scholarly journals The search for alternative temperate perennial pasture species for low to medium rainfall environments in Tasmania

2016 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 275-279
Author(s):  
E.J. Hall ◽  
R. Reid ◽  
B. Clark ◽  
R. Dent

In response to the need to find better adapted and more persistent perennial pasture plants for the dryland pastures in the cool-temperate low to medium rainfall (500-700 mm) regions, over 1000 accessions representing 24 species of perennial legumes and 64 species of perennial grasses, were introduced, characterised and evaluated for production and persistence under sheep grazing at sites throughout Tasmania. The work has identified four alternative legume species in Talish Clover (Trifolium tumens). Caucasian Clover (T. ambiguum), Stoloniferous Red Clover (T. pratense var. stoloniferum), Lucerne x Yellow Lucerne Hybrid (Medicago sativa x M.sativa subsp. falcata); and two grass species in Coloured Brome (Bromus coloratus) and Hispanic Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata var hispanica). Keywords: persistence, perennial grass, perennial legume

2021 ◽  
Vol 901 (1) ◽  
pp. 012007
Author(s):  
V M Kosolapov ◽  
V I Cherniavskih ◽  
E V Dumacheva ◽  
M N Marinich ◽  
L D Sajfutdinova ◽  
...  

Abstract We evaluated the stability of perennial legume and cereal grass species in artificial plant communities on permanent anti-erosion watercourses in the agroecosystems of the Belgorod region with active development of linear soil erosion. In the conditions of steppe and forest-steppe zones of the Belgorod region on permanently grassed watercourses in 2017-2019. varieties of perennial leguminous and cereal grasses: ‘Krasnoyaruzhskaya 1’ and ‘Krasnoyaruzhskaya 2’ (Medicago varia), ‘Kazatsky’ (Trifolium pratense), ‘Olshanka’ and ‘Ivica’ (Festuca arundinacea), ‘Streletsky’ and ‘Stepnyak’ (Lolium perenne)) obtained using local genetic material were studied. All varieties showed their resistance in agro-ecosystems with active development of linear erosion in the forest-steppe and steppe zones. Projective cover on watercourses in the steppe zone in all variants of experience was on average 83,4 %, in the forest-steppe zone - 86,3 %. In the third year of the tests on permanently irrigated watercourses in the steppe zone, the share of cereal and legume grass species was quite high and varied from 88 % in the variant M. varia + Onobrychis arenaria to 92 % in the variants M. varia + Bromopsis inermis and O. arenaria. In the forest-steppe zone, the share of cereal and legume grass species varied from 86 % in the variant L. perenne to 94 % in the variant L. perenne + B. inermis.


Author(s):  
V. F. Petrychenko ◽  
L. K. Antypova ◽  
N. V. Tsurkan

The purpose is to determine the productivity of perennial legume and cereal grasses under conditions of natural moisture supply in South Steppe of Ukraine. Method. The studies were conducted during 2016—2018 using conventional methods, and the output of feed units, digestible protein per unit of area was determined by reference books. Results. On average over three years of research, the highest yield of leaf-stem mass of cereals was formed by Bromus inermis and Elytrigia medium tender – 11.6 and 11.2 t/ha, respectively. The lowest yield was formed by Agropyrum pectiniforme – 7.6 t/ha. Among the all legume grasses, Melilotus albus prevailed (14.8 t/ha). Medicago sativa and Onobrychis arenaria were able to form a similar yield (14.5 and 13.5 t/ha, respectively) under the arid conditions of South Steppe of Ukraine. Insufficient rainfall in 2017 caused a decrease in the productivity of the studied crops. Thus, in 2017 the average yield of green mass in the experiment was 10.3 t/ha, while in 2016 under more favorable weather conditions this figure was 13.2 t/ha or 28.2 % more. The highest output of feed and protein units (FPU) per unit of area under cereal grasses was provided by Bromus inermis (2.35 t/ha). The lowest one was recorded in Agropyrum pectiniforme (1.60 t/ha). FPU output per unit of area under legume grasses increased respectively. Lotus corniculatus provides less green mass and therefore dry matter and forage and protein units. Perennial cereals grasses do not prevail over legume grasses, so they do not spread in South Ukraine. Conclusions. The productivity of perennial grasses in the south of Ukraine significantly depends on the type of plants, weather (hydrothermal) conditions of the year. The most effective is the cultivation of perennial legumes, namely Melilotus albus, alfalfa, Onobrychis arenaria. Bromus inermis and Elytrigia medium prevail among cereal grasses.


Author(s):  
Denes DEAK ◽  
Ioan ROTAR ◽  
Florin PACURAR ◽  
Anca BOGDAN

Seeded lawns is one of the most important links in the process of improving the forage base, ensure feed quality with high productivity. Mixtures of red clover crops (Trifolium pratense) with perennial grasses (Lolium multiflorum, Phleum pratense and Poa pratensis) has high productivity due to better utilization of ecological niches of the biotope (ROTAR I.et al.). These crops has advantages like high content of protein because of the red clover, economy-based fertilizer nitrogen from atmospheric nitrogen fixation by bacteria Rhizobium spp. located in the root of legumes. These seeded pastures get a balanced feed nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids), have a high palatability. The species Trifolium pratense has a greater capacity to restore the soil structure and also the enrichment of the macro-elements, like phosphorus and potassium (CARLIER L., et. al). Our experience took place in the village Simonesti, Cobătesti village of the Harghita county. The experimental field was located respecting the experimental technique rules in randomized blocks with a technique that includes three variants based on red clover plus a perennial grass (Lolium multiflorum, Poa pratensis and Phleum pratense). Every version was fertilized with two types of fertilizer: one liquid (gull) and one solid (stable manure) in four different doses in all three variants. The doses were: V1 = 0 gull; V2 = 5 t / ha gull; V3 = 10 t / ha gull; V4 = 20 t / ha gulle and V1 = 0 stable manure; V2 = 10 t / ha stable manure; V3 = 30 t / ha stable manure and V4 = 50 t / ha stable manure. In our studies we present the influence of fertilization with gull and stable manure on yield of green mass of all three variants. In general, both gull fertilization with manure favors grasses at the expense of installing legumes. The higher doses of fertilizer increase, the share of participant of grasses increases.


Weed Science ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gail A. Wicks

Downy brome (Bromus tectorumL. # BROTE) may be a troublesome weed in winter small grains, perennial legumes, perennial grasses grown for seed, and orchards. In Nebraska, winter wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) yields have been depressed 30% by downy brome populations of 11 to 22 plants/m2(8). In Oregon, downy brome densities of 108 to 160 and 538 plants/m2reduced yields by 40 and 92%, respectively (22, 23). In Idaho, wheat yields were depressed 20 to 40% with 55 to 110 plants/m2(18). Downy brome has also been shown to lower yields and quality of hay from infested fields of alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) (29). In perennial grass seed fields, downy brome may cause a serious seed quality problem (16). Some grass seed lots have contained as much as 50 to 75% downy brome seed.


2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 379 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lewis P. Kahn ◽  
Judi M. Earl ◽  
Millie Nicholls

Research was conducted in the mid-north of South Australia over the period 2000–05 to evaluate the effects of different grazing management cues on composition and production of a grassland. The management cues were based on calendar, plant phenology or herbage mass thresholds using grazing exclusion as a control. There were five grazing treatments: (i) regional practice (RP), where sheep grazed continuously for the period April–December; (ii) autumn rest, where sheep grazing was restricted to June–December; (iii) spring rest, where sheep grazing was restricted to April–August; (iv) high density and short duration (HDSD), where herbage mass thresholds determined when grazing occurred and for what duration; and (v) nil (NIL) grazing by domestic herbivores. Mean annual estimates of herbage mass were highest for NIL and HDSD and inclusion of the estimate of herbage consumption by sheep resulted in greatest primary plant production in HDSD. The contribution of perennial grasses to herbage mass declined with RP and seasonal grazing treatments. Frequency of perennial grasses was unaffected by grazing treatment but the number of perennial grass plants increased over time in RP and seasonal treatments. HDSD allowed maintenance of basal cover whereas bare ground increased with RP and seasonal treatments. Litter accumulated in NIL but this was associated with a decline in perennial basal cover. Seasonal grazing treatments did not provide an advantage over RP and there appeared to be no benefit from including phenology in management decisions. In contrast, HDSD resulted in a stable and productive grassland ecosystem, with stocking rate estimated at 78% greater than other treatments. These features offer a desirable mix for future industry adoption in the mid-north of South Australia.


2006 ◽  
Vol 54 (7) ◽  
pp. 655 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja I. Lenz ◽  
José M. Facelli

The species composition of temperate grasslands in the mid-north of South Australia has been radically altered from a system dominated by native perennial grasses to a system dominated by Mediterranean annual grasses. This study investigated the importance of chemical and physical soil characteristics, topographical features and climatic variables on the abundance of native and exotic grass species in nine ungrazed grasslands. Overall, climatic and other abiotic factors were highly variable. In addition, past management practices and original species composition are generally unknown, leading to further unexplained variation in the data. On a large spatial scale (among sites), the abundance of exotic annual grasses was positively correlated with mean annual rainfall, and on any scale, with finer soil textures and higher soil organic carbon levels. The most abundant annual grass, Avena barbata (Pott ex Link), was generally associated with soil factors denoting higher soil fertility. The abundance of native perennial grass species was not correlated with any environmental variables at any scale. The various native perennial grass species did not show clear associations with soil factors, although they tended to be associated with factors denoting lower soil fertility. However, at small spatial scales (within some sites) and among sites, the abundances of exotic annual and native perennial grasses were strongly negatively correlated. The results suggest that at the present time, rainfall and soil properties are important variables determining the abundance of annual grasses. The driving variables for the abundance of perennial grasses are less clear. They may be controlled by other factors or extreme rainfall events, which were not surveyed. In addition, they are likely to be controlled by competitive interactions with the annual grasses.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 201-207
Author(s):  
Parmeshwor Aryal ◽  
M. Anowarul Islam

AbstractForage kochia [Bassia prostrata(L.) A. J. Scott] is competitive with annual weeds and has potential for use in reclamation of disturbed land. However, land managers are reluctant to use forage kochia in revegetation programs due to lack of understanding of its compatibility with or invasiveness in the native plant community. We conducted two greenhouse experiments, one to compare the competitive effect of forage kochia versus perennial grasses on growth of cheatgrass (Bromus tectorumL.) and one to study the effect of forage kochia on growth of native perennial grasses. In the first experiment, a single seedling ofB. tectorumwas grown with increasing neighbor densities (0 to 5 seedlings pot−1) of either forage kochia, crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum(L.) Gaertner ×A. desertorum(Fisch. ex Link) Schultes; nonnative perennial grass], or thickspike wheatgrass [Elymus lanceolatus(Scribn. & J. G. Sm.) Gould; native perennial grass].Bromus tectorumgrowth was reduced moderately by all three perennial neighbors, butA. cristatumandE. lanceolatushad more effect onB. tectorumwhen compared with forage kochia. This experiment was repeated and similar results were observed. In the second experiment, forage kochia was grown with each of four native cool-season grass species: basin wildrye [Leymus cinereus(Scribn. & Merr.) Á. Löve], bluebunch wheatgrass [Pseudoroegneria spicata(Pursh) Á. Löve],E. lanceolatus, and western wheatgrass [Pascopyrum smithii(Rydb.) Á. Löve]. Forage kochia had no effect on height, tiller number, and aboveground biomass of native grasses. Similarly, native grasses did not show a significant effect on forage kochia seedlings. This experiment was also repeated, and forage kochia somewhat reduced the aboveground biomass ofL. cinereusandP. spicata. However, all native grasses significantly reduced change in height, branching, and aboveground biomass of forage kochia. These results suggest that forage kochia interfered withB. tectorumseedling growth, but it showed little competitive effect on native grass seedlings.


2003 ◽  
Vol 54 (9) ◽  
pp. 903 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. P. Boschma ◽  
M. J. Hill ◽  
J. M. Scott ◽  
G. G. Rapp

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of defoliation and moisture stresses on perennial pasture grasses and to identify traits associated with their resilience. The experiment, conducted near Armidale on the Northern Tablelands of NSW, studied 4 introduced perennial grass species (Phalaris aquatica, Festuca arundinacea, Dactylis glomerata, and Lolium perenne) and 2 native grass species (Microlaena stipoides and Austrodanthonia richardsonii) subjected to 3 moisture regimes (non-stress moisture, moderate drought, and severe drought) and 2 defoliation intensities (severe and moderate). Basal area, herbage mass, phenological growth stage, nitrogen concentration, root mass, and rooting depth were compared over 2 independent 6-month periods: spring–summer (1 September 1994–28 February 1995) and summer–autumn (1 December 1994–31 May 1995). Multiple regression was used to determine which traits were important for determining plant resilience.The differences between species and their respective responses were evident in the traits measured. In general, basal area tended to increase over summer and show little change during autumn. Severe defoliation stimulated plant growth, resulting in higher harvested herbage mass than from those moderately defoliated. Reproductive development was suppressed by severe drought and reduced by moderate drought. Severe defoliation suppressed flowering of Dactylis and Lolium at both drought intensities, compared with moderate defoliation. Phalaris, Festuca, and Austrodanthonia were the deepest rooting species during spring–summer, and Dactylis the shallowest. All species had similar rooting depths during summer–autumn, with those under severe and moderate drought having the deepest and shallowest rooting, respectively.Carbohydrate reserves and basal area were important traits for determining plant resilience during spring–summer. During summer–autumn, maintaining basal area and plant biomass through moderate grazing was important for resilience.


2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 383 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana M. Cenzano ◽  
M. Celeste Varela ◽  
Mónica B. Bertiller ◽  
M. Virginia Luna

Poa ligularis Nees. Ap. Steudel and Pappostipa speciosa (Trin. et Rupr.) Romaschenko are dominant perennial grasses in the arid Patagonian rangelands of Argentina. Both species are exposed to periods of water shortage during spring-summer and are grazed by domestic and native herbivores. Pappostipa speciosa displays xeromorphic adaptations and is less preferred by herbivores than P. ligularis. The knowledge of how drought affects morphological/functional traits in coexisting perennial grass species is useful to understanding the function of desert perennial grasses, and for the use and conservation of Patagonian arid rangelands. The hypothesis of this study was that co-existing perennial grasses contrasting in drought resistance mechanisms display different degrees of phenotypic plasticity in underlying and/or functional traits. Plants of both species were exposed to two levels of gravimetric soil moisture: 16% (~field capacity) and 4%. Plant vegetative and reproductive traits were measured weekly in individual plants and these were harvested at the end of the experiment. Aboveground and root biomass were separated in the harvested plants and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments was assessed in green leaves. The trait response range was also calculated through the plasticity index. In both species, drought stress led to significant reductions in plant height, total plant dry weight, number of total leaves, dry weight of green and senescent leaf, percentage of flowering plants, length of inflorescences, and number, length and dry weight of roots. The concentration of photosynthetic pigments increased under drought in both species. In conclusion, drought strongly affected reproductive and vegetative traits in both species and the greatest negative effect of drought was found in P. speciosa, the most conservative species. However, our findings might indicate that both species are able to maintain photosynthetic activity through the increase of photosynthetic pigments under drought conditions in Patagonian rangelands.


1956 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 367 ◽  
Author(s):  
WD Andrew ◽  
CA Neal-Smith

Over the period 1952-1954 there was no significant difference in the yield of herbage produced annually by the addition to a Phalaris tuberosa L.–Trifolium subterraneum L. pasture mixture, of any one of the following grasses: Agropyron obtusiusculum Lange., Bromus coloratus Steud., Bromus inermis Leyss., Dactylis glomerata L., or Festuca arundinacea Schreb. There were indications of a small change in seasonal production where certain grasses, notably D. glomerata, were included in the mixture. Over the 3-year period the proportion of the sown grass component, in the mixtures where either D. glomerata, B. inermis, or B. coloratus were included, increased by a greater amount than where the simple mixture of phalaris and subterranean clover was used. The addition of each grass also lessened the amount of P. tuberosa in the sown grass component of the yield. In the third year, despite the varying proportions of the phalaris and associated sown grass species, the mean population of the sown perennial grasses in each treatment did not differ significantly from the mean figure of 1.34 plants/sq. lk. The increased production of the sown grass yield component following the association of certain of the above species with P. tuberosa suggests that the latter does not fully exploit the environment. The principle of including another perennial grass when sowing phalaris and subterranean clover might have wide application as a means of combatting "phalaris staggers".


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