Time of sowing and the presence of a cover-crop determine the productivity and persistence of perennial pastures in mixed farming systems

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (10) ◽  
pp. 988 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guangdi D. Li ◽  
Richard C. Hayes ◽  
Jeff I. McCormick ◽  
Matthew J. Gardner ◽  
Graeme A. Sandral ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Perennial Species ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Annual Legumes ◽  
Mixed Farming

Incorporation of perennial pastures into cropping rotations can improve whole-farm productivity, profitability and sustainability of mixed farming systems in southern Australia. However, success in establishing perennial pastures depends on choice of species, time of sowing, method of establishment, seasonal conditions, and whether sowing is under a cover-crop. Field experiments were sown from 2008 to 2010 to determine effects of sowing time and the presence of a cover-crop on the performance of four perennial pasture species, lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.), at Yerong Creek, New South Wales (NSW). Results showed that lucerne was the most productive pasture, followed by chicory and phalaris, with cocksfoot being the poorest performer. Under favourable seasonal conditions, lucerne and chicory pastures produced 29.3 and 25.0 t ha–1 of total dry matter (DM), comprising 71% and 52%, respectively, of sown perennial species in the sward in their second growing season, when sown in autumn. Spring-sown pastures produced 24.6 and 18.3 t ha–1 of total DM in the second season, with 55% and 47% of sown species in the sward being lucerne and chicory, respectively. However, spring-sown pastures contained a very low proportion of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) in the sward in the first 2 years, despite efforts to broadcast seeds at the break of season in the following year. It is recommended that non-legume perennial species, such as chicory and phalaris, be sown in autumn with companion annual legumes until methods are developed and tested to establish annual legumes reliably in spring. However, lucerne can be established in autumn or spring because it can fix its own nitrogen and is not reliant on a companion legume. Cocksfoot cv. Kasbah, in general, appears less suitable than the other perennial species for this medium-rainfall environment in southern NSW. Our study showed that pastures sown without a cover-crop had the most reliable establishment, whereas pastures sown with a cover-crop in a dry year had poor establishment or total failure, as well as a significant reduction of grain yield from the cover-crop. In a wet year, pastures established satisfactorily under a cover-crop; however, growth of the cover-crop still suppressed pasture DM production in subsequent years. Research is under way to model our data to determine the likely financial implications of establishing perennial pastures under cover-crops.

Amelioration of soil compaction by a cover-crop for no-tillage lettuce production

1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 553 ◽  
Author(s):  
RJ Stirzaker ◽  
I White
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Sandy Loam ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
No Tillage ◽  
Hot Weather

Excessive cultivation in many horticultural areas results in soil structural decline and poor utilization of water and nutrients. There are no reliable techniques for growing irrigated vegetables without cultivation. This work explores the hypothesis that a winter legume cover-crop can overcome the soil limitations of no-tillage and provide an alternative to excessive cultivation in the vegetable industry. We grew lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under no-tillage in field trials on a sandy loam soil following a bare winter fallow or a cover-crop of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), and compared this with cultivation by rotary hoe. The clover died naturally in early summer or was desiccated in the spring to form a mulch of at least 5 t ha-1 on the soil surface. The experiment was carried out over a 2.5 year period. The first crop was grown during hot weather and the soil in the no-tillage treatments was only moderately compacted. The yield of lettuce was similar in the no-tillage and cultivated treatments, and increased by about 30% when a mulch was added to each treatment. The soil was artificially compacted after the first crop. The second crop was grown 18 months later, during cooler spring weather, and following two further cover-crops. The yield of no-tillage lettuce was only 40% of that obtained with cultivation. Yield in the no-tillage treatment was doubled in two different ways: (1) by the addition of a surface mulch, and (2) through changes to soil structure stimulated by a cover-crop in the absence of a mulch. The experiments showed that a well-managed cover-crop can significantly ameliorate a compacted sandy soil by modifying soil temperature, soil strength, and by stimulating the formation of biopores.

scholarly journals Influence of cover crop treatments on the performance of a vineyard in a humid region

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. e0907 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emiliano Trigo-Córdoba ◽  
Yolanda Bouzas-Cid ◽  
Ignacio Orriols-Fernández ◽  
Emilia Díaz-Losada ◽  
Jose M. Mirás-Avalos
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Vegetative Growth ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Soil Tillage ◽  
Native Vegetation ◽  
Stem Water Potential ◽  
Berry Quality ◽  
Berry Composition

Vineyards are usually managed by tilling the inter-rows to avoid competition from other plants for soil water and nutrients. However, in humid and sub-humid climates, such as that of NW Spain, cover crops may be an advantage for controlling vine vegetative growth and improving berry composition, while reducing management costs. The current study was conducted over three consecutive growing seasons (2012-2014) to assess the effects of establishing three permanent cover crop treatments on water relations, vine physiology, yield and berry composition of a vineyard of the red cultivar ‘Mencía’ (<em>Vitis vinifera </em>L.) located in Leiro, Ourense. Treatments consisted of four different soil management systems: ST, soil tillage; NV, native vegetation; ER, English ryegrass (<em>Lolium perenne</em> L.); and SC, subterranean clover (<em>Trifolium subterraneum</em> L.). Midday stem water potential was more negative in the native vegetation treatment, causing significant reductions in leaf stomatal conductance on certain dates. Total vine leaf area and pruning weight was reduced in the cover crop treatments in the last year of the experiment. Yield was unaffected by the presence of a cover crop. No significant differences among treatments were observed for berry composition; however, wines were positively affected by the SC treatment (higher tannin content and colour intensity and lower malic acid concentration when compared with ST). Wines from the cover crop treatments were preferred by taste panelists. These results indicate that in humid climates cover crop treatments can be useful for reducing vine vegetative growth without compromising yield and berry quality.

scholarly journals Australian experience with cool season annual legumes - the challenge to develop environmentally sustainable farming systems

2003 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 51-59
Author(s):  
B.S. Dear
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Environmentally Sustainable ◽  
Change Of Direction ◽  
Annual Legumes ◽  
Native Pastures ◽  
Annual Medics ◽  
Australian Experience

Australian farming systems have traditionally relied on annual legumes such as subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) and annual medics (Medicago spp.) in either short-term pastures in rotation with crops or permanent pastures to provide low cost biologically fixed N and a high quality forage for livestock. The role of legumes in farming systems is now being reassessed because of the recognition that their extensive use is associated with widespread soil acidification, loss of species diversity in native pastures and increasing dryland salinity. In the future, annual legumes are more likely to be sown in mixtures with deep-rooted perennial pasture species, both in permanent pastures and in rotation with crops, to improve hydrological balance in the landscape. As a result, there is a change of direction in annual legume selection and breeding programs within Australia with a greater focus on the ability of legumes to coexist with perennial species, as well as on characteristics such as an extended growing season and deeper rooting habit to exploit subsoil water. There is also a trend towards increasing the diversity of annual legume species sown in pasture mixes to better exploit paddock variation and variable seasonal conditions.

Cover Crops Suppression of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) in Cotton

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matheus G. Palhano ◽  
Jason K. Norsworthy ◽  
Tom Barber
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Palmer Amaranth ◽  
Cotton Yield ◽  
Cotton Production ◽  
Seed Cotton ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Seed Cotton Yield ◽  
Weed Emergence

AbstractWith the recent confirmation of protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO)-resistant Palmer amaranth in the US South, concern is increasing about the sustainability of weed management in cotton production systems. Cover crops can help to alleviate this problem, as they can suppress weed emergence via allelochemicals and/or a physical residue barrier. Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 at the Arkansas Agricultural Research and Extension Center to evaluate various cover crops for suppressing weed emergence and protecting cotton yield. In both years, cereal rye and wheat had the highest biomass production, whereas the amount of biomass present in spring did not differ among the remaining cover crops. All cover crops initially diminished Palmer amaranth emergence. However, cereal rye provided the greatest suppression, with 83% less emergence than in no cover crop plots. Physical suppression of Palmer amaranth and other weeds with cereal residues is probably the greatest contributor to reducing weed emergence. Seed cotton yield in the legume and rapeseed cover crop plots were similar when compared with the no cover crop treatment. The seed cotton yield collected from cereal cover crop plots was lower than from other treatments due to decreased cotton stand.

scholarly journals Systemic Colonization by Metarhizium robertsii Enhances Cover Crop Growth

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Imtiaz Ahmad ◽  
María del Mar Jiménez-Gasco ◽  
Dawn S. Luthe ◽  
Mary E. Barbercheck
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Crop Growth ◽  
Above Ground Biomass ◽  
Crop Species ◽  
Metarhizium Robertsii ◽  
Cereal Rye ◽  
Ground Biomass

Fungi in the genus Metarhizium (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae) are insect pathogens that can establish as endophytes and can benefit their host plant. In field experiments, we observed a positive correlation between the prevalence of M. robertsii and legume cover crops, and a negative relationship with brassicaceous cover crops and with increasing proportion of cereal rye in mixtures. Here, we report the effects of endophytic M. robertsii on three cover crop species under greenhouse conditions. We inoculated seeds of Austrian winter pea (Pisum sativum L., AWP), cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and winter canola (Brassica napus L.) with conidia of M. robertsii to assess the effects of endophytic colonization on cover crop growth. We recovered M. robertsii from 59%, 46%, and 39% of seed-inoculated AWP, cereal rye, and canola plants, respectively. Endophytic M. robertsii significantly increased height and above-ground biomass of AWP and cereal rye but did not affect chlorophyll content of any of the cover crop species. Among inoculated plants from which we recovered M. robertsii, above-ground biomass of AWP was positively correlated with the proportion of colonized root but not leaf tissue sections. Our results suggest that winter cover crops may help to conserve Metarhizium spp. in annual cropping systems.

Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Suppression with Buckwheat or Sudangrass Cover Crops and Mowing

2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 556-563 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abram J. Bicksler ◽  
John B. Masiunas
Keyword(s):  
Cover Crops ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Initial Density ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Shoot Density ◽  
Intensive Management ◽  
Canada Thistle ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Growing Seasons

Canada thistle is a perennial spreading weed that is difficult to control in farming systems with reduced reliance upon herbicides for weed management. Experiments were conducted from 2006 to 2008 at Champaign, IL, to evaluate the combined effects of summer annual cover crops and mowing on Canada thistle growth and survival. Whole plot treatments were fallow, buckwheat, sudangrass–cowpea mixture (MIX), and sudangrass. The subplot treatments were mowing frequencies (0 to 2 times). Cover crop and mowing did not interact to suppress Canada thistle. MIX and sudangrass produced more standing biomass, greater regrowth, and more surface mulch following mowing than the buckwheat. A single season with sudangrass or MIX reduced Canada thistle shoot density and mass to less than 20% of the initial values through two growing seasons. Mowing alone only suppressed Canada thistle shoot density and mass on the site with greater initial density. A sudangrass or MIX cover crop alone or combined with mowing suppresses Canada thistle, but intensive management must continue for several years to eliminate patches.

Lucerne, phalaris, and wallaby grass in short-term pasture phases in two eastern Australian wheatbelt environments. 2. Effect of perennial density and species on subterranean clover populations and the relative success of 3 clover cultivars of different maturity

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. S. Dear ◽  
G. A. Sandral ◽  
J. M. Virgona ◽  
A. D. Swan ◽  
B. A. Orchard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seed Yield ◽  
Seed Bank ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Perennial Species ◽  
Growing Season Length ◽  
Herbage Yield ◽  
Clover Seed

The effect of the density of 3 perennial species, phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.), wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia richardsonii Kunth), and lucerne (Medicago sativa L.), on seed set, regeneration, and the relative competitiveness of 3 cultivars of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) was examined in 2 environments in the south-eastern Australian wheatbelt. Seed yields of subterranean clover were inversely related to perennial density at both sites over the first 2 years, the relationship varying with perennial species. Phalaris depressed the seed yield of clover more than lucerne and wallaby grass in the second and third year at equivalent densities. Clover seed yield was positively related to clover herbage yield in late spring at both sites, and inversely related to perennial herbage yield. Clover seed yield displayed an increasing linear relationship with the proportion of light reaching the clover understorey in spring, which in turn was inversely related to perennial density and perennial herbage yield. Clover seedling regeneration in mixed swards in autumn was positively related to the size of the summer seed bank, but negatively related to perennial density. Clover seedling survival following a premature germination at Kamarah was inversely correlated to the density of phalaris and lucerne in the sward. The relative competitiveness of the 3 subterranean clover cultivars varied between sites, with climatic conditions (rainfall and growing-season length) having a greater effect on the relative cultivar performance than companion perennial species or density. The later maturing subterranean clover cv. Goulburn became the dominant cultivar at the wetter site, constituting 72% of the seed bank, but declined to only 3–8% of the seed bank at the drier site. The proportion of the early flowering cultivar Dalkeith in the seed bank increased over time at the drier site and was highest (53%) in plots with the highest perennial density. We concluded that although perennial pasture species will depress clover seed yield and subsequent regeneration, these effects could be minimised by reducing perennial densities and exploiting variations in competitiveness between perennial species as identified in this study. Sowing earlier maturing subterranean clover cultivars would only be an advantage in increasing clover content in low-rainfall environments. The findings suggest that clover seed reserves and regeneration could also be increased by using grazing management to reduce the level of shading of clover by perennials, a factor associated with reduced clover seed yield.

Comparing different sources of sulfur for high-rainfall pastures insouth-western Australia

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (10) ◽  
pp. 1221 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. A. Bolland ◽  
J. S. Yeates ◽  
M. F. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Residual Value ◽  
Single Superphosphate ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Leaching Losses ◽  
S Deficiency ◽  
Different Sources

The dry herbage yield increase (response) of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.)-based pasture (>85% clover) to applications of different sources of sulfur (S) was compared in 7 field experiments on very sandy soils in the > 650 mm annual average rainfall areas of south-western Australia where S deficiency of clover is common when pastures grow rapidly during spring (August–November). The sources compared were single superphosphate, finely grained and coarsely grained gypsum from deposits in south-western Australia, and elemental S. All sources were broadcast (topdressed) once only onto each plot, 3 weeks after pasture emerged at the start of the first growing season. In each subsequent year, fresh fertiliser-S as single superphosphate was applied 3 weeks after pasture emerged to nil-S plots previously not treated with S since the start of the experiment. This was to determine the residual value of sources applied at the start of the experiment in each subsequent year relative to superphosphate freshly-applied in each subsequent year. In addition, superphosphate was also applied 6, 12 and 16 weeks after emergence of pasture in each year, using nil-S plots not previously treated with S since the start of the experiment. Pasture responses to applied S are usually larger after mid-August, so applying S later may match plant demand increasing the effectiveness of S for pasture production and may also reduce leaching losses of the applied S.At the same site, yield increases to applied S varied greatly, from 0 to 300%, at different harvests in the same or different years. These variations in yield responses to applied S are attributed to the net effect of mineralisation of different amounts of S from soil organic matter, dissolution of S from fertilisers, and different amounts of leaching losses of S from soil by rainfall. Within each year at each site, yield increases were mostly larger in spring (September–November) than in autumn (June–August). In the year of application, single superphosphate was equally or more effective than the other sources. In years when large responses to S occurred, applying single superphosphate later in the year was more effective than applying single superphosphate 3 weeks after pasture emerged (standard practice), so within each year the most recently applied single superphosphate treatment was the most effective S source. All sources generally had negligible residual value, so S needed to be applied each year to ensure S deficiency did not reduce pasture production.

Increased seed production of subterranean clover pastures in response to fertilizers supplying calcium

1974 ◽  
Vol 14 (71) ◽  
pp. 749 ◽  
Author(s):  
PG Ozanne ◽  
KMW Howes
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Calcium Concentration ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Subterranean Clover ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Unit Weight ◽  
Gypsum Plaster ◽  
Total Seed ◽  
Seed Yields

The effects of four common fertilizers containing calcium on seed production in subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum) were measured at six locations over five years in a total of fifteen field experiments. Calcium as a sulphate, carbonate or phosphate salt was applied to subterranean clover pastures either at the start of the growing season (autumn) or at flowering (spring). Gypsum, plaster of Paris, or lime gave large increases in seed yield per unit area and also per unit weight of tops. Spring applications of superphosphate increased seed yields in only two out of four experiments. Gypsum applied in spring at 200-500 kg ha-1 was as effective as 2,000 kg ha-1 of lime applied in autumn. Applications of lime in spring were much less effective. Increased seed yields were due to increases in burr yield, seed number per burr, and mean weight per seed. They were usually accompanied by increases in calcium concentration in the seed. Responses in seed production to calcium applications were obtained in all three sub-species of Trifolium subterraneum. In two experiments, newly sown on a soil type on which subterranean clover regeneration and persistence is commonly very poor, applied calcium doubled or quadrupled seed set. In 13 experiments using soils on which subterranean clover had persisted as the major component of the pasture for several years, calcium in the year of application increased the total seed bank by 6 to 31 per cent, and the current seed set by a greater amount.

Seed and seedling studies of three Trifolium subterraneum var. brachycalycinum lines, in a predominantly summer rainfall environment

1995 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1101
Author(s):  
GM Lodge
Keyword(s):  
Seed Production ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Seedling Emergence ◽  
Trifolium Subterraneum ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Sowing Time ◽  
Buried Seeds ◽  
Initial Seed ◽  
Total Seed

Field experiments were conducted in a predominantly summer rainfall environment to investigate burr burial, seed production, seed characteristics, seedling emergence and survival, and the effects of time of sowing on 3 Trifolium subterraneum var. brachycalycinum lines (cv. Clare and 2 local lines). Each line produced more surface than buried burrs; surface burrs were 59% (range 56-62%) of the total number of burrs recovered and produced 59% of the total seed number. Numbers of seeds per burr were similar for surface and buried burrs, however, buried seeds were 0.97 mg heavier (P<0.05) than surface seeds. Storage for 5 months at 25/60�C decreased hardseed content of surface seed by 50% and buried seed by 70%. Surface and buried seeds stored at 25/25�C for 3 months prior to sowing in trays had a total emergence of <10%, compared with 70% emergence for seeds stored at 25/60�C before sowing. These emergence differences reflected their levels of hardseededness. Numbers of seeds recovered from the soil were not significantly different among lines, declining from about 4200 seeds/m2 after initial seed set to 150 seeds/m2 by the following winter, a 97% decrease. Seed production in the second year increased seed reserves to about 8730 seeds/m2. With no further seed production, levels had declined by 93% in June 1990 and by 99% in May 1991. These data confirm the importance of annual seed production for persistence. Total seedling emergence in summer-autumn accounted for only 10% of the estimated seed production in each year. Seedling survival in summer-autumn 1988-89 was 92.7%, more than double the survival in 1989-90. The effect of sowing time on flowering was always significant, with time to first flower being highest (196 days) for the earliest sowing in March (P<0.05), progressively decreasing (P<0.05) to 108 days for the latest sowing in July. In March, April and May sowings, inflorescence numbers on the first day of flowering were similar at about 120/m2, but increased markedly (P<0.05) for sowing in June or July. However, for the March and July sowings, number of inflorescences at the 9 November 1990 count, were lowest (P<0.05). May or June sowings had the highest number of burrs and seeds (P<0.05), indicating that these may be the best sowing times for maximum seed production in these Trifolium subterraneum var. brachycalycinum lines.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document