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Abstract
To develop strategies for successful establishment of forage native warm-season grasses (NWSGs) in southeastern USA, early agronomic performance of transplanted and seeded stands of big bluestem (BB, Andropogon gerardii Vitman), eastern gamagrass (GG, Tripsacum dactyloides L.), indiangrass [IG, Sorghastrum nutans (L.). Nash], and switchgrass (SG, Panicum virgatum L.) were compared. In early June, about 6-week old high tunnel grown seedlings were transplanted to assigned clean seedbeds. Plant spacing (cm) was 30-within and 45-between rows. Seeded plots received ≥ 11 kg seeds ha<sup>-1</sup> planted at ≤ 2 cm deep in 45-cm wide rows, a month after transplanting to match rainfall availability. As needed, tall-growing broadleaf weeds were removed physically by cutting with a hand hoe. Plants were allowed uninterrupted first year growth with no fertilizer applied. Early in the following spring, dead standing biomass was mowed down to allow the emerging tillers more access to sunlight. During the second and third year after planting, plots were machine harvested twice between July and September for yield assessment. Percentage ground covered by plant material and species basal diameter were also recorded. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design for effects of planting method, species, and stand age. Except for GG, transplanting resulted in greater (&gt;3,000 kg DM ha<sup>-1</sup>) forage yield and more so during the second harvest year. Total second year yields were similar for BB and GG and averaged 9,600 and 6,300 kg DMha<sup>-1</sup> for transplanted and seeded, respectively. Indiangrass and SG yields (kg DM ha<sup>-1</sup>) were 11,500 and 8,300 and 13,000 and 10,000 for transplanted and seeded plots, respectively. The NWSG ground cover was greater in the transplanted than seeded plots, while the reverse was true for weed cover. Data indicate that, in less than two years, transplanting under comparable growing conditions can produce harvest-ready uniform NWSG stands in weed infested areas. For practical recommendations, however, data on comparable responses of transplanted vs seeded stands to actual grazing at a similar timing is necessary.
Highlights
1.1 Summer Forage ShortagesIn Virginia, as in most other southeastern states of America, inability of introduced warm-season forage grasses (IWSGs) to withstand the July-August dry spell causes summer forage shortages and can potentially impact the productivity of ruminant livestock
The native warm-season grasses (NWSGs) ground cover was greater in the transplanted than seeded plots, while the reverse was true for weed cover
The observed narrower differences between the first and second year forage yields from transplanted plots demonstrate the reliability of seedling transplants in achieving enhanced establishment of NWSG stands in less than two years
Summary
In Virginia, as in most other southeastern states of America, inability of introduced warm-season forage grasses (IWSGs) to withstand the July-August dry spell causes summer forage shortages and can potentially impact the productivity of ruminant livestock Besides their inability to withstand the summer droughty conditions, the productivity of these introduced warm-season forages such as bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L), bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flueggé), and P. dilatatum Poir.) is dependent on rainfall distribution and application of external fertilizers. Livestock producers are forced to sustain their animals on costly hay and concentrate feeds, which negatively impact their profit margins This reliance on purchased hay somehow eliminates the producers’ control over the quality and composition of feeds in use, making it even harder for those interested in organic production. This makes forage systems composed of plant species adapted to a diversity of growing conditions more likely to support year-round forage-based ruminant production
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