Abstract
Sorghum-Sudangrass was used in randomized complete block to test the effects of a bio-inoculant (BI) and nitrogen (N) application on dry matter (DM) yield determination and forage quality parameters (CP, TDN, ADF, NDF Ca, and P) and 72 h in situ digestibility at two harvest periods (H1 and H2). No effects of BI or N (P>0.05) were noted in any of the quality, yield or digestibility variables. An effect of H was noted in all quality, DM yield and digestibility data (P<0.01). Samples obtained at H1 were higher in quality (P<0.01), yielded less DM (P<0.01) and had greater in situ digestibility (P<0.01) A harvest x N interaction (P<0.05) existed for DM yield and digestibility. Moreover, a harvest x BI interaction existed (P<0.05), for digestibility.
Highlights
Beef cattle producers are forced to make decisions based upon the return on investment
With recent changes regarding commodity and fertilizer prices, the practice of fertilizer application falls under closer scrutiny
Bioincoulants are microbes that will work in conjunction with plants to increase nutrient uptake and in theory, increase yield or reduce fertilizer input
Summary
Beef cattle producers are forced to make decisions based upon the return on investment. Chemical fertilizer application is a common used method by beef cattle producers in the southeastern United States to improve pasture yield and quality [1]. One potential method to help increase the utilization of N fertilizer may be the use of bioinocoulants. Bioincoulants are microbes that will work in conjunction with plants to increase nutrient uptake and in theory, increase yield or reduce fertilizer input. Kennedy [4] determined that certain bioincoulants could be used to crop production systems to reduce N use and enhance farm output. Hein [5] examined the use of a bioincoulant on production of rice in Vietnam, and determined that the addition of bioinoculant resulted in increases in yield of grain. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of this novel bioinoculant on DM yield, forage quality characteristics and digestibility of sorghum sudangrass
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