Forage Crop Production Research Articles

Conservation dairy farming impact on water quality in a karst watershed in northeastern US

One crucial challenge of agriculture is to increase productivity to feed the continuously growing population without deteriorating soil, water, and environmental quality. More emphasis on improved efficiencies, appropriate management of agricultural systems, and improved agronomic and nutrient use practices are needed to address this challenge. A conservation dairy farming system that produces the majority of the dairy feed and forage crops, with no-till, continuous diversified plant cover, and manure injection has recently been developed and tested in Pennsylvania, but the effect of this newly developed cropping system on nonpoint source pollution at the watershed scale is yet to be investigated. Topo-SWAT, a variation of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), was used to simulate nutrient and sediment loading processes of four dairy farming scenarios that differed in land area and implemented different feed production and nutrient input strategies: (i) forage crop production only and no best management practice (no-BMP scenario); (ii) forage production only and typical Pennsylvania management, which includes some no-till and cover cropping (typical scenario); (iii) forage and feed crop production with conservation management with broadcast manure (conservation-BM scenario); and (iv) forage and feed crop production with conservation management with injected manure (conservation-IM scenario). The conservation-IM scenario was the most effective for reducing total nutrient (42% N and 51% P) and sediment (41%) load in the watershed. The typical scenario also reduced nutrient and sediment load compared to the no-BMP scenario. Both conservation scenarios significantly reduced the number of in-stream peaks of organic N (73–82%), nitrate-N (43–47%), organic P (41–50%), and soluble P (62–70%) concentration compared to the typical scenario. Introduction of manure injection hindered runoff-mediated loss of nutrients but not leaching. Both conservation scenarios also decreased nitrous oxide emission by reducing denitrification. Additionally, manure injection retarded 91% of the N volatilization that occurred in manure broadcast scenario. The watershed scale study indicates that implementation of the conservation scenarios can largely contribute to the initiatives of achieving a target total maximum daily load in the Chesapeake Bay.

Peran Pertanian Organik Berbasis Ternak dalam Mendukung Ketersediaan Pangan Sehat dan Aman dn Mencapai Kelestarian Pertanian-Lingkungan

<p>Practicing intensive agriculture by implementing chemical substances in agriculture systems have been suspected cause problem on environment. Increase content of nitrate in drinking water and aquatic systems and greenhouse gases status of atmosphere may be due to the miss-practice of agricultural activity. Organic farming (OF) is one of techniques that may be implemented in order to solve this problem. Besides, its benefit in maintaining agro-environmental sustainability, practicing OF has weakness in the field. Therefore, to achieve its goal suitable strategy is needed. In the OF based on livestock, integration of crop-livestock-soil may occur, where among those three interact one each other and therefore ideal system (Zero wastes) may be established. Improvement of pasture increase, highly forage crop productivity and availability is expected influence on the performance of livestock. On the other hand, the return of animal wastes into pasture may tend to decrase the risk of environmental pollution.</p>

Has Selection for Grain Yield Altered Intermediate Wheatgrass?

Perennial grains are demonstrating a greater probability of occupying land currently dedicated to other agricultural production. Arable land that is currently in use for forage or annual crop production becomes utilized. Breeding materials for the introduction of perennial grains directly into the human food chain has required utilizing existing plant materials in the domestication of species or manufacturing diverse crosses to introduce perenniality into existing crops. In the domestication of intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium (Host), Barkworth and Dewey), existing forage cultivars or plant accessions were used to develop populations selected for grain production. A comparison of Cycle 3 materials from The Land Institute (TLI), Salina, KS, USA to USDA-Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) accessions took place under space-planted field conditions at Carman, MB, Canada from 2011 to 2014. One hundred plants (75 TLI and 25 GRIN identified in May 2012) were followed through three seed harvests cycles with phenological, morphological and agronomic traits measured throughout. Selection for seed productivity (TLI materials) reduced the importance of biomass plant−1 on seed yield plant−1, leading to an increase in harvest index. Principal component analysis demonstrated the separation of the germplasm sources and the differential impact of years on the performance of all accessions. Path coefficient analysis also indicated that plant biomass production was of less importance on seed yield plant−1 in the TLI materials. Analysis removing area plant−1 as a factor increased both the importance of biomass and heads on seed yield cm−2 in the TLI materials, especially in the first two seed production years. Plant differences due to selection appear to have reduced overall plant area and increased harvest index in the TLI materials, indicating progress for grain yield under selection. However, a greater understanding of the dynamics within a seed production field is needed to provide insight into the development of more effective selection criteria for long-term field level production.

Cutting reduces variation in biomass production of forage crops and allows low-performers to catch up: A case study of Trifolium pratense L. (red clover).

Re-growth of fodder plants after grazing and mowing drives the profitability of their cultivation and is therefore an important target trait for plant breeding and agricultural engineering. However, for some fodder plants little is known about their re-growth dynamics in response to grazing or mowing. We analysed the native response of plant architecture, leaf morphology and growth performance to experimental cutting in wild Trifolium pratense L. (red clover) plants. A total of 150 potted clover plants were established under controlled field conditions, and half of the plants were cut to 5cm 3months after sowing. Each plant was measured every week for 5months. The cut and subsequently re-grown plants carried fewer main branches (-20%), as well as fewer (-13%) and smaller (-32%) leaves than the control plants. However, the cut plants produced an average of 17% more accumulated leaf area (cut + re-grown leaf area) than the control plants. This discrepancy was explained by variation in the growth strategy of the plants, where the cut plants invariably expressed a second growth phase, while almost half of the untreated plants did not. Our results suggest that cutting acted as an artificial trigger initiating a second growth phase in the cut plants and thereby contributed to yield increase. Exploiting this mechanism may set new goals for breeding and optimisation of the mowing regime.

English

The high generation of organic residues from the intensive farming of chickens has induced their use as fertilizer for forage crop production. This aimed to evaluate the effect of poultry litter application on agronomic traits and quality of silage of elephant grass. The experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Boa Vista Farm, in district of Cachoeira de Santa Cruz, Vicosa, State of Minas Gerais, in sandy argisol. The experimental period was from November 2014 to February 2015 and the treatments consisted of four levels of fermented poultry litter (0, 4, 8 and 12 ton.ha-1) with five repetitions. Evaluations consisted of measurements of plant height, stem diameter, number of plants.ha-1 and green mass yield. In relation to silage, measurements of gas losses, effluents and total losses were performed using the four treatments cited and four repetitions. There was a positive linear effect (P 0.05) on the stem diameter, green mass yield and silage quality. Key words: Organic waste, Pennisetum purpureum Schum, poultry litter, productivity, qualitative parameters.

Molecular improvement of alfalfa for enhanced productivity and adaptability in a changing environment.

Due to an expanding world population and increased buying power, the demand for ruminant products such as meat and milk is expected to grow substantially in coming years, and high levels of forage crop production will therefore be a necessity. Unfortunately, urbanization of agricultural land, intensive agricultural practices, and climate change are all predicted to limit crop production in the future, which means that the development of forage cultivars with improved productivity and adaptability will be essential. Because alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most widely cultivated perennial forage crops, it has been the target of much research in this field. In this review, we discuss progress that has been made towards the improvement of productivity, abiotic stress tolerance, and nutrient-use efficiency, as well as disease and pest resistance, in alfalfa using biotechnological techniques. Furthermore, we consider possible future priorities and avenues for attaining further enhancements in this crop as a means of contributing to the realization of food security in a changing environment.

Invited review: Sustainable forage and grain crop production for the US dairy industry

A resilient US dairy industry will be underpinned by forage and crop production systems that are economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. Land use for production of perennial and annual forages and grains for dairy cattle must evolve in response to multiple food security and environmental sustainability issues. These include increasing global populations; higher incomes and demand for dairy and other animal products; climate change with associated temperature and moisture changes; necessary reductions in carbon and water footprints; maintenance of soil quality and soil nutrient concerns; and competition for land. Likewise, maintaining producer profitability and utilizing practices accepted by consumers and society generally must also be considered. Predicted changes in climate and water availability will likely challenge current feed and dairy production systems and their national spatial distribution, particularly the western migration of dairy production in the late 20th century. To maintain and stabilize profitability while reducing carbon footprint, particularly reductions in methane emission and enhancements in soil carbon sequestration, dairy production will need to capitalize on genetic and management innovations that enhance forage and grain production and nutritive value. Improved regional and on-farm integration of feed production and manure utilization is needed to reduce environmental nitrogen and phosphorus losses and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Resilient and flexible feed production strategies are needed to address each of these challenges and opportunities to ensure profitable feeding of dairy cattle and a sustainable dairy industry.

Humic Acid and Synthesized Humic Mimic Promote the Growth of Italian Ryegrass

Humic acid (HA) is a complex organic matter found in the environments, especially in grassland soils with a high density. The bioactivity of HA to promote plant growth depends largely on its extraction sources. The quality-control of HA and the quality improvements via an artificial synthesis are thus challenging. We recently reported that a polymeric product from fungal laccase-mediated oxidation of catechol and vanillic acid (CAVA) displays a HA-like activity to enhance seed germination and salt stress tolerance in a model plant, Arabidopsis. Here, we examined whether HA or CAVA enhances the growth of Italian ryegrass seedling. Height and fresh weight of the plant with foliar application of HA or CAVA were bigger than those with only water. Interestingly, enhanced root developments were also observed in spite of the foliar treatments of HA or CAVA. Finally, we proved that HA or CAVA promotes the regrowth of Italian ryegrass after cutting. Collectively, CAVA acts as a HA mimic in Italian ryegrass cultivation, and both as a biostimulant enhanced the early growth and regrowth after cutting of Italian ryegrass, which could improve the productivity of forage crops.

Quality characteristics and nutrient yield of fodder maize (Zea mays) as influenced by seeding density and nutrient levels in Indo-Gangetic Plains

Productivity and quality traits of forage crops are largely affected by agronomic management at field conditions in different climatic strata. Therefore, the present field investigation was carried out during kharif season of 2014 and 2015 at ICAR-NDRI, Karnal to evaluate the effect of different planting densities and fertility levels on nutritive yields and quality of fodder maize (Zea mays L.). An experiment was laid out in split plot arrangement with three treatments in main-plot of planting densities of 60, 75 and 90 kg seed/ha and six treatments in subplot of nutrient levels, i.e. 0, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150% recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), i.e. 120 kg N/ha and 60 kg P2O5/ha. All the seed rates were found statistically at par for all the parameters except fiber fractions, i.e. neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content, in which 60 kg/ha seed rate accumulated significantly lower fiber contents. However, numerically higher values of fodder yields and quality parameters were observed at lower planting density. Nutrient levels showed significant increase in fodder yields with increase in dose of fertility up to 125% RDF. The combined use of 60 kg/ha seed rate and 125% RDF obtained significant maximum green (61.7 t/ha) and dry fodder yield (14.1 t/ha). The results showed that use of 150% RDF improved CP content by 20.2%, ether extract by 20.1% and ash content by 23.3% over control. Further, the maize fodder supplied with 150% RDF attributed minimum level of fiber fractions and magnitude of reduction in NDF was 3.49%, ADF was 3.54% and that of ADL was 7.65% in comparison to 0% RDF. The combination of 60 kg/ha seed rate and 125% RDF obtained significant maximum CP (1542.1 kg/ha), EE (367.4 kg/ha) and ash yield (1280.0 kg/ha). The use of 150% RDF also resulted into improvement in the nutrient content to the tune of 20.2% in N and 12.5% in P and enhanced nutrient uptake by 50.5% of N and 41.9% that of P over control. It can be concluded that to realize higher productivity with enhanced quality of fodder maize with optimum density (60 kg/ha) and use of 125% of RDF are quite helpful, which will further strengthen and sustain the performance of livestock in terms of health and milk production.

Possibilities Forage Legume Seed Production in Turkey

There are suitable ecological regions of Turkey for seed production of legume forage crops. At the stage of flowering and seed maturation low humidity and high temperature can cause to reduction in seed yield. Ecological conditions of Central and Southern Anatolia are very favorable for seed production in legume forage crops. Alfalfa, common vetch, sainfoin are most important among the forage crops cultivated in Turkey. Some cultivars belonging to above the mentioned species have been developed in Turkey. High-quality seed is essential for good field stands. Seed crops should be produced taking into consideration with seed production rules. Control of seed quality in seed production must conform to statutes of National Certification Standard. High yields of good quality seed are obtained under good management such as sowing time and rate, irrigation, fertilizer, weed control, storage conditions isolation distance and certification rules.

飼料作物の乾物生産に関する研究 : 第1報 ラジノクローバーの生育相ならびにその季節別の成長解析について

飼料作物の乾物生産に関する研究 : 第1報 ラジノクローバーの生育相ならびにその季節別の成長解析について

Sustainable intensification in the production of grass and forage crops in the Low Countries of north‐west Europe

AbstractProduction of grass and fodder crops in areas under intensive production systems in the Low Countries of north‐west Europe faces a number of threats related to increased regulations, scarcity of land and restricted freedom of use of the land, and from climate change. Grassland‐based farmers are pushed to do more with less, i.e., to improve eco‐efficiency, and this requires “more knowledge per ha.” This article argues that progress in variety breeding, the application of crop rotation instead of monocultures, a proper use of catch crops, ley‐arable farming and overall good management offer realistic opportunities to cope with current threats. A large capacity for mechanization also allows improvement of net yields per ha. This article highlights that progress in plant breeding has compensated for yield declines caused by nutrient‐input restrictions in forage maize (Zea mays L.). Both forage maize and grass–clover can take advantages of ley‐arable farming, and crop rotation provides an insurance against the effects of low‐yielding years and a buffer for reduced nutrient inputs.

Changes in Productivity of Several Forage Crops during the Late Autumn Season for Grazing Purpose at Two Altitudes in the Kanto-Koshinetsu Region

Changes in Productivity of Several Forage Crops during the Late Autumn Season for Grazing Purpose at Two Altitudes in the Kanto-Koshinetsu Region

Nutritional Status and Indigenous Mycorrhizal Infection of Berseem Clover and Barley Fertilized with Poultry Litter and Compost in an Organic Farming System

Organic farming is an agricultural system that is receiving increased attention in forage crop production. The incorporation of composts and manures from different animal and plant sources into forage production systems would positively affect forage yield and quality through enhancing the nutritional status of the plant. Field trials were carried out at SEKEM organic farm, in Egypt, during the winter seasons of 2012 and 2013. Main aim was to study the effect of application of compost and poultry litter on shoot fresh and dry weights (g plant-1), nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) concentration (%) and uptake (g plant-1) of barley and berseem clover, as well as to examine the variation in root mycorrhizal infection under the organic farming system. Results revealed that the tested forage crops responded differently to the applied amendments. When fertilized with compost, barley produced the highest fresh and dry weights, amounting to 99.67 and 17.37 (g plant-1), respectively. Compost application also enhanced P concentration (0.36%) and uptake (6.25 g plant-1) and N uptake (35.61 g plant-1) in barley plants compared to poultry litter and control (no fertilization). On the other hand, berseem clover recorded its highest fresh and dry weights with the application of poultry litter, 2.50 and 0.27 (g plant-1), respectively. In addition, application of poultry litter significantly enhanced P (0.08 g plant-1) and N (0.84 g plant-1) uptake in beseem clover, while P and N concentrations were similar under compost and poultry litter application. Although root mycorrhizal infection was detected in both crops, that were organically fertilized, its percentage didn’t vary significantly among the tested organic amendments. The current results suggest that, under the organic farming system, fertilizing barley with compost and berseem clover with poultry litter would improve yield and quality of the end fodder through improving the nutrients’ uptake and concentration in the plants.

Modelling the resilience of forage crop production to future climate change in the dairy regions of Southeastern Australia using APSIM

SUMMARYA warmer and potentially drier future climate is likely to influence the production of forage crops on dairy farms in the southeast dairy regions of Australia. Biophysical modelling was undertaken to explore the resilience of forage production of individual forage crops to scalar increases in temperature, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration and changes in daily rainfall. The model APSIM was adapted to reflect species specific responses to growth under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations. It was then used to simulate 40 years of production of forage wheat, oats, annual ryegrass, maize grown for silage, forage sorghum, forage rape and alfalfa grown at three locations in southeast Australia with increased temperature scenarios (1, 2, 3 and 4 °C of warming) and atmospheric CO2 concentration (435, 535, 640 and 750 ppm) and decreasing rainfall scenarios (10, 20 or 30% less rainfall). At all locations positive increases in DM yield compared with the baseline climate scenario were predicted for lucerne (2·6–93·2% increase), wheat (8·9–37·4% increase), oats (6·1–35·9% increase) and annual ryegrass (9·7–66·7% increase) under all future climate scenarios. The response of forage rape and forage sorghum varied between location and climate change scenario. At all locations, maize was predicted to have a minimal change in yield under all future climates (between a 2·6% increase and a 6·8% decrease). The future climate scenarios altered the seasonal pattern of forage supply for wheat, oats and lucerne with an increase in forage produced during winter. The resilience of forage crops to climate change indicates that they will continue to be an important component of dairy forage production in southeastern Australia.

Crop Analysis through Growth Survey after Wintering of Winter Annual Forages Grown from 2014 to 2015

ABSTRACT In order to identify the causes of various problems related to forage crop growth, such as winter survival, coldness, rainfall, drought etc., and to provide basic data for the stable production and supply of forage year round, we performed a growth survey after the wintering of winter forage crops grown from mid-Sep. 2014 to late-Feb. 2015. The growth of winter forage crops after wintering in the country was generally bad. As shown in the regional distribution in the country, regions with 80% or higher winter survival rates comprised 66%, regions with 79 to 50% winter survival comprised 24.9% and regions with less than 50% winter survival comprised 9.1%. In conclusion, the average winter survival rate was 79% in the country. Winter survival rate and coverage rate after the wintering of winter forage crops under installed drain channels in paddy fields were good at 83% and 80%, respectively. However, the rates without installed drain channels were bad at 67% and 66%, respectively. It was predicted that the crop production of winter forage crops was reduced by 10-15% in Gangwon, Chungbuk, Chungnam, Gyeongnam and Jeonnam regions, reduced by 30% in Gyeonggi, Gyeongbuk and Jeonbuk regions and reduced overall by approximately 19% nationwide.(

Feedstock analysis sensitivity for estimating ethanol production potential in switchgrass and energycane biomass

Efficient ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass requires highly degradable feedstock; therefore, there is a similarity between forage crop production for ruminant animals and ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Feed value analysis techniques may be used to estimate lignocellulosic biomass quality. Because lignin and its derivatives in cell walls are major compounds interrupting biomass degradation, fiber analysis and in vitro incubation tests were conducted with switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and energycane (Saccharum spp.) biomass collected at 100 and 120 g lignin (acid detergent lignin) kg−1 DM (dry matter). Mean NDF (neutral detergent fiber) in switchgrass was consistently greater than that of energy cane regardless of lignin levels, while ADF (acid detergent fiber) did not differ. Mean of energycane in vitro true digestibility and digestible neutral detergent fiber were greater than those of switchgrass. The ADF and ruminal fermentation rate averaged by lignin levels differed, while most of the analysis results did not. Based on ADF and NDF concentrations, switchgrass contained a greater concentration of hemicellulose than energycane, while cellulose concentration was similar. Fermentability of energycane was consistently greater than that of switchgrass. Fermentation gas volume was positively correlated with cellulosic biomass degradation for ethanol production. Consequently, fermentation gas kinetic parameters obtained from biomass fermentation with rumen fluid or with yeast indicate that the fermentable pool size is the parameter most closely correlated to ethanol production potential across the species. Results obtained from feed value analyses demonstrate fermentation variability and meaningful relationships between fermentation gas parameters and ethanol production. Thus, the ruminal fermentation process is useful as a screening tool for ethanol production potential of biofuel feedstock. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Variability in the critical phase of stem elongation of perennial ryegrass genotypes: a source for breeding progress?

SUMMARYPhenological development and its variation during reproductive growth have important effects on the yield and quality of forage grasses. In perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) genetic variation in heading date is well recognized, but there are no reliable studies about the variability in the length of the stem elongation phase. To determine the variation in phenological traits of single plants of perennial ryegrass genotypes, a field trial was conducted over three growing seasons (2011–2013) using plant material from eight different ecotype populations, sampled from old permanent grassland swards in Northern Germany. In addition to the phenological stages of jointing, heading and flowering, the critical phase of stem elongation was considered as a new phenological trait. It was hypothesized that the length of the critical phase between jointing and heading differs significantly among genotypes and thus offers a new tool for selecting for specific purposes, e.g. adaption to changing climatic conditions, cutting or grazing as well as yield and quality. The study revealed significant genotypic variation in the observed traits, which was highest for the critical phase (GCV = 0·21). Moderate heritability in jointing (h2 = 0·72) revealed a large environmental impact. In contrast, high heritability (h2 > 0·86) in heading, flowering and the critical phase imply a strong genetic effect. Moderate to high genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of correlation revealed a substantial linkage among the phenological traits. Results are discussed in the context of providing different approaches and strategies in forage crop production, especially with regard to regional weather conditions and future climate change. Significant differences among the tested ecotype populations indicate that existing diversity in permanent grassland can provide source material for further progress in grass breeding.

Land conflicts and the livelihood of Pastoral Maasai Women in Kilosa district of Morogoro, Tanzania


 
 
 This summary of my PhD thesis analyses conflicts around land in relation to pastoral Maasai women livelihoods in Tanzania. Issues of pastoralism and land use conflicts in Tanzania are well documented in literature. However, a gendered analysis of conflicts around land in relation to land reforms (changes in the use and ownership of, and access to land and land resources), prolonged climate variability and change, and food insecurity, hardly exists in the literature. Of particular concern is the rudimentary analysis of these conflicts as it relates to pastoral Maasai women, the primary and secondary users of land in pastoral livelihoods. Data analysed in this report were collected in Kilosa district, located in Morogoro, Tanzania, one of the renowned hotspots for pastoral-farmer conflicts in Tanzania. Within Kilosa, data were collect in pastoral Maasai settlements [villages] of Twatwatwa, Kiduhi, Ngaiti, and Mabwegere, and pastoral Maasai women were central focus. Through ethnographic research methods namely focus group discussions, interviews, and participant observations, I have found that vulnerabilities to conflicts around land are gender differentiated, and that pastoral Maasai women experience climate change, food insecurity, and land reforms differently from men. An overall conclusion in this report is that, conflicts around land in Kilosa are intricate in nature and cannot be analysed from a single narrative, and pastoral Maasai women by virtue of their specific gender roles and the gender relations are hit hard. I therefore argue that, (1) for secure land reforms, the political, economic, and social structures through which land access is mediated must also be reformed; (2) there should be a holistic conflict mitigation approach and strategies in resolving conflict around land in Kilosa. The approaches should focus at engaging pastoralists and pastoralist women in particular, and their institutions and making them an integral part of the solutions. (3) Decisions dealing with climate change mitigation strategies such as the Kilosa eviction of 2009 should also involve pastoralist women whose livelihood depends directly and/or indirectly on climate sensitive resources; (4) the introduction of forage crops production [such as grasses and legumes] in Kilosa is imperative. This will assist in increasing pasture production, which eventually will boost livestock production [livestock, the main preferred food source among the pastoral Maasai]. Equally, availability of forage crops within pastoralists reach reduces unplanned herd mobility, and at the same time lessens challenges that pastoralist women face in their responsibilities as default food managers.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Key words: Bantu languages, Ubangian languages, contact langues, documentations, reconstructions, classifications 
 
 

Algumas considerações sobre o sistema radicular de plantas forrageiras

In describing and studying plant organisms, it is usual to subdivide them into parts above the soil surface, called aerial part and the part below the ground surface, called underground part. Most of the research on pasture, the study of the growth and development of the shoot is prioritized at the expense of their interdependence with the roots and the influence of physical and chemical properties of soil, climate and forage plant management on these variables. Therefore, a vigorous root system reduces the time of regrowth of plants, decreasing grazing cycles and increasing the annual production of forage crops, and increase the resistance of plants to drought stress and forage competitiveness for nutrients. However, for this to occur, you need a soil structure favorable to its growth, as a low resistance to root penetration and pore space suitable for the movement of water and gases. Studying the root system of any culture is not an easy task as the variability physical, chemical and biological soil influences the distribution of the roots, leading to collection of results that do not match reality. The lack of attention that the root system of the plant receives the detriment of their shoot is justified, in part, due to the difficult and tedious methods of assessing root. Therefore, knowing the distribution of the roots of plant forage, there are the subsidies needed to allow the best use of management techniques forage plant irrigation, fertilization and animals.