Leaf development of eight grass species following grazing

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (4) ◽  
pp. 747-750 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. Lardner ◽  
S. B. M. Wright ◽  
R. D. H. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Leaf Development ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Reed Canarygrass ◽  
Smooth Bromegrass ◽  
Intermediate Wheatgrass ◽  
Elymus Trachycaulus ◽  
Number Of Leaves ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass ◽  
Slender Wheatgrass

Grazing by herbivores affects grass species both morphologically and physiologically. A study was conducted on an irrigated pasture near Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada during the summer of 1991 to determine leaf regrowth after grazing of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.), slender wheatgrass [Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners subsp. trachycaulus], intermediate wheatgrass [Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey subsp. intermedium], orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus beibersteinii Roem. & Schult.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.) Wimm.] and timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in order to evaluate the suitability of these species for grazing. All eight species were mob-grazed by sheep at a stocking density of 30 animals ha-1. Physiological stage of leaf development was determined at 7, 14 and 21 d following defoliation. Smooth bromegrass and timothy consistently produced the greatest number of leaves for all regrowth periods. Tall fescue produced the least number of leaves at all time periods. Fifty-five percent of slender wheatgrass tillers and 19% of intermediate wheatgrass tillers were reproductive 21 d after defoliation. Based on leaf regrowth after grazing measured by leaf appearance, the grasses were ranked into three groupings – meadow bromegrass, smooth bromegrass and reed canarygrass ranked highest; intermediate wheatgrass, slender wheatgrass and orchardgrass ranked intermediate; and timothy and tall fescue ranked lowest. Key words: Leaf, regrowth, grass, grazing

Assessing eight grass species for pasture by measuring etiolated spring regrowth

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (3) ◽  
pp. 551-554 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. A. Lardner ◽  
S. B. M. Wright ◽  
R. D. H. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Phleum Pratense ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Reed Canarygrass ◽  
Smooth Bromegrass ◽  
Carbohydrate Reserves ◽  
Intermediate Wheatgrass ◽  
Elymus Trachycaulus ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass ◽  
Slender Wheatgrass

Grazing by herbivores can affect root carbohydrate reserves of grass species. A grazing study was conducted on an irrigated pasture near Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada, during the summers of 1991 and 1992 t o determine etiolated regrowth after grazing of reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea L.), slender wheatgrass ( Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners subsp . trachycaulus), intermediate wheatgrass [ Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkw. & D.R. Dewey subsp . intermedium], orchardgrass ( Dactylis glomerata L.), meadow bromegrass ( Bromus biebersteinii Roem. & Schult.), smooth bromegrass ( Bromus inermis Leyss.), tall fescue [ Festuca arundinacea (Schreb.) Wimm.] and timothy ( Phleum pratense L.) in order to eva luate the suitability of these species for grazing. All eight species were mob-grazed by sheep at a stocking rate of 30 animals ha-1. Carbohydrate reserves were estimated by determination of etiolated regrowth. Meadow bromegrass produced the greatest etiol ated regrowth and timothy the least. Based on production of etiolated regrowth the grasses were ranked into three groups - meadow bromegrass and intermediate wheatgrass ranked highest, smooth bromegrass, reed canarygrass, slender wheatgrass and orchardgra ss ranked intermediate and timothy and tall fescue ranked lowest. Key words:

PRODUCTIVITY OF GRASS SPECIES IN THE DARK BROWN SOIL ZONE OF SASKATCHEWAN

1987 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 719-725 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. P. KNOWLES
Keyword(s):  
Grass Species ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Smooth Bromegrass ◽  
Crested Wheatgrass ◽  
Intermediate Wheatgrass ◽  
Soil Zone ◽  
Western Wheatgrass ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass ◽  
Slender Wheatgrass

Six Eurasian temperate zone grasses, one mixture of these, and three North American wheatgrasses were compared in mainly nonfertilized tests from 1974 to 1983 in Saskatchewan, Canada. Introduced grasses outyielded natives at Saskatoon when cut once per season as hay with the following declining yield order (kg/ha): intermediate wheatgrass (3819), standard crested wheatgrass (2906), smooth bromegrass (2841), Russian wild ryegrass (2311), Fairway crested wheatgrass (2218), meadow bromegrass (2082), slender wheatgrass (2011), western wheatgrass (1919), and northern wheatgrass (1683). Much the same order of yield was observed when these grasses were clipped two to three times per season, although meadow bromegrass and western wheatgrass performed relatively better. At the Scott site, standard crested wheatgrass and northern wheatgrass performed relatively better than at Saskatoon. Slightly lower in vitro digestibility ratings were shown for natives than for introduced species and this appeared to be due to the more rapid senescence of natives. Stands at Saskatoon were maintained for 10 yr for all species except slender wheatgrass which lasted 5 yr. Weed control was best for meadow bromegrass and smooth bromegrass and poorest for slender wheatgrass, northern wheatgrass, and Fairway crested wheatgrass. Fertilizer applied to older stands showed a greater response for introduced grasses than for natives.Key words: Grass species, productivity, hay, pasture, longevity

Performance of short-lived perennial grasses grown with and without alfalfa at a semiarid location in southern Saskatchewan

2007 ◽  
Vol 87 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. G. Jefferson ◽  
R. P. Zentner ◽  
F. Selles ◽  
R. Lemke
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Perennial Grasses ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Semiarid Region ◽  
Canadian Prairies ◽  
Intermediate Wheatgrass ◽  
Elymus Trachycaulus ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Slender Wheatgrass

Tyically, crop rotations in the semiarid region of the Canadian prairies do not include perennial forages because forage termination produces negative effects on subsequent annual crops. Three short-lived perennial grass species, Dahurian wildrye grass (Elymus dahuricus Turcz. Ex Griseb), intermediate wheatgrass [Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski] and slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners), were compared for their forage productivity and persistence as short duration (3 yr) forage stands, either in a mixture with alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) or in monoculture, in three trials at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Intermediate wheatgrass produced 29 and 22% more forage and was more persistent than Dahurian wildrye or slender wheatgrass, respectively. In alfalfa mixtures, however, the grasses produced similar forage yield in two of three trials. Intermediate wheatgrass was more persistent in mixtures but yield compensation by alfalfa grown with Dahurian wildrye and slender wheatgrass produced similar total forage yield as these grass stands thinned during the third year of each trial. Intermediate wheatgrass and alfalfa mixtures could be utilized for short rotation forage stands in high-input crop sequences where stand termination is achieved with herbicides. Dahurian wildrye and alfalfa mixture has the best potential for short-rotation forages in organic crop systems of this region because it would require less tillage to terminate the stand. Key words: Crop rotation, forage yield

Compositional changes over four years for binary mixtures of grass species grown with white clover

2005 ◽  
Vol 85 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. B. McKenzie ◽  
Y. A. Papadopoulos ◽  
K. B. McRae ◽  
E. Butt
Keyword(s):  
White Clover ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Kentucky Bluegrass ◽  
Repeated Measurements ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Meadow Fescue ◽  
Reed Canarygrass

Kentucky bluegrass, meadow fescue, orchardgrass, tall fescue, timothy, and reed canarygrass were seeded in all possible two-grass combinations with white clover in conventional and underseeded barley treatments using a split-plot design at the Western Agriculture Centre near Pynn’s Brook, NL. The objectives were: (1) to assess dry matter yield (DMY) of two binary grass species when sown with white clover in mixtures under a system with cuttings at similar crop growth stages as rotational grazing and to assess the effect of underseeding to barley on this system; (2) to identify mixtures that enhance herbage distribution throughout the grazing season; and (3) to assess the sward dynamics over successive cropping seasons. The composition of the binary grass mixtures with white clover affected seasonal DMY, seasonal herbage distribution, and sward dynamics over the production years. Orchardgrass in mixtures decreased DMY, shifted the herbage distribution toward early season, and competed with other species. Timothy composition of the stand showed the largest decline over the 3 production years, whereas white clover declined in mixtures with bluegrass, orchardgrass, or tall fescue. Meadow fescue and reed canarygrass with white clover was the most productive mixture with excellent persistence and good yield distribution over the growing season. Orchardgrass was the least compatible species in the mixtures; it dominated first growth and contributed the least to biomass production in later years. Both bluegrass and reed canarygrass performed well in mixtures over the 3 production years; bluegrass appeared to enhance the performance of the other species during summer regrowth whereas reed canarygrass was superior in the later part of the growing season. Underseeding with barley did not affect white clover yield in any production year but detrimentally affected the yield of orchardgrass and meadow fescue in mixtures, and their seasonal distribution. Key words: Bluegrass, orchardgrass, meadow fescue, tall fescue, timothy, reed canarygrass, repeated measurements, principal component analysis, herbage DM distribution, species competition

The influence of harvest management and fertilizer application on seasonal yield, crude protein concentration and N offtake of grasses in northeast Saskatchewan

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (1) ◽  
pp. 205-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. McCartney ◽  
S. Bittman ◽  
W. F. Nuttall
Keyword(s):  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Fertilizer Application ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Harvest Management ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Smooth Bromegrass ◽  
Crested Wheatgrass ◽  
Red Fescue ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass

The goal of pasture management is to match quantity and quality of herbage to the requirement of the grazing animal. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of harvest management and fertilizer application on annual and seasonal production, protein concentration and N-offtake by eight grass species adapted to the central Aspen Parkland. In this 3-yr splitsplit- plot experiment, grasses were either fertilized annually (50 and 13 kg ha-1 of N and P, respectively) or left unfertilized, and cut either twice annually (two-cut) in early July and late September, or three to four times annually (multi-cut), in early June, early July, early August and late September if there was sufficient herbage. The grasses used in this study were Altai wildrye [Leymus angustus (Trin.) Pilger], creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra), meadow bromegrass [Bromus riparius (Rehmann)], Russian wildrye [Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski], smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum L. Gaertn.), intermediate wheatgrass [Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski] and green needlegrass [Nassella viridula (Trin.) Barkworth]. Fertilizer increased yield of the two-cut treatment 15% (P < 0.05) more than the multi-cut treatment. On average, the multi-cut treatment had 32% higher protein concentration than the two-cut treatment throughout the season. Fertilizer significantly increased protein concentration only in the first harvest of the multi-cut clipped plots, probably because the application rate was low. Nitrogen offtake of the multi-cut treatment averaged 24% higher than the two-cut treatment, even though the latter yielded more. Meadow bromegrass showed the most uniform seasonal distribution of yield among the high-yielding grasses under all management systems while smooth bromegrass and crested wheatgrass were generally the poorest. Crested wheatgrass had significantly more first cut production than all other grasses. Meadow bromegrass herbage also had the lowest protein concentrations throughout the growing season among the high producing grasses. Since the protein concentrations were generally higher than required by grazing beef cattle, the meadow bromegrass herbage was the most suitable for this class of cattle. Green needlegrass also showed potential for use in pastures. Key words: Pasture, hay, protein yield, Bromus, Elytrigia, Nassella, Agropyron, Festuca, Psathyrostachys, Leymus

Barley yield and nutrient uptake in rotation after perennial forages in the semiarid prairie region of Saskatchewan

2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (5) ◽  
pp. 809-816 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. G. Jefferson ◽  
F. Selles ◽  
R. P. Zentner ◽  
R. Lemke ◽  
R. B. Muri
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Uptake ◽  
Cropping Systems ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Barley Grain ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Grain Yields ◽  
Intermediate Wheatgrass ◽  
Brown Soil ◽  
Soil Zone ◽  
Slender Wheatgrass

Jefferson, P. G., Selles, F., Zentner, R. P., Lemke, R. and Muri, R. B. 2013. Barley yield and nutrient uptake in rotation after perennial forages in the semiarid prairie region of Saskatchewan. Can. J. Plant Sci. 93: 809–816. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most common perennial forage legume grown for hay and pasture in the semiarid Brown soil zone of the Canadian prairies. Perennial forages often are not recommended for inclusion in annual crop rotations due to lower grain yields and drier soils following forage stand termination, but this is based on research results from 50 yr ago. Three replicated experiments consisting of three grasses [slender wheatgrass (Elymus tracycaulus), intermediate wheatgrass (Elytrigia intermedia), and Dahurian wildrye (Elymus dahuricus)] grown in monoculture and in mixture with two alfalfa varieties (cv. Beaver or cv. Nitro) were terminated and seeded to barley (Hordeum vulgare ‘Harrington’) for 2 consecutive crop years at Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Soil water content was lower after the alfalfa–grass mixtures compared with the grass monocultures, even during a wet growing season. Barley yield and N concentration in the grain were significantly greater following Beaver alfalfa/grass mixture compared with grass monoculture in 3 and 4 of 6 site years, respectively. N uptake by the barley crop (grain and straw) was also significantly greater following Beaver alfalfa/grass mixture than following grass monoculture in all 6 yr. Both barley grain yield and N uptake after intermediate wheatgrass (grown in monoculture) were lower than after Dahurian wildrye or slender wheatgrass in 3 of 6 yr. The use of alfalfa and a short-lived grass species in hay and pasture mixtures in the Brown soil zone when grown in rotation with annual crops may indeed result in lower grain yields in the short term than continuous annual cropping systems, but the inclusion of alfalfa will provide a N benefit to the subsequent grain crop thereby enhancing yield and possibly its market value.

Persistence of cool-season grasses under grazing using the mob-grazing technique

1994 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 723-728 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. H. McCartney ◽  
S. Bittman
Keyword(s):  
Rest Period ◽  
Grazing Intensity ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Cool Season ◽  
Intermediate Wheatgrass ◽  
Grazing Tolerance ◽  
Elytrigia Repens ◽  
Grazing Intensities ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass

Evaluation of grass germplasms for pasture is usually done in trials which are harvested mechanically. This study evaluated the persistence of 13 cool-season grass species and germplasms under 4 yr of grazing in northeast Saskatchewan, using the mob-grazing technique. Thirteen grass germplasms were contained within each paddock, and the paddocks were grazed by large groups of cattle so that all the herbage was consumed evenly in 1–2 d. Three grazing intensities (light, moderate and intense) were established by varying the rest period between grazings. Ground cover declined more rapidly under intense than under light grazing, but no interaction was found between grazing intensity and grass germplasm. The ground cover of the seeded grasses generally declined but at different rates during the trial, giving a significant grass × year interaction. Parkway crested wheatgrass [Agropyron cristatum (L.) Beauv. ssp. pectination (Bieb.) Tzvel.] declined less than Carlton smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and the meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem & Schult.) cultivars. The most rapid stand decline was observed in intermediate wheatgrass [Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski], northern wheatgrass (Elymus lanceoiatus Scribn. & Smith), and hybrid wheatgrass [Elytrigia repens (L.) Nevski × E. spicata (Pursh) D. R. Dewey]. Seeded grasses were replaced mainly by bluegrass (Poa spp.). The results suggest that mob grazing is a useful technique for evaluating new species and germplasms intended for long-term pastures. Key words: Grazing tolerance, temperate grasses, pasture, ground cover, bromegrass, wheatgrass, wildrye, bluegrass

Short Communication: Etiolated growth of hybrid bromegrass (Bromus inermis×B. riparius) compared with smooth bromegrass, meadow bromegrass, crested wheatgrass and tall fescue under grazed or nongrazed conditions

2012 ◽  
Vol 92 (3) ◽  
pp. 441-445
Author(s):  
C. I. Ward ◽  
H. A. Lardner ◽  
P. G. Jefferson
Keyword(s):  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Short Communication ◽  
Bos Taurus ◽  
Bromus Inermis ◽  
Energy Reserves ◽  
Smooth Bromegrass ◽  
Crested Wheatgrass ◽  
Previous Season ◽  
Sufficient Energy ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass

Ward, C. I., Lardner, H. A. and Jefferson, P. G. 2012. Short Communication: Etiolated growth of hybrid bromegrass ( Bromus inermis × B. riparius ) compared with smooth bromegrass, meadow bromegrass, crested wheatgrass and tall fescue under grazed or nongrazed conditions. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 441–445. Etiolated spring regrowth of hybrid bromegrass was compared with smooth bromegrass, meadow bromegrass, crested wheatgrass and tall fescue under beef steer (Bos taurus) grazed or nongrazed conditions in the previous season over 2 yr in 2006 and 2007. Hybrid bromegrass seeded in 2003 had greater energy reserves than old crested wheatgrass (control) and similar reserves to tall fescue and crested wheatgrass. Hybrid bromegrass can be grazed in similar systems as meadow bromegrass and be expected to maintain sufficient energy reserves for spring growth.

scholarly journals Harvest management and N-fertilization effects on yield and regrowth of smooth bromegrass, crested wheatgrass, and meadow bromegrass in the eastern prairies

1996 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 773-782 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. P. McCaughey ◽  
R. G. Simons
Keyword(s):  
N Fertilization ◽  
Interactive Effects ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Harvest Management ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Smooth Bromegrass ◽  
Crested Wheatgrass ◽  
Consistent Manner ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass ◽  
Fertilization Effects

Little information exists describing how pasture-type grasses such as meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii Roem & Schult.; MBR) may differ from hay-type grasses such as crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.; CWG) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.; SBR) in terms of DMY response to harvest and fertilizer management. In a 3-yr field trial at Brandon, MB harvest management (two-cut hay management or three- to four-cut simulated pasture management) and nitrogen fertilizer (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 kg N ha−1) were examined for their interactive effects on DMY and percent regrowth of CWG, MBR, and SBR Grasses managed under a two-cut hay system generally had greater (P < 0.05) DMY and lower (P < 0.05) percent regrowth than grasses managed under a three- to four-cut simulated pasture system. There were few consistent differences in DMY between grass species with relative ranking and significance changing between site-years. However, percent regrowth of MBR was always greater (P < 0 05) than either CWG or SBR, indicating its value in rotational grazing systems. Generally, MBR responded to N-fertilizer in a similar manner to CWG and SBR. Nitrogen fertilization increased (P < 0.0001) total DMY linearly m all site-years with an apparent optimum of greater than 160 kg N ha−1 yr−1, but percent regrowth did not respond in a consistent manner. Environment, management, and grass species, respectively, accounted for 38.4, 33.2, and 0.6% of the total variation in DMY, emphasizing their relative impact on yield of dryland grasses. Key words: Grass, fertilization, hay, pasture, nitrogen

Agronomic characteristics and nutritive value of 11 grasses grown with irrigation on a saline soil in southwestern Saskatchewan

2004 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 1037-1050 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. E. Glover ◽  
G. A. Kielly ◽  
P. G. Jefferson ◽  
R. D. H. Cohen
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growth Stage ◽  
Seed Set ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Smooth Bromegrass ◽  
Crested Wheatgrass ◽  
Elymus Trachycaulus ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Tall Wheatgrass ◽  
Meadow Bromegrass

Agronomic and nutritive characteristics of 11 grasses were studied at Swift Current, Saskatchewan on a moderately saline irrigated soil: [smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.), meadow bromegrass (Bromus riparius Rehmann), tall wheatgrass (Elytrigia elongata (Host) Nevski), crested wheatgrass (Agropyron desertorum (Fisch. ex Link) Schult.), intermediate wheatgrass (Elytrigia intermedia (Host) Nevski), slender wheatgrass (Elymus trachycaulus (Linke) Gould ex Shinners), Altai wild ryegrass (Leymus angustus (Trin. Pilger), Russian wild ryegrass (Psathyrostachys junceus (Fisch.) Nevski), Dahurian wild ryegrass (Elymus dahuricus Turcz ex Grieseb), reed canarygrass (Phalaris arudinaceae L.) and creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.)]. Grasses were clipped at threeleaf, heading and seed set. Yield, leaf-to-stem ratio (LSR), botanical composition (BC), crude protein (CP), phosphorus, fibre and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were determined. There were differences (P < 0.05) between the grasses in yield at each growth stage with smooth bromegrass and creeping foxtail having high yields and meadow bromegrass low yields at all growth stages. The BC of most target grasses was greater than 60%. Exceptions were Dahurian wild ryegrass, crested wheatgrass, tall wheatgrass and meadow bromegrass. There were few significant differences between the grasses for LSR, except that Russian and Altai wild ryegrasses and meadow bromegrass had higher LSR (P < 0.05) than the other grasses. Differences in CP, P, neutral (NDF) and acid (ADF) detergent fibres were inconsistent and small at each growth stage but CP and P declined (P < 0.05) while NDF and ADF increased (P < 0.05) with plant maturation. There were differences (P < 0.05) between years and cuts for all traits except between years for yield, BC and LSR at seed set (P > 0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) NDF and in vivo dry matter digestibility (DMD) were determined for hay cut from each plot using sheep. The relationship between forage NDF and DMI: DMI g kg BW-1 d-1 = 86.5 – 0.09 NDF (r2 = 0.87; RSD = 1.16; P < 0.001)]

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