Daily Accumulation Rate Research Articles

Tree foliage as a net accumulator of highly toxic methylmercury

Tree canopies are known to elevate atmospheric inputs of both mercury (Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg). While foliar uptake of gaseous Hg is well documented, little is known regarding the temporal dynamics and origins of MeHg in tree foliage, which represents typically less than 1% of total Hg in foliage. In this work, we examined the foliar total Hg and MeHg content by following the growth of five individual trees of American Beech (Fagus grandifolia) for one growing season (April–November, 2017) in North Carolina, USA. We show that similar to other studies foliar Hg content increased almost linearly over time, with daily accumulation rates ranging from 0.123 to 0.161 ng/g/day. However, not all trees showed linear increases of foliar MeHg content along the growing season; we found that 2 out of 5 trees showed elevated foliar MeHg content at the initial phase of the growing season but their MeHg content declined through early summer. However, foliar MeHg content among all 5 trees showed eventual increases through the end of the growing season, proving that foliage is a net accumulator of MeHg while foliar gain of biomass did not “dilute” MeHg content.

The impact of the anthropause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on beach debris accumulation in Maui, Hawaiʻi

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent travel restrictions led to a considerable reduction in tourism and human activity on Maui, presenting a unique opportunity to study debris accumulation on local beaches during changing levels of human activities. Standardized daily debris accumulation surveys were completed at two beach sites in Maui, Hawai ‘i before (2017) as well as throughout the initial year of the pandemic (2020–2021) and allowed for the assessment of pandemic-related restrictions on marine debris accumulation trends. Throughout the pandemic, reduced beach use due to higher lockdown levels had significant impacts on debris accumulation at both sites, but only one of the two sites experienced a significant decrease (~ 90% reduction) in debris accumulation rates when compared to the same months in 2017. Daily accumulation rates across two sites increased from an average of 16 items/100 m during peak lockdown levels to 43 items/100 m when restrictions eased. The observed fluctuations in debris accumulation rates, driven by changes in tourism and travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic emphasize the importance of proactive measures to protect the natural environment, including source reduction and effective legislation for waste prevention. By addressing both local and remote sources of debris and focusing on reducing waste at its source, it is possible to mitigate the impacts of debris accumulation on coastal environments and marine life in Hawaiʻi.

Daily accumulation rates of floating debris and attached biota on continental and oceanic island shores in the SE Pacific: testing predictions based on global models.

Long-distance rafting on anthropogenic marine debris (AMD) is thought to have a significant impact on global marine biogeography and the dispersal of non-indigenous species. Therefore, early identification of arrival sites of AMD and its epibionts is crucial for the prioritization of preventive measures. As accumulation patterns along global coastlines are largely unstudied, we tested if existing oceanographic models and knowledge about upstream sources of litter and epibionts can be used as a simple and cost-efficient approach for predicting probable arrival sites of AMD-rafting biota in coastal zones. Using the Southeast Pacific as a model system, we studied daily accumulation rates, composition, and minimum floating times of AMD with and without epibionts on seven sandy beaches, covering the oceanic environment (Rapa Nui/Easter Island) and three regions (south, centre, north) along the Chilean continental coast, over a minimum of 10 consecutive days, and we contrast our results with predictions from published models. Total AMD accumulation rates varied from 56 ± 36 (mean±standard deviation) to 388 ± 433 items km-1 d-1 and differed strongly between regions, in accordance with local geomorphology and socioeconomic conditions (presence of larger cities and rivers upstream, main economic activities, etc.). Daily accumulation of items with pelagic epibionts (indicators of a pelagic trajectory) ranged from 46 ± 29 (Rapa Nui) to 0.0 items km-1 d-1 (northern continental region). Minimum floating times of rafts, as estimated from the size of pelagic epibionts, were longest in the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre's (SPSG) centre region, followed by the high-latitude continental region under the influence of the onshore West Wind Drift, and decreased along the continental alongshore upwelling current, towards lower latitudes. Apart from pelagic rafters, a wide range of benthic epibionts, including invasive and cryptogenic species, was found on rafts at the continental beaches. Similarly, we present another record of local benthic corals Pocillopora sp., on Rapa Nui rafts. Our results agree with the predictions made by recent models based on the prevailing wind and surface current regimes, with high frequencies of long-distance rafting in the oceanic SPSG centre and very low frequencies along the continental coast. These findings confirm the suitability of such models in predicting arrival hotspots of AMD and rafting species. Moreover, storm surges as well as site-related factors seem to influence AMD arrival patterns along the Chilean continental coast and might cause the observed high variability between sampling sites and days. Our results highlight the possible importance of rafting as a vector of along-shore dispersal and range expansions along the SE Pacific continental coast and add to the discussion about its role in benthic species dispersal between South Pacific oceanic islands.

Single and split nitrogen application on the forage yield, morphogenesis, chemical composition, and tissue nitrogen fractions of Cynodon nlemfuensis under mob grazing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage production, nutritional value (including protein fractions), and morphogenic characteristics of African star grass on nitrogen fertilizer in a single application and split applications of two and four, under mob grazing. The study was conducted on a 1.5 ha area with well-established African star grass (Cynodon nlemfuensis). The area was divided into 18 paddocks of 400 m2. for three treatments and six replications that were assigned through a randomized block design. The treatments were: Nap1 =Single N application; Nap2= split into two N applications; and Nap4: split into four N applications. Fertilizer application was 200 kg ha-1 of N in topdressing. Pasture was monitored weekly by sward height. Grazing began when the forage reached between 25 and 30 cm in height and ceased at 10 cm. In almost all months evaluated, Nap1 recorded the highest forage production, daily accumulation rate and available forage mass. Some morphogenic characteristics changed between the fertilization strategies, particularly in the months with greater water availability. The chemical composition did not fluctuate between treatments. African star grass can be fertilized with a single application of nitrogen at 200 kg ha-1 to attain greater forage mass and proportion of leaves, without any changes to the chemical composition and nitrogen fractions. These components were modified by the vegetative phase of the forage.

The first baseline estimation of marine litter in Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Data on marine litter is crucial to guide waste management but is scarce in third-world countries such as South Africa. We established the first baseline measurement of litter accumulation on two beaches differing in public access in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, the poorest province in South Africa. Four 10-day surveys were conducted on each beach between June 2019 and June 2020. Results revealed that most of the litter (95.7%) was of South African origin and likely came from local land-based sources (e.g., beachgoers or a local river). Daily accumulation rates at the study sites ranged between 24.58 and 86.54 items·100 m−1·day−1, an order of magnitude lower than rates from other cities in Africa. However, like elsewhere, plastic (including foam) made up the bulk (74.2%) of litter with food packaging contributing a large portion of this. These findings indicate that local interventions are warranted to reduce litter in Port Elizabeth.

Daily accumulation rates of marine litter on the shores of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) in the South Pacific Ocean

Large amounts of floating litter accumulate in the subtropical gyres, and the shorelines of oceanic islands in the vicinity of these accumulation zones receive large amounts of litter. The dynamics of marine litter arrival were evaluated on a small pocket beach on Rapa Nui (Easter Island) between November 2016 and June 2017 over a total time period of 190 days. Plastics dominated the stranded litter, with the majority of the items showing indications to come from the high seas fisheries operating in the South Pacific. Litter accumulation rates varied between 0 and 1.90 items m−1 day−1, and were highest following days of strong winds from northern directions. The results indicate that the shores of Rapa Nui are exposed to continuous input of plastic litter from the contaminated waters of the subtropical gyre, which is intensified during strong onshore winds.

BLACK OAT AND RYEGRASS INOCULATED WITH Azospirillum brasilense IN CROP-LIVESTOCK SYSTEM

ABSTRACT The success of the integrated crop-livestock system depends on the correct pasture management, particularly regarding nitrogen fertilization and grazing intensity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the total production of forage and the proportion of the botanical and structural components of black oat and annual ryegrass mixture. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replicates and the treatments were arranged in a three-factorial scheme: seed inoculation (with and without Azospirillum brasilense inoculation), grazing management (conventional grazing, where the animals were kept in pasture with no control of pasture height; 30, 20 and 10 cm at the end of grazing, and a control without grazing), and nitrogen fertilization (0, 50 and 100 kg nitrogen ha-1). In treatments with pasture heights where grazing ended at 30, 20 and 10 cm, the height was monitored and biomass was collected when the animals entered and exited the plots. Manual separation of the components was used to determine the dry mass of green leaves, stems, senescent material and inflorescence. Total dry mass production was obtained based on the initial forage mass plus the daily accumulation rates. The proportion of structural components varied according to the different grazing managements, nitrogen doses and inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense. Biomass production of black oat and ryegrass mixture was increased by nitrogen application and Azospirillum brasilense inoculation.

COVID lessons from the global south – Face masks invading tourist beaches and recommendations for the outdoor seasons

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been extensively used, and discarded PPE has been observed in many different environments, including on tourist beaches. Here we examined the distribution and densities of face masks on some of the main tourist beaches in Chile, and we monitored their daily accumulation rates on one beach in northern-central Chile. Face masks were found on beaches across the country with average densities of 0.006 ± 0.002 (mean ± se) face masks m−2, which are higher than densities reported on Peruvian beaches, but lower than those on some Kenyan beaches. Face masks were also found on more remote beaches and rocky shores in northern-central Chile. Daily accumulation rates on one tourist beach were low during austral fall/winter (0.2 face masks km−1 d−1), but were over ten times higher during austral summer (3.0 face masks km−1 d−1). These values are substantially higher than daily accumulation rates reported from urban streets, which is most likely due to the high densities of beach visitors during the summer tourist season. COVID-19 related infrastructure (signposts and PPE waste bins) was present on most beaches, but while signposts about personal protection were abundant, there were few signposts about littering, and only one of the 12 beaches sampled for COVID infrastructure had a signpost that offered recommendations about the proper disposal of used face masks. Specific waste bins for PPE waste were only available at three beaches. Based on these findings it is recommended to provide sufficient PPE-related signs and waste bins, establish general and strict waste disposal regulations, and to improve enforcement. Educational campaigns should aim at recommending proper use and disposal of face masks, litter prevention, reduction of single-use waste and enhanced pro-environmental behaviors.

Daily accumulation rates of marine litter in Pulau Rambut Wildlife Sanctuary, Jakarta Bay, Indonesia

Studies showed that the amount of marine litter is linked with unmanaged litter entering the ocean. Some marine litter could be stranded on small uninhabited islands, including on Pulau Rambut (25 ha), a wildlife sanctuary for waterbirds that consists of mangroves, beaches, and forests located near Jakarta Bay, where 13 rivers from Jakarta ended in the bay. The aim of this study was to identify the daily accumulation of marine litter (classified into non-organic and organic) that is stranded and trapped on this island. Shoreline surveys for the sandy beach (25 m x 7 m plot) and beach forest (25 cm x 6 cm), as well as visual surveys for mangroves (20 m x 4 m; 2 plots), were employed, repeated for 9 times within 17 days. Of 14,610 litter items collected, 14,585 items were non-organic, dominated by foam and plastic. The accumulation rates were 433,5 items/day for non-organic litter and 0,5 items/day for organic litter. The sandy beach and beach forest accumulated higher marine litters compared to mangroves.

Weed Interference on Growth and Leaf Nutrient Accumulation in Two Cassava Varieties

The development of cassava varieties with more efficient nutrient absorption can prevent losses caused by weed competition. The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter accumulation and leaf nutrient content in traditional and improved cassava varieties, with and without coexistence with weeds throughout the cycle. A randomized complete block design was used in a 2 x 2 x 11 factorial scheme with four replications. The first factor consisted of two varieties (Baianinha and Clone 56-03); the second factor was composed of the conditions with and without coexistence with weeds, and the third factor was 11 harvest periods. Coexistence with weeds reduced leaf contents of N (20.8% and 24.8%), P (26.7% and 4.6%) and K (27.1% and 12.6%) for 'Baianinha' and 'Clone 56-03', respectively. For coexistence with 'Baianinha', the period up to the maximum daily nutrient accumulation rate (N, P and K) ranged from 82 to 99 days after planting (DAP), while for 'Clone 56-03', coexistence in this period ranged from 80 to 88 DAP. The plants from the variety 'Clone 56-03' presented higher total dry mass and root dry mass accumulation, as well as higher leaf contents of N, P and K than the traditional cassava variety 'Baianinha', especially when in coexistence with weeds during the whole cycle.

Biokinetics and biotransformation of paralytic shellfish toxins in different tissues of Yesso scallops, Patinopecten yessoensis

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are a group of natural toxic substances often found in marine bivalves. Accumulation, anatomical distribution, biotransformation and depuration of PSTs in different tissues of bivalves, however, are still not very well understood. In this study, we investigated biokinetics and biotransformation of PSTs in six different tissues, namely gill, mantle, gonad, adductor muscle, kidney, and digestive gland, in Yesso scallops Patinopecten yessoensis exposed to a toxic strain of dinoflagellate Alexandrium pacificum. High daily accumulation rate (DAR) was recorded at the beginning stage of the experiment. Most of the PSTs in toxic algae ingested by scallops were retained and the toxicity level of PSTs in scallops exceeded the regulatory limit within 5 days. At the late stage of the experiment, however, DAR decreased obviously due to the removal of PSTs. Fitting results of the biokinetics model indicated that the amount of PSTs transferred from digestive gland to mantle, adductor muscle, gonad, kidney, and gill in a decreasing order, and adductor muscle, kidney, and gonad had higher removal rate than gill and mantle. Toxin profile in digestive gland was dominated by N-sulfocarbamoyl toxins 1/2 (C1/2), closely resembled that of the toxic algae. In contrast, toxin components in kidney were dominated by high-potency neosaxitoxin (NEO) and saxitoxin (STX), suggesting that the kidney be a major organ for transformation of PSTs.

Production of nutrients in dual-purpose wheat pastures managed with different doses of nitrogen as topdressing – exponential model

The aims of this study were to evaluate the yield and composition of dual-purpose wheat pasture BRS Tarumã managed with various urea nitrogen (N) doses and validate an exponential model and compare nutrient production costs. The completely randomized design had four replications per treatment (0, 150, 250, 350, and 450 kg N ha-1). For the 350 and 450 kg ha-1 treatments, the cycle was 212 d whereas that of the control was 167 d. The control accumulated 1,771 kg ha-1 dry matter. In contrast, the 450 kg ha-1 treatment accumulated 7,011 kg ha-1 DM. Topdressing nitrogen (150, 250, 350, and 450 kg ha-1) increased the traditional average daily accumulation rate by 586% relative to the control. However, the degree-days method determined a daily accumulation rate 652% higher than the control. The levels of dry matter and other nutrients in BRS Tarumã wheat pasture were influenced by the doses of nitrogen in the topdressing under the same environmental conditions (temperature and rainfall). An exponential model explained the dynamics of nutrient accumulation and was based on the thermal sum of each nitrogen dose impacting the cost per kilogram of pasture produced.

Plastic pollution in paradise: Daily accumulation rates of marine litter on Cousine Island, Seychelles

The daily accumulation rates, composition, sizes and potential sources of marine litter collected on a remote island within the Western Indian Ocean were investigated. In total, 9119 items of marine litter were collected during 40 surveys, which equated to 0.0082 items·m−1·d−1. Between 2003 and 2019 there was a significant increase in the amount of litter deposited, with the highest daily accumulation rate recorded in 2019 (0.0255 items·m−1·year−1). All specific litter types increased over time and also differed significantly in their accumulation rates, with polystyrene fragments/pieces (0.00249 items·m−1·d−1), plastic items (0.00135 items·m−1·d−1) and plastic bottles (0.0011 items·m−1·d−1) being the most commonly encountered during this study. The majority of the litter found was ≤5 cm in size. Nearly all (>80%) litter collected was made of or contained some form of plastic. Recommendations for improved management of litter and the importance of establishing regular beach clean-ups within the Seychelles are briefly discussed.

Toxic Effects of Purified Microcystins from Soil Blue-Green Alga Oscillatoria pseudogeminata on Tomato Plant Lycopersicon esculentum

The current study included the isolation, purification and cultivation of blue-green alga Oscillatoria pseudogeminata G.Schmidle from soil using the BG-11liquid culture medium for 60 days of cultivation. The growth constant (k) and generation time (G) were measured which (K=0.144) and (G=2.09 days).
 Microcystins were purified and determined qualitatively and quantitatively from this alga by using the technique of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa Kits). The alga showed the ability to produce microcystins in concentration reached 1.47 µg/L for each 50 mg DW. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) aged two months were irrigated with three concentrations of purified microcystins 0.5 , 3.0 and 6.0 µg/L for 24 days. The results showed that the highest bioaccumulation of these toxins was found in the plant group treated with concentration 6.0 μg/L, with an average of 12.278 µg/L in the entire plant body, with a daily accumulation rate of 0.511 µg/day compared with control group and other treatments (p≤0.05).
 The highly accumulation of toxin was found in roots followed in descending order by stems and leaves respectively and were directly proportional to the increased concentration of purified microcystins. The study indicated that there were significant changes (p≤0.05) in the plant height, length of roots and surface area of the leaves and the leaves appeared pale green in color, which increased with increasing the concentration of purified toxin. The obtained results also showed a significant decrease in the concentration of carbohydrates and chlorophylls by increasing concentrations of purified toxins.

Toxic Effects of Purified Microcystins from Soil Blue-Green Alga Oscillatoria pseudogeminata on Tomato Plant Lycopersicon esculentum

The current study included the isolation, purification and cultivation of blue-green alga Oscillatoria pseudogeminata G.Schmidle from soil using the BG-11liquid culture medium for 60 days of cultivation. The growth constant (k) and generation time (G) were measured which (K=0.144) and (G=2.09 days).
 Microcystins were purified and determined qualitatively and quantitatively from this alga by using the technique of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa Kits). The alga showed the ability to produce microcystins in concentration reached 1.47 µg/L for each 50 mg DW. Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum) aged two months were irrigated with three concentrations of purified microcystins 0.5 , 3.0 and 6.0 µg/L for 24 days. The results showed that the highest bioaccumulation of these toxins was found in the plant group treated with concentration 6.0 μg/L, with an average of 12.278 µg/L in the entire plant body, with a daily accumulation rate of 0.511 µg/day compared with control group and other treatments (p≤0.05).
 The highly accumulation of toxin was found in roots followed in descending order by stems and leaves respectively and were directly proportional to the increased concentration of purified microcystins. The study indicated that there were significant changes (p≤0.05) in the plant height, length of roots and surface area of the leaves and the leaves appeared pale green in color, which increased with increasing the concentration of purified toxin. The obtained results also showed a significant decrease in the concentration of carbohydrates and chlorophylls by increasing concentrations of purified toxins.

Accumulation and partition of macronutrients in Pennisetum purpureum cv. Roxo managed under different growth ages and seasons

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to evaluate the macronutrient accumulations in leaf, stem, and shoot of elephant grass cv. Roxo. The treatments consisted of seven growth ages (9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54, and 63 days) and three growing seasons (rainy, transition, and dry). A completely randomized design and a split-plot time arrangement were used, where the ages were the plots and the seasons the subplots, with three replications. Interaction between the factors age and season of cultivation for the contents and the daily accumulation rates of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S in leaf, stem, and shoot fractions were calculated. The margins of daily accumulation of nutrients N, P, K, Mg, and S presented positive linear behavior in all seasons studied; however, with variation in the magnitude of the response between them. The daily accumulation rate of Ca in the canopy was adjusted to a linear model for the rainy and dry seasons and to a quadratic model for the transition season, reaching a maximum of 4.60 kg ha-1 at 59.76 days of growth. The accumulation of nutrients in elephant grass cv. Roxo showed the following decreasing order: K > N > P > Mg > Ca > S in the rainy and transition seasons, while in the dry season the following decreasing order was observed: K > P > N > Ca > Mg > S.

Accumulation and exportation of nutrients by yellow Passion fruit cv. IAC 275

Abstract The mineral nutrition is essential to increase yield and fruit quality of passion fruit. There is no information of nutrient accumulation throughout the production cycle. Thus, in order to assist in the correct nutrients supply and update the recommendations, studies involving cultivars and cultivation techniques are necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plant growth, the nutrient accumulation and the exportation in plants of yellow passion fruit cv. IAC 275. The experimental design was a randomized block, with three replications, where the treatments were evaluation times. Stem length, dry mass matter and nutrient accumulation in aerial part (leaves and stems), fruits and roots were evaluated. The maximum daily accumulation rate and periods of maximum nutritional requirement were calculated, in addition to the nutrient extraction and exportation. The nutrient accumulation at the end of the cycle, at 450 days after sowing, were in g plant-1: N (178.5) > K (162.4) > Ca (70.8) > Mg (14.8) > S (13.3) > P (11.0) and mg plant-1: Fe (827.6) > Mn (130.7) > Zn (69.8) > B (56.7) > Cu (17.8).

Animal performance, production, and quality of Tanzania grass fertilized with nitrogen

This study aimed to assess forage production, animal performance, and the chemical composition of Tanzania grass pasture fertilized with 50, 100, 200, and 400 kg ha-1 of nitrogen. The variables analyzed were: leaf mass, daily accumulation rate, leaf/stem ratio, average daily gain, stocking rate, live weight gain per unit of area crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of leaves. The pasture management maintained the pasture height at 50 cm by using a continuous grazing method with the adjustment of stocking rate. The experimental design was a randomized block with three replicates. The leaf mass increased linearly in response to nitrogen, with an increase of 1003 kg (34%) observed between a nitrogen content of 50 and 400 kg ha-1. Nitrogen did not affect the average daily gain, but increased the stocking rate and live weight gain ha-1. The value of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber were higher with increased nitrogen levels, whereas the leaf digestibility did not affect nitrogen use. The comparison of 50 and 400 kg ha-1 levels indicated that there was an average increase of 19.2% in the leaf crude protein. The increased application of nitrogen fertilizer in Tanzania grass improved the chemical composition and animal performance; with regard to studied variables, the dose of 200 kg ha-1 resulted in the greatest improvement.

Productive characteristics of the grass Digitaria umfolozi subjected to defoliation frequencies

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the dry matter production, total dry matter availability, daily dry matter accumulation rate, light interception, leaf area index, daily accumulation rate, dry matter availability of the morphological components (leaf blades, stems + sheaths and dead material), leaf/stem ratio, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre of Faixa-Brancagrass under seven defoliation frequencies (14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days). Longer defoliation frequencies reduced the percentage of leaf blades and increased the percentage of stems + sheaths. The defoliation frequency positively influenced the availability of leaf blades, stems + sheaths, dead material and total dry matter. In the range of 42 days of defoliation, light interception reached 95%. At frequencies of 14 and 21 days of defoliation, the crude protein content of the leaves was above 20%. The highest utilization efficiency of D. umfolozi grass is achieved when the forage is managed with cutting intervals of 40 to 46 days. Higher defoliation frequencies positively contribute to the increase in the number of total white band grass leaves and higher crude protein content of the leaf blades and stems + sheaths.

<b>Forage yield in pastures with bermuda grass mixed with different legumes

Three grazing systems with Coastcross-1 bermuda grass (CC) + 100 kg N ha-1 year-1 + common vetch; CC + 100 kg N ha-1 year-1 + arrowleaf clover; and CC + 200 kg N ha-1 year-1 were evaluated. Thirteen grazing cycles were performed during the experimental period (313 days), with two, five, four and two cycles respectively in winter, spring, summer and fall. Lactating Holstein cows were used in the evaluation. Daily accumulation rate, forage production, rate of forage disappearance, agronomic intake, grazing efficiency, herbage allowance and stocking rate were evaluated. Mean rates of forage yield and stocking rate were 20.8; 17.6 and 19.7 t DM ha-1 and 7.0; 6.8 to 6.8 animal units ha-1 day-1 for the respective forage systems. The mixture Coastcross-1 plus common vetch, fertilized with 100 kg N ha-1 year-1 and Coastcross-1 fertilized with 200 kg N ha-1 year-1 provided greater productivity and better distribution of forage throughout the seasons.