HFN further than ice, by 69, 75, and 81% for light, moderate, and heavy snow, respectively. A falling trend was observed for friction as more snow accumulated on the ground. Analysis of the effect of number of truck passes over ice at −3.5 and −5 °C showed that ice can become more slippery after each pass of traffic. A similar analysis for snow revealed that more passes over moderate snow will compact the fresh snow into a slippery surface. For light snow, even at low temperatures (<−10 °C), passes of traffic will melt the snow through frictional heat and result in higher friction values.


1951 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 271-281 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. S. Bunting ◽  
G. E. Blackman

Between 1942 and 1950, some thirty field experiments have been carried out in the southern half of England to assess the potential value, either for grain or forage production, of seventeen openpollinated flint or dent maizes together with twentynine single or double hybrids of American or Canadian origin.Early-maturing flint varieties will consistently ripen grain, but before mechanical threshing or storage, the cobs require drying. Sibthorp, a mass selection made from an unknown German variety, is the earliest and most productive flint maize so far tested, and in the experiments has yielded as much as 39 cwt. of grain per acre with an average of 24 cwt. The earliest American hybrids, i.e. those with a U.S.A. rating of 80 days from sowing to maturity, give very high yields of grain in favourable seasons. Within the group Wisconsin 240–275, a yield level equal to or exceeding 50 cwt./acre has on occasion been recorded. On the other hand, in the most unfavourable years, such hybrids just failed to produce ripe cobs.Attempts to maintain sixty-five parent inlines of the earliest hybrids have largely failed. However, many of the parent single crosses have matured, and the production on a field scale of the double-cross seed of both Wisconsin 240 and 255 has been carried out.Spacing experiments indicate that for optimum grain production a density of 6 plants/sq.yd. is required for both flint varieties and the earliest hybrids. A spatial arrangement of individual plants is to be preferred to that of groups or hills.American hybrids, in the class of ‘90 days’ to maturity, will in all but the most unfavourable seasons reach the ‘early-dent’ stage of the grain before the incidence of autumn frosts. Yields of dry matter of plants harvested in this phase have ranged from 30 to 85 cwt. of dry matter per acre. In these trials, the plant density was standardized at 4 plants/sq.yd. and higher densities may be demanded for optimal yields.The ratio of the ‘ear’ (that is, the cob, immature grain and enclosing leaf sheaths) to the total shoot weight at harvest varies greatly with the variety or hybrid. With White Horsetooth, the usual variety grown for fodder in England, no cobs are formed before the plants are killed by frost, while with the early hybrids, the ear may be half the weight of the whole shoot.The earliest variety Sibthorp from an early May sowing takes approximately 70–80 days to reach full anthesis, while ‘80-day’ American hybrids are a week later. From sowing to full maturity the period in England is from 140 to 160 days, thus compared to conditions in Minnesota the period is nearly twice as long. Because of the much slower rate of development and because of the humidity of English autumns, it is concluded that until the date of maturity can be advanced some 14 days, grain production on a field scale is not yet feasible. On the other hand, many of the American hybrids are well fitted to the production of silage. The greatest drawback to the introduction of such hybrids is the liability of the seed and seedlings to be attacked by rooks.


Author(s):  
Д.А. Ахматчин ◽  
С.Н. Биконя ◽  
В.В. Солдатова ◽  
Г.Ю. Лаптев

История сельского хозяйства включает в себя многолетний опыт применения биологических консервантов для силосования. Однако, учитывая различную эффективность препаратов, предлагаемых на рынке, а также инфляцию научного слова в угоду маркетинговым стратегиям, сложно найти действительно качественный и эффективный консервант. Кормовой потенциал, который заключается в питательности силоса и его гигиеническом статусе во многом определяет эффективность животноводческих хозяйств. Поэтому важно учитывать как можно больше факторов в цепочке производства кормов, влияющих на продуктивность и здоровье животных, особенно тех факторов, которые поддаются корректировке. Различную эффективность микробиологических препаратов можно отнести к подобным детерминантам. В статье дана оценка консервирующим способностям препаратов, которая выражена в степени подкисления и сохранении кормовой ценности. Полученные данные дают возможность установить опосредованную роль биологических консервантов в молочной продуктивности коров. Эксперименты проводили в 2019 году на базе СПК «Кобраловский» Ленинградской области. В траншеи закладывался силос из многолетних трав (смесь злаковых и бобовых культур). Во время закладки провяленная зелёная масса тщательно трамбовалась, после завершения трамбовки закрывалась плёнкой. Препараты вносились, исходя из рекомендаций производителей консервантов, с помощью насосно-дозирующего комплекса уборочного комбайна. Консерванты были представлены в сухой и жидкой форме. Через 30–35 дней, после окончания ферментации силоса, отбирали образцы готового корма для оценки биохимических показателей (питательности, содержания органических кислот). Готовый корм, заготовленный с биоконсервантом «Биотроф 2+», содержал сырого протеина на 24,3% больше, чем корм, заготовленный с английским препаратом, и на 31,6% больше по сравнению с препаратом шведского производства. Наблюдалось увеличение среднесуточного удоя молока 4% жирности у коров, которым скармливали силос, заготовленный с закваской «Биотроф 2+», на 5,1% в сравнении с группой коров, которым скармливали силос, заготовленный с английской закваской, и на 8,4% — с шведским консервантом. Bio-preservatives are widely used in agriculture for silage production. A large variety of preparations makes it difficult to select an effective preservative of high quality. Silage nutritional value and quality directly affect animal farming. Therefore, the more factors of forage production are considered the higher livestock productivity and health level. This article reports on preservative efficacy determined by acid composition and nutritional value. The obtained data demonstrated an indirect impact of bio-preservatives on milk productivity. The investigation took place at the SPK “Kobralovskiy” in the Leningrad region in 2019. Silage was composed of gramineous and legumes. Wilted green mass was thoroughly rammed and covered subsequently. Preparations were applied by a dosing complex of a harvesting machine according to manufacturer instructions. Liquid and dried preparations were used. Silage samples were tested 30–35 days post fermentation. Silage prepared by “Biotrof 2+” exceeded two foreign preservatives by 24.3 and 31.6% in crude protein. Feeding cows with “Biotrof 2+” silage increased the average daily yield of 4% milk by 5.1 and 8.4% compared to the preservatives made in England and Sweden, respectively.


2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-104
Author(s):  
OA Olorunnisomo ◽  
AA Oni ◽  
JO Abiola

In order to kick-start milk production and upgrade genetic base of local zebu cattle at the University of Ibadan, four in-calf Jersey heifers and one bull were acquired in September 2012, from a pure herd of Jersey cattle maintained on a private farm in Shonga, Kwara State, Nigeria. Management at Shonga was based on an intensive, zero-grazing system. The animals were apparently in a good state of health at the time of procurement. At the University of Ibadan, management was also intensive, with partial grazing, fortified grass silage and concentrates supplementation. Health management of Jersey cattle involved preventive and curative measures. Calving occurred within 7 and 156 days of arrival at Ibadan. Two out of four heifers calved successfully while two had still-births. Calves were allowed to suckle their dams for 14 days after calving and bottle-fed from milk collected from their dams afterwards. Milking was done twice daily at 7am and 4pm using a portable milking machine. Milk yield averaged 8.8 kg/cow/day with lactation length ranging between 93 and 246 days. Average composition of milk was 13.69, 3.60, 4.73, 0.65 and 4.71% for total solids, protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate respectively. In order to maximize milk production from Jersey cattle under the humid tropical condition of Ibadan, there is need to maintain a high plane of nutrition, adopt a preventive healthcare system and incorporate a cooling system to ameliorate the effects of high ambient temperatures.Key words: calving age, dairy cattle, lactation length, milk composition, milk yield


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