The Effects of Increasing Grazing Height on Establishment of Pasture Weeds in Management-Intensive Rotationally Grazed Pastures

Weed Science ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 60 (1) ◽  
pp. 92-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark J. Renz ◽  
Marie L. Schmidt
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Canada Thistle ◽  
Active Radiation ◽  
The Third ◽  
Grazed Pastures ◽  
Simulated Grazing

Weeds can infest management-intensive grazed pastures and impact forage quantity, forage quality, and animal health. Common burdock, plumeless thistle, and Canada thistle are three common pasture weeds in the midwestern United States that are managed to avoid these impacts. Experiments were established at two sites to determine if increasing grazing heights from fall through summer would reduce emergence and survival of burdock, plumeless thistle, and Canada thistle seedlings. Five simulated grazing heights (5, 10, 15, and 20 cm and a not-clipped treatment) were implemented in October 2008 and repeated in May through August. Density of all species was reduced from May to September, with reductions ranging from 65 to 78%, regardless of treatment. Treatments that left at least 15 cm of residual grass had reduced densities of burdock and Canada thistle compared to the 10-cm treatment. Regression analysis demonstrated that reduction in burdock and summed planted weed density was related to increased intercepted photosynthetically active radiation from forage in April. However, total biomass yield was reduced up to 60% when grazing heights were increased from 5 to 20 cm, although differences were only observed at the fall and early spring grazing events. Relative forage quality (RFQ) was similar across treatments, except at the third grazing event for which the 15 and 20-cm treatments had reduced RFQ compared with other treatments. Results suggest that increasing grazing heights can reduce emergence and survival of burdock and Canada thistle but can also result in a reduction in forage quantity in the fall and early spring.

ASSESSMENT OF NAPIER GRASS ACCESSIONS IN LOWLAND AND HIGHLAND TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS IN EAST AFRICA: PRODUCTIVITY AND FORAGE QUALITY

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. W. MWENDIA ◽  
I. A. M. YUNUSA ◽  
B. M. SINDEL ◽  
R. D. B. WHALLEY ◽  
I. W. KARIUKI
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
The Other ◽  
Napier Grass ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Growth Cycles ◽  
Tropical Environments ◽  
Semi Arid

SUMMARYTen accessions of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.) were evaluated for their dry matter (DM) yield and forage quality in a semi-arid lowland (Katumani) and a relatively wet highland (Muguga) over seven growth cycles from 2011 to 2013 in tropical Kenya. Three biomass yield clusters were identified from the 10 accessions as high-yielding (HYC), medium-yielding (MYC) and low-yielding (LYC) clusters for both sites. Total biomass (shoot and root) yields (t ha−1) over the seven growth cycles were 25.3 for HYC, 22.2 for MYC and 19.6 for LYC at Katumani and 40.0, 41.4 and 29.1 at Muguga. Total biomass yield averaged over the study period was DM 22.4 t ha−1 at Katumani and 36.8 at Muguga. Rainfall productivity was higher at Katumani (28.8 kg ha−1 mm−1) than 20.8 kg ha−1 mm−1 at Muguga. Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was lower in LYC, which was more leafy than the other clusters and there was little difference in NDF between the two sites.

Genes and Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Biomass Yield and Forage Quality Traits in Perennial Wildrye

Crop Science ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven R. Larson ◽  
Kevin B. Jensen ◽  
Joseph G. Robins ◽  
Blair L. Waldron
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Trait Loci ◽  
Quantitative Trait ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Forage Quality ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Trait Loci

scholarly journals Performance of Ornamental Plants in Alternative Organic Growing Media Amended with Increasing Rates of Expanded Shale

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 594-602 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Sloan ◽  
Raul I. Cabrera ◽  
Peter A.Y. Ampim ◽  
Steve A. George ◽  
Wayne A. Mackay
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Plant Growth ◽  
Plant Tissue ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Organic Materials ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Light Weight ◽  
Growing Media ◽  
Micronutrient Uptake ◽  
Expanded Shale

Organic and inorganic amendments are often used to improve chemical and physical properties of soils. The objective of this study was to determine how the inclusion of light-weight expanded shale in various organic matter blends would affect plant performance. Four basic blends of organic growing media were prepared using traditional or alternative organic materials: 1) 75% pine bark (PB) + 25% sphagnum peatmoss (PM), 2) 50% PB + 50% wastewater biosolids (BS), 3) 100% municipal yard waste compost (compost), and 4) 65% PB + 35% cottonseed hulls (CH). Light-weight expanded shale was then blended with each of these mixtures at rates of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 60% (v/v). Vinca (Catharanthus roseus), verbena (Verbena hybrida), and shantung maple (Acer truncatum) were planted into the growing media after they were transferred into greenhouse pots. Vinca growth was monitored for 3 months before harvesting aboveground plant tissue to determine total biomass yield and elemental composition. Verbena growth was monitored for 6 months, during which time aboveground plant tissue was harvested twice to determine total biomass yield. Additionally, aboveground vinca plant tissue was analyzed for nutrients and heavy metal concentrations. In the absence of expanded shale, verbena and shantung maple trees produced more aboveground biomass in the 50-PB/50-BS blends, whereas vinca grew more biomass in the pure compost blends. Inclusion of expanded shale in the various organic matter blends generally had a negative effect on plant growth, with the exception of shantung maple growth in the 65-PB/35-CH blend. Reduced plant growth was probably due to a lower concentration of nutrients in the growing media. Macro- and micronutrient uptake was generally reduced by addition of expanded shale to the organic growing media. Results suggest that organic materials that have been stabilized through prior decomposition, such as compost or PM, are safe and reliable growing media, but expanded shale offers few benefits to a container growing medium except in cases where additional porosity is needed.

scholarly journals Nitrogen and harvest impact on warm-season grass biomass yield and feedstock quality

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Chamara Sandaruwan Weerasekara Imbulana Acharige
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Harvest Date ◽  
Feedstock Quality ◽  
Harvest Timing ◽  
Bioenergy Feedstocks ◽  
Partial Factor ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Warm Season Grasses

Perennial warm-season grasses including switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), big bluestem (Andropogon geradii Vitman), and Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans L.) have drawn interest as bioenergy feedstocks due to their high yielding capacity with minimal amounts of inputs under a wide range of environments, and their capability to produce multiple environmental benefits. Nitrogen (N) fertility and harvest timing are considered as critical management practices when optimizing biomass yield and the feedstock quality of these grasses. The objective of this investigation was to quantify the impact of N fertilizer rate, N timing and harvest date on warm season biomass dry matter yield. Research was conducted in 2014 and 2015 on a total of four field-plot locations situated in central and west-central Missouri. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied using dry ammonium nitrate at the rates of 0, 34, 67, and 101 kg ha-1 at two application times, all N early spring and split N (early spring and following 1st harvest). Harvest treatments were as follows: 1) one cut in September; 2) one cut in November; 3) one cut in June and a second in September; and 4) one cut in June and a second in November. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with N rate as the main plot and harvest as the sub-plot in arandomized complete block design. Both N and harvest date and their interactions impacted biomass yield at all four locations. Delaying harvesting until late fall or killing frost increased yield. November harvest in combination with N rates grater than or equal to 67 kg ha-1 year-1 produced higher yields compared to the control and 34 kg ha-1N treatments and other harvest timing strategies. Although N was needed to optimize yield, partial factor 24 productivity (PFP) of applied N was flat when N applied was greater than 34 kg ha-1. Nitrogen fertilization at 67 kg ha-1 per growing season provided an opportunity to maintain a balance between both yield and efficiency of N inputs. Results of this research highlight the interactions of N fertilization and harvest management have when optimizing yield of warm-season grasses grown as bioenergy feedstocks. List of acronyms: N, Nitrogen; PFP, partial factor productivity.

scholarly journals THE EARLY SPRING SYNUSIAS IN THE FORESTS OF FAGETO-CARPINETO-QUERCETA ROBORIS SUBFORMATION ON THE TERRITORY OF PRECARPATHIAN REGION (UKRAINE)

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 34-39
Author(s):  
Victoria Gnjezdilova ◽  
Oksana Nespljak ◽  
Vira Bunjak ◽  
Ljubov Makhovska
Keyword(s):  
Early Spring ◽  
Anthropogenic Influence ◽  
The Third ◽  
Gagea Lutea ◽  
Galanthus Nivalis ◽  
Anemone Nemorosa ◽  
Scilla Bifolia ◽  
Herbal Species

Abstract. In the article were presented the results of studying the early spring synusias in the forests of Fageto-Carpineto-Querceta roboris subformation on the Pricarpathian territory. In the studied subformation were separated five associations: Fageto-Carpineto-Quercetum roboris galiosum odorati, Fageto-Carpineto-Quercetum roboris caricetum pilosae, Fageto-Carpineto-Quercetum roboris vincosum, Fageto-Carpineto-Quercetum roboris galeobdolosum, Fageto-Carpineto-Quercetum roboris hederosum. The revealed early spring synusias are formed by the following herbal species: Leucojum vernum L. (Amaryllidacea), Galanthus nivalis L. (Amaryllidacea), Dentaria glandulosa Waldst. et Kit. (Brassicaceae), Anemone nemorosa L.(Ranunculaceae), Scilla bifolia L. (Liliaceae), Isopyrum thalictroides L. (Ranunculaceae), Corydalis cava (L.) Schweigg. Koerte (Papaveraceae) та Gagea lutea (L.) Ker.-Gawl. (Liliaceae). It appears before the leaves blooming and forms the specific white-lilac-blue aspect. Galanthus nivalis L. synusias develops the first and then in the third decade of March develops the group with Anemone nemorosa L. domination. Last years as the result of the negative anthropogenic influence the number of Leucojum vernum L. and Galanthus nivalis L. groups – the rare ephemeroids put to the Ukrainian Red book was abruptly shortened.

scholarly journals Enhanced Biomass Yield of and Saccharification in Transgenic Tobacco Over-Expressing β-Glucosidase

Biomolecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 806
Author(s):  
Eun Jin Cho ◽  
Quynh Anh Nguyen ◽  
Yoon Gyo Lee ◽  
Younho Song ◽  
Bok Jae Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transgenic Tobacco ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Thermotoga Maritima ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Transgenic Tobacco Plants ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Tobacco Plants ◽  
Lignocellulose Conversion ◽  
Nicotiana Tabacum L ◽  
Genome Transcription

Here, we report an increase in biomass yield and saccharification in transgenic tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L.) overexpressing thermostable β-glucosidase from Thermotoga maritima, BglB, targeted to the chloroplasts and vacuoles. The transgenic tobacco plants showed phenotypic characteristics that were significantly different from those of the wild-type plants. The biomass yield and life cycle (from germination to flowering and harvest) of the transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing BglB were 52% higher and 36% shorter than those of the wild-type tobacco plants, respectively, indicating a change in the genome transcription levels in the transgenic tobacco plants. Saccharification in biomass samples from the transgenic tobacco plants was 92% higher than that in biomass samples from the wild-type tobacco plants. The transgenic tobacco plants required a total investment (US$/year) corresponding to 52.9% of that required for the wild-type tobacco plants, but the total biomass yield (kg/year) of the transgenic tobacco plants was 43% higher than that of the wild-type tobacco plants. This approach could be applied to other plants to increase biomass yields and overproduce β-glucosidase for lignocellulose conversion.

scholarly journals Browse potential of bristly locust, smooth sumac, and sericea lespedeza for small ruminants

2019 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 1087-1098 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Acharya ◽  
A. J. Ashworth ◽  
D. M. Burner ◽  
J. M. Burke ◽  
D. H. Pote ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condensed Tannins ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Small Ruminants ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Acid Detergent Fiber ◽  
Sericea Lespedeza ◽  
Browse Species ◽  
Foliar Biomass

AbstractTemperate grass and legume yield and quality are markedly reduced during hot, dry summer months in the southern USA; therefore, browse species could add feed options for small ruminants during this season. Our objective was to compare total biomass yield and forage nutritive value of two browse species, leguminous bristly locust (Robinia hispida) and smooth sumac (Rhus glabra), as well as a leguminous shrub known as sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate), during summer months (June, July, August and September). Plants were sampled monthly during growing-seasons in 2012 and 2013 to determine biomass yield (foliar, shoot, and total above ground) and foliar nutritive value [crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and condensed tannins (CT)]. There was a species × harvest time interaction for foliar biomass yield (P = 0.0125). This interaction was likely due to low yield in June for bristly locust compared with sericea lespedeza and smooth sumac, but in all other months (July, August, and September) yields were similar for each species. Bristly locust had the highest CP (16.9%), followed by sericea lespedeza (14.8%), and smooth sumac (12.3%). Acid detergent fiber and ADL were similar between bristly locust (ADF 38.5%; ADL 24.1%) and sericea lespedeza (ADF 38.4%; ADL 23.1%), but was lower for smooth sumac (ADF 22.1%, ADL 6.3%; P < 0.05). Condensed tannins, an anti-nutritive yet anti-parasitic phenolic compounds, were highest in smooth sumac, intermediate in bristly locust, and lowest in sericea lespedeza. Plant foliar percentage (ratio of foliar to shoot mass), was highest in smooth sumac (55.1%), followed by sericea lespedeza (47.7%), and bristly locust (42.6%). Overall, smooth sumac had the highest foliar biomass and lowest ADF and ADL; however, this species had the lowest CP and highest CT. Consequently, average foliar biomass yield of all three browse species in our study far exceeded forage yield from dominant forage species [tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus) and bermudagrass (Cyanodon dactylon)] in this region and may provide high-yielding, low input, anti-parasitic fodder for small ruminants during this period in the Southeastern U.S.

Regeneration of Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) from Intact Roots and Root Fragments at Different Soil Depths

Weed Science ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mette Goul Thomsen ◽  
Lars-Olav Brandsæter ◽  
Haldor Fykse
Keyword(s):  
Cirsium Arvense ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Layer By Layer ◽  
Canada Thistle ◽  
Soil Layers ◽  
Plant Parts ◽  
Shoot Number ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Intact Root ◽  
Intact Roots

In the present field study, the capability of Canada thistle to develop shoots from intact roots and root fragments at different soil depths was studied. The experiments were performed on four sites with high-density Canada thistle, with three or four replications per treatment. At each site, the soil in the plots was removed layer by layer (to 30 or 40 cm, depending on the site), within a 1 by 1-m quadrat, and spread out on a plastic sheet. All roots and other plant parts were removed, and the soil was either replaced without any root material (two sites), or the roots of the thistles were cut into 10-cm-long fragments and replaced into the source holes (two sites). The measured variables were shoot number and biomass. The number of shoots of Canada thistle decreased with increasing depth (P < 0.001) and increased with time. Additionally, the two factors interacted (P < 0.001) such that shoot development was slower from greater depths. Roots from ≤ 20 cm depth produced higher biomasses than did roots from below 20 cm depth. Replacement of root fragments did not affect the amount of biomass produced. It was concluded that the intact root system contributed considerably more to the total biomass produced by Canada thistle than did the root fragments in the upper soil layers.

Response of eight winter crops to zinc fertilizer on a Typic Ustochrept soil

1990 ◽  
Vol 115 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-387 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. N. Tiwari ◽  
B. S. Dwivedi
Keyword(s):  
Biomass Yield ◽  
The Other ◽  
Zn Deficiency ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Zn Concentration ◽  
Zinc Fertilizer ◽  
Winter Crops

SUMMARYThe responses to Zn fertilizer of wheat, barley, oats, lentil, chickpea, pea, mustard and linseed were studied on a Typic Ustochrept soil in Pura, India in winter 1982/83 and 1983/84. Application of Zn significantly increased the grain or seed and total biomass yield of all the crops and enhanced Zn concentration and uptake. The response was greatest in lentil, followed by chickpea, pea, wheat, linseed, mustard, barley and oats. Cereals accumulated the most Zn, followed by the pulses and oilseeds. The pulses were more sensitive to Zn deficiency than the other crops.

Seasonal succession of diatom epiphyton on dense mats of Lemna minor

1985 ◽  
Vol 63 (12) ◽  
pp. 2332-2339 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. G. Goldsborough ◽  
G. G. C. Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Lemna Minor ◽  
Algal Growth ◽  
Seasonal Succession ◽  
Ambient Air ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Early Summer ◽  
Algal Community ◽  
Light Limitation ◽  
Total Biomass

Annual sequences of biomass, species diversity, and community composition of epiphytic diatoms on a dense mat of Lemna minor L. growing in a freshwater marsh are described. In 2 successive years, maximum biomass occurred in early spring prior to occlusion of the water surface by the mat, while diversity reached relative maxima in the early summer (during a period of declining total biomass) and late fall. Ambient air temperature (possibly through a relationship with in situ metabolic activity and nutrient availability) was significantly correlated with community ordination scores on a temporal basis. Depth profile maxima of diatom abundance on vertically positioned artificial substrata occurred below the mat, suggesting that light limitation of algal growth within dense mats may be of lesser importance. Dominant diatom species in the spring and fall were generally ubiquitous in the surrounding marsh, while the major taxa in midsummer, Achnanthes hungarica, Amphora veneta, and Navicula twymaniana, may be specific to the Lemna microhabitat. The development of algal community specificity within a defined seasonal range is discussed in terms of the relative importance of host exudates versus exogenous nutrients as the basis for algal-substratum associations.

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