Yield and nutritive value of irrigated tall fescue compared with orchardgrass: In monocultures or mixed with alfalfa

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 799-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald Thompson
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Diversity Effect ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata L ◽  
Schedonorus Phoenix

Thompson, D. J. 2013. Yield and nutritive value of irrigated tall fescue compared with orchardgrass: in monocultures or mixed with alfalfa. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 799–807. Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is commonly grown for irrigated forage production in interior British Columbia. Tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Schop.) Holub.] is also adapted to the area but no comparative trials have been reported. Three varieties of each grass species were grown in monocultures or in mixtures with alfalfa at three irrigated sites throughout southern interior British Columbia. Study objectives included comparing the forage yield and nutritive value of the following groups: (1) tall fescue and orchardgrass monocultures, (2) tall fescue and orchardgrass mixtures with alfalfa and (3) grass-alfalfa mixtures with monocultures. In monoculture, tall fescue yield was 9% greater than orchardgrass (significantly greater yield at 3 of 6 site-years), though forage nutritive values were similar. Mixtures of the two grasses with alfalfa had similar yields, but those containing tall fescue had superior nutritive value. Alfalfa contributed a greater percentage to total yield and had higher survival when mixed with tall fescue. Tall fescue is a viable alternative to orchardgrass for irrigated forage production in monoculture and may be more suitable for mixtures with alfalfa. Our findings demonstrate a functional diversity effect; grass-alfalfa mixtures over-yielded the mean of the alfalfa, orchardgrass, and tall fescue monocultures by 12%.

scholarly journals 111 Metsulfuron and variable nitrogen application rates on infected tall fescue: effects on stocker performance, forage yield, nutritive value, ergovaline concentration and botanical composition

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 31-31
Author(s):  
Kevin R Meng ◽  
Eric Bailey ◽  
Josh Zeltwanger ◽  
Hannah Allen ◽  
Mikaela Adams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Ergot Alkaloids ◽  
Fertilization Rate ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Nitrogen Application ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Seed Head ◽  
Application Rates

Abstract Chemical seed-head suppression of endophyte infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) improves stocker cattle performance but may decrease forage yield. Spring nitrogen application increases tall fescue growth with a concomitant increase in ergot alkaloids, produced by the symbiotic endophyte Epichloë coenophiala. We hypothesized that greater amounts of nitrogen applied to tall fescue would increase forage yield and offset losses in forage production from chemical suppression of seed-heads with metsulfuron without effect on alkaloid concentration. Ninety-six steers (270 ± 20 kg) were randomly assigned to one of sixteen paddocks (1.8 ha) on April 18 and continuously grazed for 57 d. Paddocks were blocked by previous use (n = 4) and randomly assigned to one of four treatments; no metsulfuron, no nitrogen (NEGCON), metsulfuron with 0 (MET0), 67 (MET67), or 134 (MET134) kg/ha of ammonium nitrate, applied March 11. Steers grazing MET0 paddocks were removed 17 d early due to insufficient forage availability. Steer weight, forage yield, forage nutritive value and ergot alkaloids in forage samples were measured monthly. Seed-head frequency and species composition were determined in June. Metsulfuron application reduced (P < 0.01) tall fescue seed-heads by 80%. Metsulfuron decreased (P = 0.03) ergovaline but ergovaline increased (P < 0.01) at each monthly sampling across treatments. Nitrogen had no impact on ergovaline concentration (P = 0.50). Forage yield tended to be least (P = 0.07) for MET0, intermediate for NEGCON and MET67, and tended to be greatest for MET134 (P = 0.08). Steer ADG was not affected by treatment (P < 0.80). Metsulfuron decreased NDF (P=0.02) regardless of fertilization rate. Forage CP increased with fertilization (P < 0.01) and no differences were detected between NEGCON and MET0 (P = 0.45). Species composition was not impacted (P >0.07) by treatment. Metsulfuron decreased seed-head growth and ergovaline concentration in tall fescue. Additional nitrogen fertilizer ameliorated forage yield lost to metsulfuron application but did not impact steer gain.

Seeding patterns and companion grasses affect total forage yield and components of binary red clover–grass mixtures

2011 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carole Lafrenière ◽  
Raynald Drapeau
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Trifolium Pratense ◽  
Red Clover ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Maturity Stage ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Poorly Drained Soils

Lafrenière, C. and Drapeau, R. 2011. Seeding patterns and companion grasses affect total forage yield and components of binary red clover–grass mixtures. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 91–97. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is the most popular seeded legume for forage production in northern Quebec and Ontario because of the poorly drained soils that prevail in these regions. The objective of this experiment was to determine which seeding patterns [mixed within a row (MR), single alternate rows (1+1), or double alternate rows (2+2)] and which companion grasses (smooth bromegrass, Bromus inermis L.; tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; orchardgrass, Dactylis glomerata L.; or timothy, Phleum pratense L.), in association with red clover, were best for sustaining the total forage yield of a red clover–grass mixture and how these factors affect red clover and grass components. Test plots were established at Kapuskasing, ON, and Normandin, QC. At each site, two independent seedings were performed and harvested over 3 yr following the seeding year. Total dry matter (DM) yield and contribution of red clover grasses and weeds to total forage yield were measured. The MR pattern gave higher yield over both alternate seeding patterns by nearly 0.5 Mg DM ha−1 at the Normandin site and 1.0 Mg DM ha–1 at the Kapuskasing site. Neither the seeding pattern nor the companion grass species improved significantly the contribution of red clover to total forage yield beyond the second production year even though there were differences between sites. Environmental conditions, principally high precipitation in the fall, and maturity stage at harvest resulted in major differences between sites. Results from this experiment showed that tall fescue and orchardgrass could be good alternatives to timothy or bromegrass in association with red clover given that plots were still productive in the third production year and invasion by weeds was lower.

scholarly journals Yield and nutritive value of alfalfa cultivars sown at different densities

2008 ◽  
Vol 24 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 147-156
Author(s):  
R. Stanisavljevic ◽  
Z. Tomic ◽  
Z. Lugic ◽  
J. Milenkovic ◽  
D. Djokic
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Row Spacing ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
High Positive Correlation ◽  
Seed Rate

The effect of cultivar and plant density on dry matter yield and nutritive value of alfalfa was studied. The trial was conducted at the first cutting of alfalfa plants in their second and third years of growth, and four cultivars and two different crop densities were tested. The cultivars were found to have significant effect on dry matter yield, proportion of leaf in total yield and content of crude proteins under both densities. The highest forage yield was achieved in first density (20 cm row spacing with 15 kgha-1 seed rate). The wide row spacing (50 cm) with low seed rate (9 kgha-1) was showed lower forage production. The effect of cultivars and plant density on other parameters of forage nutritive value was insignificant. A high positive correlation with the proportion of leaf was found for the content of crude proteins (r=0.961), concentration of potassium (r=0.876), phosphorus (r=0.561), calcium (r=0.550) and content of crude fat (r=0.500). Crude fiber was highly negatively correlated with leaf proportion (r=0.916), while the latter showed no correlation with crude ash (r=0.185) and nitrogen-free extract (0.010).

scholarly journals Yield Component Responses of the Brachiaria brizantha Forage Grass to Soil Water Availability in the Brazilian Cerrado

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Camila Thaiana Rueda da Silva ◽  
Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva ◽  
Tonny José de Araújo da Silva ◽  
Everton Alves Rodrigues Pinheiro ◽  
Jefferson Vieira José ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Water Pressure ◽  
Soil Water Potential ◽  
Yield Component ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Soil Water Availability ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha

Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers of beef cattle and dairy products, which requires high forage yield to attend grass-fed animals’ demand. Among the grass species adopted in the forage production system in Brazil, the Brachiaria genus stands out. This genus comprises nearly 85% of all planted forage area. In general, forage production systems in Brazil are essentially rainfed, and thus susceptible to seasonal soil water stresses. Selecting the suitable Brachiaria cultivar for lands susceptible to periodic waterlogging and dry spells is crucial to enhance forage yield, and consequently, to reduce the environmental footprint of the livestock sector. In this research, we investigated the performance of three recent commercial Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Piatã, BRS Paiaguás, and MG13 Braúna) extensively adopted in Brazil’s grazing systems subjected to different ranges of soil water potential. For three cutting periods, yield related-variables (e.g., plant height, leaf area, dry biomass, and water use efficiency) were measured. Our results point to the existence of a low drought-resistant trait among cultivars, indicating the need for releasing better-adapted cultivars to cope with reduced soil water availability. All cultivars achieved higher performance at soil water pressure head between −15 kPa and −25 kPa; and in general, the cultivar. Piatã showed slightly superior results to most of the treatments.

Influence of Increasing Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) or Common Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) Densities on Forage Nutritive Value and Yield in Tall Fescue Pastures and Hay Fields

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 222-229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristin K. Rosenbaum ◽  
K. W. Bradley ◽  
Craig A. Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Plant Biomass ◽  
Total Yield ◽  
Ambrosia Artemisiifolia ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Weed Species ◽  
Common Ragweed ◽  
Nutritive Values ◽  
Biomass Yields

Separate field trials were conducted in 2007 and 2008 to investigate the effects of increasing densities of common ragweed or common cocklebur on total yield and forage nutritive values in tall fescue pastures. Common ragweed densities ranged from 0 to 188 plants m−2, and common cocklebur densities ranged from 0 to 134 plants m−2. Total biomass yields (weeds plus tall fescue) were determined in response to each weed density and species; pure samples of tall fescue, common ragweed, or common cocklebur were also hand collected from each plot at the time of the total biomass harvest. Near-infrared spectroscopy was used to predict crude protein (CP) concentration and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of the total harvested biomass, pure tall fescue, and pure weed species in each plot. Results indicate that biomass yields may increase by as much as 5 kg ha−1with each additional common ragweed plant m−2within a tall fescue stand. Additionally, CP concentration of the total harvested biomass, pure weed species, and tall fescue decreased by 0.2 to 0.4 g kg−1with each additional increase in common ragweed or common cocklebur plant per m−2. As weed densities increased, IVTD of pure tall fescue samples increased only minimally (0.04%), regardless of the weed species. An increase in common ragweed density also resulted in the CP concentration of pure samples of common ragweed to decrease by 0.2 g kg−1for each additional plant per m2and by 0.4 g kg−1for each additional common cocklebur per m2. Overall, results from these experiments indicate that plant biomass yield and nutritive values of the total harvested biomass are only marginally influenced by increasing common ragweed or common cocklebur densities.

Relationship between soil apparent electrical conductivity and forage yield in temperate pastures according to nitrogen availability and growing season

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (10) ◽  
pp. 908 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. Cicore ◽  
M. Castro Franco ◽  
N. R. Peralta ◽  
J. R. Marques da Silva ◽  
J. L. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Conductivity ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nitrogen Availability ◽  
Grid Cell ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Seasonal Interactions ◽  
Management Zones

Mapping of the apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa) can be used to estimate the variability of forage yield within a plot. However, forage production can vary according to the growing season and to soil properties that do not affect the ECa (e.g. nitrogen (N) content). The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between ECa and forage yield of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.) during different regrowth periods and contrasting levels of N availability and then use this information to determine potential management zones. The ECa was measured and geo-referenced in a 5.75-ha paddock that sustained a permanent pasture dominated by tall fescue. In addition, a 30 m by 30 m grid cell size was chosen and 43 sampling areas, each 4 m2 in size, were geo-referenced and divided into two experimental units of 1 m by 2 m, one of which was fertilised with 250 kg N ha–1 (N250) at the beginning of four regrowth periods (spring 2015, spring 2016, autumn 2016 and autumn 2017) and the other was not fertilised with N (N0). At the end of each regrowth period, we estimated the accumulated biomass. During the spring growing season, accumulated biomass was positively associated with ECa in both N0 and N250 treatments (R2 = 47% and 54%, respectively). By contrast, in autumn, accumulated biomass and ECa were poorly associated (R2 = 10% and 27% for N0 and N250). This may be due to seasonal interactions that alter soil–yield relationships. To assess whether ECa can be used to determine management zones, the differences in accumulated biomass were compared through analysis of variance. Results showed that ECa is associated with the spatial distribution of tall fescue forage yield variability in spring at different N availabilities. Thus, ECa can be reliably used for defining management zones in marginal soils under permanent pastures.

PSXI-19 Impact of toxic-infected tall fescue renovation strategies on second-year hay yield, botanical composition, and nutritive value

2021 ◽  
Vol 99 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 344-345
Author(s):  
Charlotte L Talbott ◽  
Deidre D Harmon ◽  
Matt H Poore ◽  
Alan J Franluebbers ◽  
Carolyn A Young ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Agronomic Performance ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Randomized Complete Block Design ◽  
Second Year

Abstract Renovating toxic-infected tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) (TF) pastures to novel endophyte tall fescue (NE) is a solution to mitigate the negative associated effects of toxic fescue in beef cattle. However, beef cattle producers are uncertain of the payback period for costs associated with renovation techniques in terms of farm profitability and agronomic performance. In 2018, three renovation strategies were implemented in a randomized complete block design in Bahama, NC. Strategies included: 1) control (C), 2) renovation to NE after one season of a single specie cover crop (1-SM), 3) renovation to NE after three seasons of a single specie cover crop (3-SM), and 4) renovation to NE after three seasons of a multi-specie cover crop (3-CM). Each treatment plot (0.81 ha) was evaluated for botanical composition and hay was harvested in May and August of 2020. Round bales from each treatment were weighed to determine yield and core sampled to determine nutritive value. Data were analyzed using proc GLIMMIX of SAS v9.4. Combined forage yield was greater (P = 0.0226) for 3-CM (8,816 kg/ha) compared to 3-SM (7,191 kg/ha) and C (6,920 kg/ha), but did not differ from 1-SM (7,775 kg/ha). Crude protein concentration was greater (P = 0.035) for C (10.2%) in comparison to 3-SM (9.35%) in harvest 1, but was not different (P = 0.93) in harvest 2. Percentage of fescue in the sward was greatest (P = 0.0002) for 3-SM and least for C (84.9 and 62%, respectively). Similarly, presence of undesirable plants was greater (P < 0.0001) for C (37.5%) than 1-SM, 3-CM and 3-SM (23.7, 15.2 and 12.7%, respectively). Percentage of bare ground did not differ among treatments (P = 0.31). Data suggest agronomic performance for 3-CM and 3-SM was improved compared to C in years following pasture renovation.

Effects of grazing interval on basal cover of four perennial grasses in a summer-dry environment

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 299 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Virgona ◽  
A. Bowcher
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Basal Cover ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Supplementary Irrigation ◽  
Movement Index ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata L

The response to variation in grazing interval over the spring–autumn period in southern New South Wales was examined on 4 perennial grass species over 2 years. Plots of phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L. cv. Sirolan), cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L. cv. Porto), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Shreb cv. Demeter) and a native danthonia (Danthonia richardsonii cv. Taranna), were grazed by sheep every 2, 5 or 8 weeks, either rainfed or given supplementary irrigation. Basal cover was monitored over this period and is combined with measurements of phenological development and herbage mass to explain differences in persistence. The seasons differed with respect to rainfall, 1994–95 being dry compared to 1995–96. Over the 1994–95 season, the relative change in basal cover [RCBC, the ratio of final (May 1995) to initial (September 1994) basal cover] of the 3 introduced perennial grasses was significantly less than 1, which indicated a decline in basal cover over the measurement period. In contrast, RCBC was 1.55 for danthonia. Grazing interval treatments significantly affected RCBC in 1994–95, RCBC increasing with grazing interval. In the 8-week grazing interval, RCBC did not significantly differ from 1. Changes in density were also measured in 1994–95 and followed a similar pattern to RCBC for species effects although there was no significant effect of grazing interval. In 1995–96, there were interactions between watering and both species and grazing interval. The RCBC (September 1995–May 1996) was significantly greater than 1 for cocksfoot and tall fescue under irrigated conditions but not under rainfed conditions. The response to grazing interval depended on water supply. The 5-week grazing interval led to the highest RCBC under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. However, when rainfed, the 5- and 8-week treatments were not significantly different, whereas under irrigation, the 2- and 5-week treatments did not significantly differ. For the 1995–96 season, a movement index (MI, ratio of newly colonised area to that occupied throughout the season) was measured. There was a strong interaction between species and watering but phalaris was the most mobile (highest MI) of the 4 species under both rainfed and irrigated conditions. The absence of any interaction between species and grazing interval in either 1994–95 or 1995–96 suggests that response to grazing of these species may be similar despite differences in survival mechanisms.

Morphological, environmental and management factors affecting nutritive value of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum)

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (11) ◽  
pp. 1165 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. Insua ◽  
M. G. Agnusdei ◽  
S. A. Utsumi ◽  
G. D. Berone
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Leaf Age ◽  
Tube Length ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Lolium Arundinaceum ◽  
Leaf Stage ◽  
Leaf Appearance

The aim of this study was to quantify the relative importance of leaf age and leaf length on the dynamics of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and 24-h in vitro digestibility of NDF (NDFD) and dry matter (DMD) of tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb) Darbysh.). Mini-swards were conditioned and used to conduct two experiments, the first with 4-cm plant stubble height in spring–summer 2009 and autumn–winter 2011, and the second with 4-cm or 10-cm plant stubble height in spring–summer 2011. Plants were harvested at consecutive leaf-appearance intervals to measure nutritive value up to the four-leaf stage. In parallel, leaf morphogenetic traits (appearance, elongation and lifespan) and sheath length of the successive leaves produced on marked tillers were measured. Leaf NDF contents remained stable with increasing leaf age and length but showed a marked variation across seasons. Leaf NDFD and DMD showed a consistent decrease with increasing leaf age and length, and irrespective of growing season or residual pasture height. The negative effect of leaf age and length on digestibility was related to variations in sheath tube length and associated differences in leaf appearance and elongation rates. These findings highlight the relevance of monitoring the sheath tube length as a complementary measure to leaf stage for further management of the NDFD and DMD of grass forages. Although the focus of this study was tall fescue swards, the same morphogenetic implications on forage nutritive value could apply to other temperate and tropical grass species; however, the testing of this hypothesis warrants carefully controlled investigations.

Improved soil and irrigation management for forage production 2. Forage yield and nutritive characteristics

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 319 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Greenwood ◽  
K. E. Dellow ◽  
G. N. Mundy ◽  
K. B. Kelly ◽  
S. M. Austin
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Soil Structure ◽  
Irrigation Management ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Yield Data ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Second Year ◽  
Soil Modification

Pastures are the main source of energy and nutrients for dairy cows in the irrigated dairy region of northern Victoria, yet annual production and utilisation of pasture have remained static over the last 20 years. Previous small plot research has shown that pasture yields can be increased through systems of soil modification that improve soil structure and alleviate limitations to root growth. We compared the yield and nutritive characteristics of 4 forage species [tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), lucerne (Medicago sativa), phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)] on soils which had been modified using commercially-available equipment and using spray irrigation at 2 frequencies. In year 1 (2000–01), annual yields of the forages were tall fescue: 21.2 t dry matter (DM)/ha; lucerne: 20.5 t DM/ha; phalaris: 19.8 t DM/ha; and perennial ryegrass: 20.8 t DM/ha. In the second year of the experiment, annual yields averaged 28.9 t DM/ha for tall fescue, 26.1 t DM/ha for lucerne, 31.6 t DM/ha for phalaris and 23.2 t DM/ha for perennial ryegrass. There was no consistent response in yield of any species to soil modification. The improvements in soil structure achieved with soil modification were probably not large enough to result in yield responses. Yields were greater when frequently irrigated, with the exception of perennial ryegrass in the second year. Most of the yield benefit due to frequent irrigation was limited to the summer months. No yield data showed significant soil by irrigation frequency interaction. There were significant differences in forage nutritive characteristics between the 4 species. The lower crude protein content of lucerne would be at least partly due to the frequent application of nitrogen fertiliser to the grasses. Tall fescue usually had similar nutritive characteristics to perennial ryegrass in terms of metabolisable energy, protein and NDF. Phalaris had high fibre contents and low metabolisable energy in summer. We conclude that it is not feasible, at this time, to improve yields of irrigated forages through soil modification on a commercial scale.

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