Influence of Woody Species on Aboveground Biomass Production and Quality of Two Perennial Grasses in Semi-arid Rangelands of Central Argentina

2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-98
Author(s):  
Blazquez Francisco Rubén ◽  
Daniel Valerio Peláez ◽  
Romina Jessica Andrioli ◽  
Omar Raúl Elia
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Woody Species ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Central Argentina ◽  
Arid Rangelands ◽  
Semi Arid

scholarly journals Influence of woody species on aerial growth of perennial grasses in semi-arid rangelands of central Argentina

Phyton ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 397-405
Author(s):  
Blazquez FR ◽  
DV Pel醗z ◽  
RJ ◽  
rioli ◽  
OR Elia
Keyword(s):  
Woody Species ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Central Argentina ◽  
Aerial Growth ◽  
Arid Rangelands ◽  
Semi Arid

Response of grass species to different fire frequencies in semi-arid rangelands of central Argentina

2013 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel V. Peláez ◽  
Romina J. Andrioli ◽  
Omar R. Elia ◽  
Eliana E. Bontti ◽  
María A. Tomas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Basal Area ◽  
Bare Soil ◽  
Fire Frequency ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Central Argentina ◽  
Controlled Burns ◽  
Arid Rangelands ◽  
Semi Arid

The study was undertaken to quantify the effect of different controlled fire frequencies on foliar cover, density, individual basal area, and mortality of the most common perennial grass species in the semi-arid rangelands of the southern Caldenal in central Argentina over a 20-year period. Cover of bare soil was also assessed. The study comprised three fire treatments: (i) high fire frequency (controlled burns every 3–5 years; HFF); (ii) low fire frequency (controlled burns every 8 years; LFF); and (iii) unburned control (C). Fire treatments, regardless of frequency, induced an increase in foliar cover and density in desirable grasses, no changes in intermediate grasses, and a decrease in undesirable grasses. Individual basal area tended to be higher for desirable grasses and lower for intermediate and undesirable grasses when subject to fire. Most of the species under study exhibited higher mortality rates in the HFF treatment than in the LFF and C treatments. The results of the study suggest that recurrent controlled burns of moderate intensity may favour the herbage production of desirable perennial grasses. This, in turn, assuming appropriate grazing management, may have a beneficial impact on livestock production. Nevertheless, given the effects of fire on the cover of bare soil and mortality of grasses, further research is needed in order to determine the appropriate fire frequency in terms of rangeland sustainability.

scholarly journals Effects of the Management of Extensive Beef Grazing Systems on the Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Semi-arid Rangelands of Central Argentina

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
María I. Nieto ◽  
Olivia Barrantes ◽  
Liliana Privitello ◽  
Ramón Reiné
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Farm Management ◽  
Forage Crops ◽  
Central Argentina ◽  
Livestock Sector ◽  
Arid Rangelands ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Semi Arid

The livestock sector can be a major contributor to the mitigation of greenhouse (GHG) emissions. Within the sector, beef production produces the largest proportion of the livestock sector’s direct emissions. The objective of this study was to assess the on-farm GHG emissions in semi-arid rangelands in Argentina and to identify the relationships between emissions and current farm management practices. A survey recorded detailed information on farm management and characteristics. Assessments of GHG emissions were based on the IPCC Tier 2 protocols [1]. The relationships between farm management and GHG emissions were identified using General Linear Models. Cluster analysis was used to identify groups of farms that differed from others in emissions and farm characteristics. Emissions per product sold were low on farms that had improved livestock care management, rotational grazing, received technical advice, and had high animal and land productivities. Emissions per hectare of farmland were low on farms that had low stocking rates, low number of grazing paddocks, little or no land dedicated to improved pastures and forage crops, and low land productivity. Our results suggest that the implementation of realistic, relatively easy-to-adopt farming management practices has considerable potential for mitigating GHG emissions in semi-arid rangelands of central Argentina.

Summer warming effects on biomass production and clonal growth of Leymus chinensis

2010 ◽  
Vol 61 (8) ◽  
pp. 670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jun-Feng Wang ◽  
Song Gao ◽  
Ji-Xiang Lin ◽  
Yong-Guang Mu ◽  
Chun-Sheng Mu
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
Clonal Growth ◽  
Belowground Biomass ◽  
Growth Strategy ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Leymus Chinensis ◽  
Shoot Number ◽  
Summer Warming ◽  
Rhizome Buds

Understanding how the biomass production and clone growth of perennial grasses respond to summer warming is crucial for understanding how grassland productivity responds to global warming. Here, we experimentally investigated the effects of summer warming on the biomass production and clonal growth of potted Leymus chinensis in a phytotron. Summer warming significantly decreased the biomass of both parent and daughter shoots, slightly increased the belowground biomass, and lead to a significant increase in root : shoot ratio. Warming significantly increased the total belowground bud number and decreased the daughter shoot number. Importantly, the proportions of each type of bud changed; vertical apical rhizome buds decreased, while horizontal rhizome buds increased in number. The change in proportions of each type of bud is closely related to the decrease in daughter shoot number, rhizome number and length, as well as the decrease in aboveground biomass and increase in belowground biomass. These results indicate that, as a rhizomatous, perennial grass, L. chinensis adopts a selective growth strategy that reduces the energy allocated to aboveground growth and emphasises the development of belowground organs. The implication is that continued summer warming, will further reduce the aboveground biomass production of temperate grasslands dominated by rhizomatous, perennial grasses. Inevitably, species that depend on these grasses for forage will suffer should global climate warming continue.

Managing competitive interactions to promote regeneration of native perennial grasses in semi-arid south-eastern Australia

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Ronald B. Hacker ◽  
Ian D. Toole ◽  
Gavin J. Melville ◽  
Yohannes Alemseged ◽  
Warren J. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
Soil Nitrogen ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Soil Nitrate ◽  
Nitrogen Reduction ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Native Perennial Grass

Treatments to reduce available soil nitrogen and achieve specified levels of weed control were evaluated for their capacity to promote regeneration of native perennial grasses in a degraded semi-arid woodland in central-western New South Wales. Treatments were factorial combinations of nitrogen-reduction levels and weed-control levels. The four levels of nitrogen reduction were no intervention, and oversowing of an unfertilised summer crop, an unfertilised winter crop or an unfertilised perennial grass. The three weed-control levels were defined by the outcome sought rather than the chemical applied and were nil, control of annual legumes and control of all annual species (AA). Regeneration of perennial grasses, predominantly Enteropogon acicularis, was promoted most rapidly by the AA level of weed control with no introduction of sown species. Sown species negated the benefits of weed control and limited but did not prevent the regeneration of native perennials. Sown species also contributed substantially to biomass production, which was otherwise severely limited under the AA level of weed control, and they were effective in reducing soil nitrogen availability. Sown species in combination with appropriate herbicide use can therefore maintain or increase available forage in the short–medium term, permit a low rate of native perennial grass recruitment, and condition the system (by reducing soil mineral nitrogen) for more rapid regeneration of native perennials should annual sowings be discontinued or a sown grass fail to persist. Soil nitrate was reduced roughly in proportion to biomass production. High levels of soil nitrate did not inhibit native perennial grass regeneration when biomass was suppressed by AA weed control, and may be beneficial for pastoral production, but could also render sites more susceptible to future invasion of exotic annuals. The need for astute grazing management of the restored grassland is thus emphasised. This study was conducted on a site that supported a remnant population of perennial grasses. Use of the nitrogen-reduction techniques described may not be appropriate on sites where very few perennial grass plants remain.

Aboveground biomass production of a semi-arid southern African savanna: towards a new model

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony R Palmer ◽  
Igshaan Samuels ◽  
Clement Cupido ◽  
Andiswa Finca ◽  
W Fransiska Kangombe ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Production ◽  
Aboveground Biomass ◽  
African Savanna ◽  
New Model ◽  
Semi Arid

The Effects of Burning and Simulated Grazing on Productivity, Forage Quality, Mortality and Flowering of Eight Subalpine Herbs in Kosciusko National Park.

1991 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 97 ◽  
Author(s):  
JH Leigh ◽  
DH Wood ◽  
AV Slee ◽  
MD Holgate
Keyword(s):  
Protein Content ◽  
Biomass Production ◽  
National Park ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Plant Mortality ◽  
Management Implications ◽  
Simulated Grazing ◽  
Domestic Stock

The effects of simulated grazing and burning on biomass production, forage quality (CP and DM digestibility), plant mortality and flowering of 4 native perennial grasses (Poa phillipsiana, P. sieberana, Danthonia pilosa and Festuca asperula) and four perennial forbs (Aciphylla simplicifolia, Arthropodium milleflorum, Bulbine bulbosa and Hypochoeris radicata) growing in Kosciusko National Park were studied over a 16-month period. Cutting at 8-week intervals reduced the amount of regrowth at successive harvests as well as the survival of individuals. The season in which a single cut was made generally had a greater effect on the amount of regrowth than length of the regrowth period. Burning promoted flowering and improved the forage quality of the grasses. Rabbits bred only when they were able to obtain forage with a minimum protein content of 14%, provided mainly by the forb species. The management implications resulting from the interaction of fire and grazing, particularly by rabbits and domestic stock, for ecosystem quality are discussed.

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