Field evaluation of seven grasses for use in the revegetation of lands disturbed by coal mining in Central Queensland

1999 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 307 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Harwood ◽  
J. B. Hacker ◽  
J. J. Mott
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Seedling Survival ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Field Evaluation ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Pasture Grasses ◽  
Average Rainfall ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Cover Up

Pasture-based systems, dominated by the tussock forming Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Biloela (buffel grass) and the stoloniferous Chloris gayana cv. Pioneer (rhodes grass), are commonly used in the revegetation of lands disturbed by coal mining in the Bowen Basin of Central Queensland. Although able to establish quickly under favourable conditions, neither species has proven entirely suitable for use in this situation, particularly in providing effective ground cover for erosion control on the re-contoured post-mining landscape. The aim of this study was to evaluate a range of new pasture grasses, with the objective of identifying accessions better adapted to the edaphic and climatic conditions of the areas requiring revegetation. Seven grasses were evaluated, on both bare spoil and replaced topsoil, at the Saraji mine, about 25 km north of Dysart. Differences in establishment between grasses were limited, although establishment was up to 5 times greater in the replaced topsoil plots. Urochloa mosambicensis CPI 60128 exhibited better seedling survival (up to 8 times greater) and produced a more extensive ground cover (up to 3 times greater) than the stoloniferous control Chloris gayana cv. Pioneer under conditions of below average rainfall (rainfall was below average in 70% of the months). This work resulted in the commercial release of U. mosambicensis CPI 60128 as cv. Saraji.

Nitrogen fertilizer responses of pasture grasses in south-eastern Queensland

1963 ◽  
Vol 3 (11) ◽  
pp. 290 ◽  
Author(s):  
EF Henzell
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Sulphate ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Maximum Growth ◽  
Nitrogen Fertilizers ◽  
Nitrogen Recovery ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Pasture Grasses ◽  
Chloris Gayana

The results are reported of field experiments with nitrogen-fertilized pasture grasses at Samford and D'Aguilar in south-eastern Queensland. The main findings were :- 1. Nitrogen applied as urea or ammonium sulphate increased the annual yield of dry matter under mowing from 1,000- 5,000 lb up to 10,000-20,000 lb an acre, and rates of fertilizer in excess of 400 lb of elemental nitrogen an acre a year were required ,for maximum grass yields during favourable seasons. 2. Ammonium sulphate, applied at rates up to 400 lb N/acre/year, had relatively little effect on the percentage of nitrogen in Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.), Paspalum dilatatum Poir., and P. commersonii Lam., cut three times a year. Rates of urea above those required for maximum growth markedly increased the percentage nitrogen content of a Sorghum almum Parodi-blue couch (Digitaria didactyla Willd.) mixture. 3. In an experiment with Rhodes grass, P. dilatatum and P. commersonii, nitrogen recovery rose with increasing rates of ammonium sulphate. At 70 lb N/acre/year the average nitrogen recovery by Rhodes grass was 10 per cent; at 400 lb N/acre/year it was 47 per cent. 4. The residual effects of ammonium sulphate, measured on Rhodes grass during the growing season following two years of fertilization, were very small indeed. 5. Use of nitrogen fertilizers sometimes caused marked changes in the botanical composition of the sward.

Production and persistence of subtropical grasses in environments with Mediterranean climates

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 798 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. A. Moore ◽  
T. O. Albertsen ◽  
P. Ramankutty ◽  
P. G. H. Nichols ◽  
J. W. Titterington ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
South Coast ◽  
The South ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Agricultural Region ◽  
Feed Quality ◽  
South West ◽  
Increase Productivity ◽  
Chloris Gayana

The agricultural region of south-west Western Australia (WA) has a Mediterranean climate, characterised by a winter-dominant rainfall pattern. Perennial subtropical grasses are increasingly being grown to increase productivity and reduce erosion on infertile sandy soils in the northern agricultural region (NAR) of WA, an area with mild winters and dry, hot summers. However, little information exists on the persistence of different species or their expected seasonal production and feed quality. On the south coast of WA, an area with dry, warm summers and a maritime influence, kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum) has been widely sown, but there is little information on the potential of other subtropical grasses. To address these issues, five trials were established across the agricultural area of south-west WA to measure the seasonal production, feed quality and persistence of the main, commercially available subtropical grasses over 3–4 years. This study demonstrates that subtropical grasses have a long-term role in the NAR in areas with mild winters and/or where the rainfall is >400 mm. The best performing subtropical grasses across a range of sites were panic grass (Megathyrsus maximus) and Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). These species can be expected to have a water-use efficiency of ~10 kg ha–1 mm–1 over a 12-month period, provided there is a good perennial grass density. On the south coast, panic grass, Rhodes grass and setaria (Setaria sphacelata) persisted well and produced significantly more biomass than kikuyu. These grasses could complement kikuyu by increasing out-of-season production. At Kojonup, a more inland site, most of the subtropical grasses died over winter from a combination of occasional frosts and cold, wet soils. However, kikuyu re-grew from rhizomes in spring and maintained >90% ground cover 4 years after sowing. The results from these experiments are likely to be applicable to other regions across the globe with Mediterranean climates and similar soil types.

Fodder conservation in Northern Rhodesia

1963 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Special Reference ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Napier Grass ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Flowering Stage ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Stages Of Growth ◽  
Chloris Gayana

1. The problems involved in conservation of fodder in Northern Rhodesia are discussed in relation to climate and present day practices. Special reference is made to the conservation of grassland herbage.Climatic conditions do not appear suitable for haymaking.2. A number of silage samples were collected from dairy farms in the territory and from Mount Makulu Research Station. Chemical analyses of these samples are given and their nutritional value is discussed with special reference to their crude protein contents. The majority of the silages were found to have low crude protein.3. A type of miniature tower silo designed for experimental work is described.4. Three crops commonly used for ensilage, i.e. maize, maize with legume and Napier grass, were compared with giant Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.) when ensiled in these miniature silos. The type of fermentation and loss of nutrients was studied. Rhodes grass ensiled at the early flowering stage was found to compare favourably with the other three. Napier grass (Pennisetum purpurem) cut when over 6 ft. high did not ensile well and had a low crude-protein content.5. Giant Rhodes grass was ensiled in miniature experimental silos at two different stages of growth. Cutting the grass at a height of 20 in., three times during the season, resulted in a higher yield of dry matter and crude protein per acre than cutting once at a height of 40 in. even when the resultant aftermath growth was included.

Evoluzione della copertura vegetale in aree alpestri del Canton Ticino nel periodo 1971–2001 | Evolution of Vegetation Cover in the Alpine Regions of Canton Tessin: 1971–2001

2004 ◽  
Vol 155 (7) ◽  
pp. 284-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Stanga ◽  
Niklaus Zbinden
Keyword(s):  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Human Pressure ◽  
Aerial Photos ◽  
Alpine Regions ◽  
Subsequent Decrease ◽  
Site Fertility ◽  
Strong Expansion ◽  
Evolution Of Vegetation

The retrospective study based on aerial photos (1971–2001) of the Canton Tessin made it possible to measure and analyze the evolution of the vegetation of eleven Alpine zones. The analysis shows a strong expansion of the arborescent vegetation and, at the same time, a decrease in other forms of ground cover (bush, shrub, meadow and unproductive spaces). Analysis of the data gives rise to the conjecture that the strong evolutionary dynamism evidenced by the areas under investigation is a result of the vast clearings carried out in past centuries to create pastures. Following the subsequent decrease in human pressure, nature today is attempting to rebalance the level of the biomass. These processes manifest themselves in different ways and with various intensity, depending on the interaction of numerous factors (e.g. climatic conditions, site fertility, initial conditions, evolution of anthropological pressure, etc.).

Localization and Chemical Speciation of Pb in Roots of Signal Grass (Brachiaria decumbens) and Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana)

2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (12) ◽  
pp. 4595-4599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter M. Kopittke ◽  
Colin J. Asher ◽  
F. Pax C. Blamey ◽  
Graeme J. Auchterlonie ◽  
Yanan N. Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Speciation ◽  
Brachiaria Decumbens ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Signal Grass

scholarly journals Degradability and flow rate studies in sheep fed a basal diet of Katambora Rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana), supplemented with Silverleaf desmodium (Desmodium uncinatum)

1995 ◽  
Vol 44 (Suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. 81-81
Author(s):  
KR Gono ◽  
JH Topps ◽  
NT Ngongoni ◽  
R. Chihora
Keyword(s):  
Flow Rate ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Grass Hay ◽  
Chloris Gayana

scholarly journals Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & Dewey - a review, and evaluation of intermediate and pubescent wheatgrass for dryland agriculture in New Zealand

1998 ◽  
pp. 233-241
Author(s):  
B.J. Wills ◽  
G.B. Douglas ◽  
J. Mckenzie ◽  
K.D. Trainor ◽  
A.G. Foote
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Thinopyrum Intermedium ◽  
Dryland Agriculture ◽  
Alternative Species ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Local Use

Intermediate and pubescent wheatgrasses (Thinopyrum intermedium) are potentially useful as dryland forage grasses in New Zealand. The recent literature on their international and local use in pasture and cropping situations is reviewed. Under semi-arid conditions at Bendigo Station over a 13-year period, cv. Luna wheatgrass has spread several metres from the original drill lines and it provides very high ground cover. In terms of dryland soil resource conservation this contrasts with adjacent cocksfoot and, to a lesser extent, lucerne plots which have wide-spaced plants interspersed with litter and much bare ground. In a mixed drilling containing wheatgrass, hairy dorycnium, birdsfoot trefoil and sheep's burnet, the first two species now dominate. At Takapau, central Hawke's Bay, annual yields from intermediate and pubescent wheatgrasses produced over 80% of the yield of 10 New Zealand cultivars in spring, summer and autumn, and 65% in the winter. Of the wheatgrasses, cv. Topar intermediate wheatgrass and a pubescent wheatgrass (unnamed line) were the lowest yielding, whereas cv. Oahe and cv. Mandan produced the highest yields. Cv. Greenleaf pubescent wheatgrass had higher foliar nitrogen content than all other species, but in vitro organic matter digestibility was less than 700 g OM/kg DM. Although the wheatgrasses had satisfactory herbage yield and nutritional value, better alternative species are available for pastoral farming in central Hawke's Bay. On Belfield in the Hakataramea Valley, cv. Rush has been the most vigorous wheatgrass for establishment and it seems to handle cold winds and frost well. Hay made from a wheatgrass/ lucerne mix is considered better than that from the individual species as this can increase production by 40-50%, depending on soil and climatic conditions. Usually only one cut per year is taken from the mixed pasture. Crop maintenance includes the application of 200 kg/ha of sulphur super extra every 3-4 years and the pH is maintained at about 5.9-6.4 by liming. A significant advantage is that no stock health, pest or plant disease problems have been noted as yet with any of the wheatgrass varieties available in New Zealand. Keywords: dryland agriculture, New Zealand, Thinopyrum, wheatgrass

Studies on potassium. IV. Interspecific differences in the uptake of non-exchangeable potassium

Soil Research ◽  
1974 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
IF Fergus ◽  
AE Martin
Keyword(s):  
Soil Solution ◽  
Clay Soil ◽  
Plant Roots ◽  
Exchangeable Potassium ◽  
Swelling Clay ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Interspecific Differences ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Macroptilium Atropurpureum ◽  
Plant Removal

Five soils were cropped with four plant species in pot experiments in the glasshouse, without addition of potassium, until growth virtually ceased, after which the depleted soils were replanted with either the same species, or a different one, to test the reproducibility of the 'exhaustion' conditions imposed. Uptake of potassium by the plants exceeded the changes in exchangeable potassium in four soils; the excess amounts taken up differed markedly between species and these differences were reproducible on replanting. Uptake by setaria (Setaria anceps) and siratro (Macroptilium atropurpureum) exceeded that by Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and lucerne (Medicago sativa), except for one swelling clay soil from which uptake by lucerne equalled that by siratro. Most of the differences between species were attributed to the uptake of initially non-exchangeable potassium, which was removed in significant amounts from three of the soils. For these three soils, uptake from non-exchangeable sources was detected only after about 80% of the exchangeable potassium had been removed. It is postulated that the efficiency of plant removal of non-exchangeable potassium from soil is directly related to the degree to which plant roots can lower the concentration of potassium in the soil solution.

Tropical grass/legume pastures in Northern Rhodesia

1962 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Cajanus Cajan ◽  
Residual Effects ◽  
Maize Crop ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
N Level ◽  
N Yield ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Tropical Grass ◽  
Leaf N

Three grass/legume pastures were evaluated under Northern Rhodesian conditions.A plot trial measured the herbage yields of Stylosanthes gracilis, velvet beans (Stizolobium deeringianum) and giant Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) grown as pure stands, and in a mixed association with Rhodes grass. The herbage was harvested for 3 years, and the plots were then planted with a maize crop to test any residual effects.After the establishment year, the D.M. yields, and especially the C.P. yields of the legume and grass/legume treatments, were markedly superior to grass alone. The increased yield of the grass/legume mixtures was due to the net gain contributed by legume herbage. There was no evidence of an underground transference of N from the legume to the associated grass.Although there was no measurable treatment effect on soil N and C, the maize following the legume and grass/legume treatments had a higher leaf N level, and approximately double the yield, compared with the maize following the grass-alone treatments.There were no significant differences in cattle weight gains when Rhodes grass alone, Rhodes grass/Stylosanthes, Rhodes grass/velvet beans, and Rhodes grass/pigeon peas (Cajanus cajan) were utilized as hay and foggage in the dry season.Digestibility trials showed mature Rhodes grass hay to be a submaintenance feed, deficient in dietary protein. The addition of Stylosanthes raised the herbage digestible C.P. fourfold. The Rhodes grass/Stylosanthes hay was a maintenance feed.The N yield of the grass/legume mixtures, although low by temperate standards, was 2½ times the N yield of grass alone. The potential value of a tropical grass/legume pasture will depend on the efficiency of the legume to fix N.

Exogenous Methyl Jasmonate Alters Trichome Density on Leaf Surfaces of Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana Kunth)

2010 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 506-511 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidekazu Kobayashi ◽  
Mikiko Yanaka ◽  
Tatsuya M. Ikeda
Keyword(s):  
Methyl Jasmonate ◽  
Trichome Density ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Leaf Surfaces ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
Chloris Gayana Kunth
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