Fire and grazing influence food resources of an endangered rock-wallaby

2012 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine D. Tuft ◽  
Mathew S. Crowther ◽  
Clare McArthur

Context Fire and grazing have complex and interacting impacts on food resources available to endangered herbivores and can potentially be manipulated as part of conservation strategies. Aims We examined the interacting impacts of fire and grazing on the food resources available to a colony of endangered brush-tailed rock-wallabies (Petrogale penicillata) to test fire as a potential management tool. Methods We conducted two manipulative experiments using a repeated-measures split-block design. We measured the effects of grazing and strategic burning on total vegetation biomass and on particular plants selected by rock-wallabies. In the first experiment we measured the impact of rock-wallaby grazing alone. In the second experiment we measured grazing impacts by both rock-wallabies and potentially competitive sympatric macropods. Grazing was manipulated with three treatments: grazed (open), ungrazed (fenced) and procedural control (half fence). Key results In both experiments, burning resulted in greater above-ground biomass of plants selected by rock-wallabies. The response of different plant functional groups to fire was staggered, with forb biomass peaking early and browse biomass increasing above unburnt levels a year after burning. Conclusions Despite the limited grazing pressure exerted by the small colony of rock-wallabies in Experiment 1 we detected a negative grazing effect on forbs growing after fire in burnt plots. In Experiment 2, grazing pressure was much more marked due to the high densities of sympatric macropods. In this case, while burning resulted in greater biomass of plants selected by rock-wallabies, grazing (predominantly by sympatric macropods) negated this effect. Implications Small patchwork burning can be a useful tool to improve food resources for brush-tailed rock-wallabies, with effects sustained over more than two years. However, when rock-wallabies are sympatric with possible competitor species, the grazing impacts of sympatric macropods may cancel out any benefits to rock-wallabies.

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 15-16
Author(s):  
Britta Thinguldstad ◽  
Jennifer J Tucker ◽  
Lisa Baxter ◽  
Jacob R Segers

Abstract Potassium fertilization and harvest timing can both impact stand life of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). In the Southeast, high temperatures and humidity often influence harvest timing and fertilization. Current nutrient management and harvest recommendations are generated from research conducted in northern climates with different varieties. The objective of this trial is to determine the impact of potassium fertilization and harvest regime on stand persistence, forage yield, and quality of ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa in the Southeast. This study was conducted at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, GA, on a two-year-old stand of ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa planted fall 2015. Plots were randomly assigned using a split block design. Main plots were harvest treatment: bud, and 10, 30, and 50% bloom stage. Plots were subdivided to examine K fertilization at rates: 0, 67, 101, 134, and 168 kg/ha, split 3 times throughout the season. Plots were visually assessed each harvest to determine ground cover and percent bloom. Fifty shoots were collected to evaluate leaf:stem and mass:shoot ratio, and yield was determined through harvest using a Swift forage harvester. Grab samples were collected for nutritional analysis using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Data was analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX of SAS with repeated measures analysis option at a = 0.05. Leaf:stem ratio was not significant for all main effects (P > 0.46). Harvest treatment had an effect on yield, with 10% bloom greater than bud stage (1,321 kg/ha and 1,104 kg/ha, respectively; P = 0.04). Crude protein levels were the greatest in bud stage and lowest with 50% bloom (22.8% and 21.2%; P < 0.01). Total digestible nutrients were greater in bud and 10% bloom compared to 30% and 50% (65% and 63%, respectively; P < 0.01). Potassium application and harvest regime can impact alfalfa growth. Funding for this project was provided by USDA-NIFA-AFRP grant #2016-70005-25653.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Britta Thinguldstad ◽  
Jennifer J Tucker ◽  
Lisa Baxter ◽  
Jacob R Segers

Abstract Potassium fertilization and harvest timing can both impact stand life of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). In the Southeast, high temperatures and humidity often influence harvest timing and fertilization. Current nutrient management and harvest recommendations are generated from research conducted in northern climates with different varieties. The objective of this trial is to determine the impact of potassium fertilization and harvest regime on stand persistence, forage yield, and quality of ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa in the Southeast. This study was conducted at the Coastal Plain Experiment Station in Tifton, GA, on a two-year-old stand of ‘Bulldog 805’ alfalfa planted fall 2015. Plots were randomly assigned using a split block design. Main plots were harvest treatment: bud, and 10, 30 and 50% bloom stage. Plots were subdivided to examine K fertilization at rates: 0, 67, 101, 134 and 168 kg/ha, split 3 times throughout the season. Plots were visually assessed each harvest to determine ground cover and percent bloom. Fifty shoots were collected to evaluate leaf:stem and mass:shoot ratio, and yield was determined through harvest using a Swift forage harvester. Grab samples were collected for nutritional analysis using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Data was analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX of SAS with repeated measures analysis option at a= 0.05. Leaf:stem ratio was not significant for all main effects (P > 0.46). Harvest treatment had an effect on yield, with 10% bloom greater than bud stage (1,321 kg/ha and 1,104 kg/ha, respectively; P = 0.04). Crude protein levels were the greatest in bud stage and lowest with 50% bloom (22.8% and 21.2%; P < 0.01). Total digestible nutrients were greater in bud and 10% bloom compared to 30% and 50% (65% and 63%, respectively; P < 0.01). Potassium application and harvest regime can impact alfalfa growth. Funding for this project was provided by USDA-NIFA-AFRP grant #2016-70005-25653.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Tozer ◽  
Steve Howarth ◽  
Jon Sherlock ◽  
Ian Tarbotton

Deferred grazing is a common management practice in which pastures are rested from grazing between mid-spring and the end of summer/early autumn. It has been used to rejuvenate pastures and better manage the spring pasture surplus although its impact on farm profitability is unknown. FARMAX was used to explore the impact of deferred grazing on profitability on a north-western Waikato beef and sheep hill country farm based on experimental data and likely management responses. The Base Scenario modelled farm profitability assuming spring surplus in a typical year. When 15% of the farm was deferred and it was assumed that the increased grazing pressure on the rest of the farm led to greater control of the spring feed surplus and improved pasture quality, there was an increase in ewe performance and the number lambs sold at target weight. Per head and total farm gross margins increased by 8%. Results demonstrate how the use of deferred grazing as a pasture management tool to increase resilience can also enhance livestock performance and profitability at the whole-farm level.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 427-427
Author(s):  
S Richard Goodall ◽  
Arquimides Reyes ◽  
Octavio Guimaraes ◽  
Keith Belk ◽  
Terry E Engle

Abstract Rumen fluid from fistulated steers receiving a high concentrate diet was utilized to examine the impact of polyphenols and saponin with or without a direct fed microbial (DFM) on in vitro fermentation characteristics. Treatments consisted of: Control (no polyphenols, saponin or DFM); 2) Polyphenols (Mixed Tannins = 15 g/hd/d); 3) Saponin (Y. schidigera = 2 g/hd/d); 4) Polyphenols + DFM (DFM = 1E+7 Lactobacillus animalis + 1E+8 Propionibacteria acidilactici cfu/hd/d); and 5) Saponin + DFM. Rumen fluid was collected and combined in equal amounts from 3 rumen fistulated steers and mixed at a 1:1 ratio of artificial saliva to rumen fluid. Fermentation substrate consisted of 0.5 g of the high concentrate diet. Fermentation bottles were capped with an air-tight rubber stopper and incubated in a water bath for 12 and 18h (7 replicates/treatment/time point). After incubation, the total volume of gas produced was measured and a subsample analyzed for N, CH4 and CO2 concentrations. After gas sampling, pH, VFA concentrations, and DMD were determined. In vitro fermentation parameters were analyzed using a mixed effects model repeated measures analysis for a completely randomized block design. Acetic acid was decreased while valeric acid was increased (P &lt; 0.05) by the Saponin + DFM treatment vs. Control. At 12h DMD was greater in Saponin, Saponin + DFM and Polyphenols + DFM (P &lt; 0.001) treatments compared to Control or Polyphenols alone. Polyphenols produced greater amounts of CH4 /DMD than all other treatments (P &lt; 0.01). Microbial protein production and efficiency were greater (P &lt; 0.001), Saponin + DFM compared to other treatments. Other fermentation parameters measured were not impacted by treatments. Under the conditions of this experiment these data suggest combining DFM with Saponin or Polyphenols produces different ruminal effects from when they are fed alone.


1998 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. D. Willms ◽  
L. M. Rode ◽  
B. S. Freeze

Rough fescue grasslands are readily damaged with heavy grazing pressure in the summer but tolerate grazing in winter. In addition, these grasslands have physical and nutritive properties that make them favourable for winter grazing by cattle, which reduces the cost of winter feeding while preserving the integrity of the grasslands. This study was conducted on the rough fescue grassland to determine the impact of protein supplementation on pregnant Hereford cows and the effect of supplementation on forage intake. A secondary objective was to determine the winter quality of forage from this grassland as measured by crude protein (CP), phosphorus (P), and acid detergent fibre (ADF) of selected species. The study site was in the rough fescue grasslands at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Range Research Substation west of Stavely, AB. A canola based supplement (32% CP) with added minerals was fed to pregnant Hereford cows at four levels [0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 kg d−1 per animal] from 1 November to 31 January over 3 yr. Two animals were used in each of 12 paddocks (1.67 ha each) arranged in a randomized complete block design with three blocks. Cow weight and backfat were recorded before and after each feeding period. Forage biomass and feed intake were estimated by harvesting plots before and after grazing, and with the use of a non-destructive method based on measurements of individual plants that allowed estimates for each forage species. Cow weights were affected (P = 0.002) by supplementation. Cows receiving 0.4 kg d−1 supplement lost the most weight while cows receiving 0.8 or 1.2 kg d−1 lost the least. Backfat was not responsive to supplementation (P > 0.05). Rough fescue grasslands must be in good condition to be able to support winter grazing because rough fescue provides most of the forage utilized by cattle in winter. Key words: Winter grazing, Festuca campestris, rough fescue, weight loss, backfat, digestibility, beef cattle


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Roberth Frias ◽  
Maria Medina

This research focused on the strategic management tool Balanced Scorecard and strategic planning, as a guide to guide the management of companies, allowing communication and the functionality of the strategy using KPIs that allow to identify, maintain control and increase efficiency and the achievement of optimal results. For the deductive hypothetical analysis, the specific factors that affect business management performance were grouped into two variables: Balanced Scorecard and Strategic Planning. The objective of the work was to demonstrate the impact of the Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of a construction company. In order to support the research, the following theories were approached: the Financial Theory, the Economic Theory of the Company, the Transaction Costs, the Network Theory, the Organization Theory, the Dependence on Resources, the Strategic Management Theory and the Business Diagnosis Theory. The result obtained confirms the hypothesis that there is a significant incidence of the Balanced Scorecard in the strategic planning of construction companies. In conclusion, the construction company has obtained significant improvements in the results in each of the indicators evaluated with the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard, demonstrating improvements in their management results, affirming that there is better performance and management control allowing them to achieve the organizational objectives set.


2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 1001-1014
Author(s):  
Sulaiman & Sadiq

The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse during 2017 and 2018 growing seasons to evaluate the impact of the shading and various nutrition programs on mitigating heat stress, reducing the use of chemical minerals, improving the reproductive growth and yield of tomato plant. Split-plot within Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted in this study. Shading factor was allocated in the main plots and the nutrition programs distributed randomly in the subplots. Results indicate that shading resulted in the decrease of daytime temperature by 5.7˚C as an average for both seasons; thus a significant increasing was found in leaf contents of macro nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium), and micro nutrients (Iron, Zinc and Boron), except the Iron content in 2018 growing season. Furthermore, shading improved significantly the reproductive growth and tomato yield. Among the plant nutrition programs, the integrated nutrient management (INM) including the application of organic substances, bio inoculum of AMF and 50% of the recommended dose of chemical fertilizers; lead to the enhancement of nutrients content, reproductive characteristics and plant yield. Generally, combination of both shading and INM showed positive effects on plants nutrient status and persisting balance on tomato flowering growth and fruits yield.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (04) ◽  
Author(s):  
A B Priyanshu ◽  
M K Singh ◽  
Mukesh Kumar ◽  
Vipin Kumar ◽  
Sunil Malik ◽  
...  

An experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Centre, SVP University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut (UP) during Rabi season of 2018-19 to assess the impact of different INM doses on yield and quality parameters of garlic. A total of ten treatments consisting of combinations of inorganic fertilizers, organic fertilizers and bio-fertilizers like T1- (Control), T2RDF (100:50:50 kg NPK ha-1), T3-RDF + 20 kg sulphur + FYM 20 ton ha-1, T4- RDF + 20 kg sulphur + VC 4 ton ha-1, T5- 75% RDF + 40 kg sulphur + 5 ton FYM ha-1+ PSB 5 kg ha-1, T6-75% RDF + 40 kg sulphur + 2 ton VC + Azotobacter 5 kg ha-1, T7- 75% RDF + 40 kg sulphur + FYM 3 ton + VC 1 ton+ PSB 5 kg + Azotobacter 5kg ha-1, T8- 50% RDF + 40 kg sulphur + FYM 5 ton + VC2 ton + PSB 5 kg ha-1, T9- 50% RDF + 40 kg sulphur + FYM5 ton + VC 2 ton+ Azotobacter 5 kg ha-1and T10- 50% RDF + 40 kg sulphur + FYM 5 ton + VC2 ton + PSB 5 kg + Azotobacter 5 kg ha-1 were used in Randomized Block Design and replicated thrice. Out of these an application of T7 (75% RDF + 40 kg sulphur + FYM3 ton + VC 1 ton ha-1 + PSB 5 kg + Azotobacter 5 kg ha-1) was found to be significantly superior in term of yield and attributing parameters of garlic.


Author(s):  
Mizuho Takayanagi ◽  
Yoko Kawasaki ◽  
Mieko Shinomiya ◽  
Hoshino Hiroshi ◽  
Satoshi Okada ◽  
...  

AbstractThis study was a systematic review of research using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to examine cognitive characteristics of children with ASD beyond the impact of revisions based on WISC and diagnostic criteria changes. The classic “islets of ability” was found in individuals with full-scale IQs < 100. The “right-descending profiles” were observed among high IQ score individuals. High levels on the Block Design and low Coding levels were consistently found regardless of the variation in intellectual functioning or diagnosis. This review identified patterns of cognitive characteristics in ASD individuals using empirical data that researchers may have previously been aware of, based on their experiences, owing to the increased prevalence of ASD.


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