Forage Yield Research Articles

Determination of Combined Effects of Organic and Mineral Fertilizer on Forage Yield and Quality of Annual Ryegrass

The widespread practice of using high doses of nitrogen to increase unit area yield in annual ryegrass introduces ecological and economic problems. This research was carried out over two years and aimed to determine the potential forage yield and quality of annual ryegrass by applying manure, humic acid, and low doses of nitrogen fertilizer, within the framework of sustainable forage crop cultivation. The study was carried out from 2020 to 2022 with three replications according to the randomized block split plots experimental design. According to the study results, the highest values were achieved with combinations that included manure application, and even higher values were observed when manure was applied along with low doses of humic acid and nitrogen. The M20 + H20 + N100 treatment yielded the highest fresh yield, dry matter, and crude protein. The treatments with manure, humic acid, and nitrogen fertilizer had varying effects on the ADF and NDF content of annual ryegrass, resulting in fluctuating values. In conclusion, 20 t manure, 20 L humic acid, and 100 kg ha−1 N application can be suggested for sustainable and higher dry matter production with good quality for annual ryegrass cultivation under semi-humid climatic conditions. The results obtained from this research hold promise for sustainable agricultural practices.

Effect of fall harvest time on forage yield and nutritive value of three alfalfa cultivars with different root types

AbstractWarmer than normal late fall temperatures may change standard fall harvest management of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in western Canada. The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage yield and nutritive value of three types of alfalfa cultivars under different harvest managements. A field experiment was conducted from 2013 to 2017 using rhizomatous type (RR), cv. AC Yellowhead (M. sativa subsp. falcata), tap root type (TR), cv. Equinox (ssp. sativa) and creeping root type (CR), cv. Spredor 4 alfalfa (ssp. sativa), at Melfort, SK, Canada. The five harvest treatments were two 1‐cut systems (early July or late July) and three 2‐cut systems (early July + early or late September, late July + late September). Total forage yield was greater in TR and CR alfalfa than RR alfalfa; however, RR alfalfa had higher total forage yield under dry growing conditions versus CR alfalfa. The three alfalfa cultivars had a similar response to 2‐cut harvest managements. The first cut yield was affected by the timing of the second cut of the previous year with the early September harvest reducing yield more than the late September. Three alfalfa cultivars had similar crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrient (TDN), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentrations. There was a significant nutrient yield benefit of TR and CR alfalfa under a 2‐cut system over the RR alfalfa. Although the prairie climate is warming, the findings suggest that a fall rest period until late September is recommended regardless of alfalfa types to maintain high hay yield over multiple years.

Nitrogen Fertilization Boosts Maize Grain Yield, Forage Quality, and Estimated Meat Production in Maize–Forage Intercropping

Crop–livestock integrated systems such as intercropping and crop rotation have been critical for sustainable agriculture, promoting land use intensification throughout the year. The success of these systems under no-till depends on numerous factors, and the choice of forage grass is paramount. In this study, maize grain yield, forage dry matter yield, bromatological quality, and estimated meat production were assessed in a field experiment where maize (Zea mays L.) was intercropped with Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Tanzania) and palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha cv Marandu) under N rates from 0 to 270 kg ha−1. Nitrogen fertilization resulted in the highest forage dry matter yield, on average, 2.9-fold higher than the N-unfertilized treatments. The highest maize grain yield was obtained with 270 kg ha−1 of N, 48% higher than all other treatments. Guinea grass intercropped with maize and fertilized with 270 kg ha−1 of N resulted in an estimated meat production 27% higher than palisade grass at the same N rate. However, at the final cut, Guinea grass fertilized with 270 kg ha−1 of N led to the highest neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose. While palisade grass seems to impose lower competition with maize, Guinea grass increases estimated meat production.

Effect of cutting management on productivity, profitability and quality of dual purpose oat (Avena sativa) cultivars in Shiwalik foothill plains

A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2018–19 and 2019–20 at research farm of Sher- e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir to assess the effect of cutting management on productivity and profitability of dual purpose oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars. Experimental results revealed that the yield attributes and productivity of dual purpose oat cultivars were significantly influenced by cutting management. Dual purpose oat cultivar treatments with single cut recorded significantly higher number of tillers/m2, number of grains/panicle, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield and harvest index as compared to treatments with double cut which recorded significantly higher forage yield, grain equivalent yield, net returns and B:C ratio. Among the oat cultivars evaluated in the experiment, JHO-2000-4 consistently outperformed the other cultivars in both cutting managements. In the single cut management system, JHO-2000-4 achieved significantly highest grain equivalent yield compared to all other single cut treatments. Similarly, in the double cut management system as well, JHO-2000-4 exhibited significantly higher forage yield, grain equivalent yield, gross returns, net returns, and B:C ratio. These results contribute to our understanding of the potential benefits of specific cutting management strategies and cultivar selection for optimizing oat productivity and profitability. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the cultivation of oat cultivar JHO-2000-4 using double cut approach involving cuts 60 DAS and 105 DAS can provide superior forage yield, grain equivalent yield, and higher economic returns.

Performances of Some Perennial Legume and Grass Mixtures under Rainfed Conditions of a Continental Climate Region

Forage yield and the quality of the pastures in Turkey, especially in Central Anatolia, where the continental climate is dominant, are very low, and their vegetation is degraded to a great extent due to use without proper management practices. The inadequacy of the forage crop production in agricultural land and the low yield and quality of forage are among the main problems of husbandry. The present study aimed to determine perennial legume and grass mixtures with high forage yield and quality under rainfed conditions of the continental climate region in Turkey. The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replications. In the experiment, smooth brome (SB), intermediate wheatgrass (IW), alfalfa (A), sainfoin (S), and lesser burnet (LB) were sown as pure and mixed in different ratios. Two years averaged values of dry matter yield and crude protein, Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), and Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) contents of dry matter varied between 2613 and 6268 kg ha-1;118 and 205 g kg-1; 249 and 424 g kg-1, 416 and 558 g kg-1, respectively. Higher dry matter yields were obtained from A+S+IW+SB, S+LB+IW+SB, A+LB+IW+SB, S+IW, and A+IW+SB mixtures. The pure sowings of the SB, IW, and LB gave lower dry matter yields than the mixtures. Crude protein contents of alfalfa and sainfoin were higher than other pure sowings and mixtures. The ADF and NDF contents of mixtures were higher than those of pure sown of alfalfa, sainfoin, and lesser burnet, they were lower than those of IW and SB. In terms of dry matter yield, crude protein yield, ADF and NDF content, A+S+IW+SB, A+LB+IW+SB, and S+LB+IW+SB mixtures were superior to other mixtures and pure sowings. Alfalfa may be predominant in mixtures over time, and animal health problems may occur under grazing conditions. Therefore, the mixtures of A+S+IW+SB and A+LB+IW+SB can be recommended for mowing, while the S+LB+IW+SB mixtures can be recommended for grazing.

Herbicide Program to Control Parthenium hysterophorus in Grain Sorghum in an Arid Environment

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus L.) is an emerging production constraint in many summer crops including sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench), but limited control options are available. In this field study, the efficacy of sole and sequential applications of a pre-emergence (pendimethalin) and a post-emergence (bromoxynil) herbicide was evaluated for parthenium weed control in grain sorghum over two years. Pendimethalin or bromoxynil alone could only provide 54% and 63% control, whereas their sequential application provided 86% control of parthenium weed over the weedy treatment. The sorghum plants in pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil treatment had the highest leaf fresh weight per plant, plant dry biomass, plant height, and the number of heads among the herbicide treatments. Sorghum fresh forage yield, dry fodder yield, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield were highest in the weed-free treatment followed by the pendimethalin followed by (fb) bromoxynil treatment. Overall, the herbicide treatment performance was in an order of pendimethalin fb bromoxynil > bromoxynil > pendimethalin for weed control and sorghum yield improvement. These results suggest that pendimethalin followed by bromoxynil may provide acceptable control (>85%) of parthenium weed and may improve sorghum grain yield (up to 23%).

Genetic variation and response to selection of photosynthetic and forage characteristics in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) ecotypes under drought conditions.

Evaluation of the effects of water-limited conditions on the photosynthetic characteristics and forage yield is important for enhancing the forage productivity and drought tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.). In the present study, 100 P. pratensis ecotypes collected from different geographical areas in Iran were assessed under well-watered and drought stress conditions. Genetic variation and response to selection for the photosynthetic characteristics [i.e., net photosynthesis rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), transpiration rate (Tr), chlorophyll content (Chl), and photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm)] and forage yield [fresh forage yield (FY) and dry forage yield (Dy)] traits were analyzed during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Drought stress had negative effects on evaluated photosynthesis parameters and significantly reduced dry and fresh forage yields. On average, FY with a 45% decrease and gs with a 326% decrease under drought stress conditions showed the highest reduction rate among forage yield and photosynthesis traits, respectively. Genotypic coefficients of variation (GCV) for FY were lower under drought stress. The estimates of heritability, genetic advance, and genetic advance as percentage of mean showed the predominance of additive gene action for the traits. Overall, the results showed that "Ciakhor", "Damavand", "Karvandan", "Basmenj", "Abr2", "Abrumand", "Borhan", "Hezarkanian", "LasemCheshmeh", "Torshab", and "DoSar" have higher forage yield production with little change between two irrigation regimes, which makes them promising candidates for developing high-yielding drought-tolerant varieties through breeding programs.

Acceptable Salinity Level for Saline Water Irrigation of Tall Wheatgrass in Edaphoclimatic Scenarios of the Coastal Saline–Alkaline Land around Bohai Sea

Saline water irrigation contributes significantly to forage yield. However, the acceptable salinity levels for saline water irrigation of tall wheatgrass remains unclear. In this study, field supplemental irrigations of transplanted-tall wheatgrass with saline drainage waters having salinities of electrical conductivity (ECw) = 2.45, 4.36, 4.42, and 5.42 dS m−1 were conducted to evaluate the effects of saline water irrigation on forage yield and soil salinization. In addition, the effects of plastic film mulching, fertilization, and saline water irrigation on sward establishment of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass were determined. Finally, a pot experiment was carried out to confirm the above field results. The results showed that two irrigations with ECw = 2.45 and 4.36 dS m−1 saline waters produced the highest dry matter yield, followed by one irrigation with ECw = 4.42 or 5.42 dS m−1. After rainfall leaching, the soil EC1:5 was reduced by 41.7–79.3% for the saline water irrigation treatments. In combination with saline water irrigation, plastic film mulching promoted sward establishment and enhanced the plant height and dry matter yield of seed-propagated tall wheatgrass, while fertilization played a marginal role. However, two irrigations with ECw = 7.13 and 4.36 dS m−1 saline waters resulted in rates of 3.2% and 16.0% of dead plants under the mulching and no mulching conditions, respectively. Furthermore, a pot experiment demonstrated that irrigation with ECw = 5.79 dS m−1 saline water led to the lowest reduction in forage yield and the highest crude protein content in leaves. However, the plants irrigated with ECw ≥ 6.31 dS m−1 saline water enhanced soil salinity and reduced the plant height, leaf size, and gas exchange rate. Conclusively, one irrigation with ECw ≤ 5.42 dS m−1 and SAR ≤ 36.31 saline water at the end of April or early May could be acceptable for tall wheatgrass production and minimize the soil salinization risk in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea.

204 Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Animal Performance of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) Regrowth for Potential Fall Grazing of Beef Cattle

Abstract This study assessed forage yield and chemical composition, feed intake, and performance of beef heifers grazing intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) regrowth post-grain harvest compared with a stockpiled grass/legume control in the late fall. Pastures were established in 2020 at Glenlea, MB, Canada and treatments were: 1) Courtenay tall fescue/Algonquin alfalfa/Oxley II cicer milkvetch (50:25:25; FORCON); 2) IWG, pure stand, no fertilizer post establishment (NFERT); 3) IWG, pure stand+50 kg N· ha-1 post-grain harvest (FERT); 4) IWG with Alsike clover (50:50; AL). The FORCON and IWG treatments were harvested in June (hay) and August (grain) 2021, respectively. Thirty-two beef heifers were assigned to eight paddocks, four heifers per paddock in a randomized complete block design with two blocks. Each block had four paddocks, each paddock receiving one of the four treatments. Heifers began grazing on Oct 6 for a 14-d adaptation period and a 22-d experimental period. Forage samples were obtained once every 2 weeks and analyzed for CP and TDN. Individual feed intake was estimated using the titanium oxide method with fecal samples collected on d 21 and 22 and pooled. Bodyweight and blood samples (blood urea nitrogen, BUN) were obtained on d 1 and d 22. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in R studio, with the fixed effect of forage treatment and the random effects of block and paddock. Forage yield and CP were greater for FORCON (3,515 kg· ha-1 and 14.9% DM, respectively) than the IWG treatments (mean 2778 kg· ha-1 and 12.83% DM, respectively), which did not differ (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.150, respectively). The TDN was less for FORCON (60.6% DM) than IWG treatments (mean 61.5% DM), which did not differ (P = 0.394). Dry matter, CP and TDN intake were lower for FORCON (7.91 kg· DM d-1, 1.15 kg· DM d-1, 4.98 kg· DM d-1, respectively) than IWG treatments (mean 8.54 kg· DM d-1, 1.16 kg· DM d-1, 5.44 kg DM d-1), which did not differ (P = 0.237, P = 0.218, P = 0.137, respectively). The ADG was less for FORCON (0.53 kg· d-1) than IWG treatments (mean 0.77 kg· d-1), with the greatest gains observed in IWG AL (0.90 kg d-1; P = 0.046). Blood urea nitrogen was greater for FORCON (3.95 mmol· L-1) than IWG treatments (mean 3.78 mmol· L-1), which did not differ (P = 0.203) on d 1. However, on d 22 the opposite response was observed with decreased BUN in FORCON (2.97 mmol ·L-1) than in IWG treatments (mean 3.51 mmol· L-1), which did not differ (P = 0.350). In conclusion, IWG offered comparable performance as a feed alternative to the conventional perennial grass/legume mix commonly used for extended grazing. However, the effects of fertilizer or legume on IWG may differ under different soil conditions due to high fertility at the experimental site.

420 Integrating Livestock and Cropping Systems: Interseeding Cereal Rye into Corn for Late Season Grazing

Abstract The objective of this project was to evaluate the effect of interseeding cereal rye (Secale cereale) into corn (Zea mays) for use as grazed forage after corn grain harvest on corn grain yield and additional grazing day· ha-1. In a 4-year study, corn was planted (64,246 plants· ha-1) in spring on two, 4.8-ha fields in central Pennsylvania. Cereal rye was interseeded (135 kg· ha-1) into the corn at the V4-V6 stage. Corn was harvested as grain in November and each field was divided into six, 0.8-ha paddocks and randomly assigned to either grazed (GRAZ) or ungrazed (NG) treatments. Beef cattle frontal-grazed three of the paddocks (four cows· paddock-1) in each field approximately four to five weeks after corn grain harvest and, if re-growth allowed, again in early spring before subsequent corn planting. Corn grain, corn fodder (after grain harvest), and cereal rye yields were monitored each fall. Cereal rye growth was also monitored in early spring. Statistical analyses on corn grain yield and forage biomass were conducted using the MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Least square means were separated using Fisher’s least significant difference test (α = 0.05). There were no site by treatment interactions, therefore means are presented as an average across both sites (Table 1). Corn grain, corn stover, and cereal rye yields were affected by year. Corn grain yields did not decrease as a result of grazing, or of repeated plantings of corn, ranging from 9,516-10,088 kg· ha-1 across GRAZ and NG paddocks except in 2019 (dry year) when corn grain yields averaged 6,053 kg· ha-1 across both GRAZ and NG treatments. Spring grazing only occurred in one year (2021) due to insufficient cereal rye growth in the other years. On average, the cereal rye (plus the corn stover) provided enough forage for an additional 115-130 grazing days· ha-1 in the fall. Results of this study showed that when corn is harvested too late in the year to establish a cover crop, interseeding annual forages into growing corn provides winter ground cover and an opportunity for late season grazing. Interseeding cereal rye into the corn did not negatively impact corn grain yields with repeated corn planting. While early spring growth of the cereal rye has the potential to provide even greater forage yields than fall, it is much less dependable than fall due to the potential of delayed spring growth or lack of winter precipitation under the conditions of the current study.

Response of Forage Yield and Quality of Oats (Avena sativa L.) to Planting Distances and Mowing Dates

A field experiment was carried out during the winter season of 2020-2021 in the Habbaniyah district, west of Baghdad, to study the response of forage yield and quality of oats Avena sativa L. var. Shifaa to planting distances and mowing dates. A split plots arrangement according to the RCBD at three replications was used. The main plots included planting distances, while the subplots included the mowing dates. The study’s results indicated that the planting distance of 25 cm between lines was significantly superior in the green forage yield and fiber percentage 12.00 ton ha-1 and 37.61%, respectively. In comparison, the planting distance of 20 cm between lines was significantly superior in the protein percentage 12.34%. As for the mowing dates, the mowing after 70 days was selected substantially in the forage yield and fiber percentage. The mowing after 50 days was significantly superior in protein percentage 12.28%. The interaction between studied factors significantly affected the most studied traits.

PSII-4 Effects of Rye or Triticale with or without Crimson Clover on Forage Yield and Quality, and Gestating Beef Female Performance

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the effects of rye or triticale with or without crimson clover on forage yield and quality, and gestating beef female performance. In experiment 1, four cover crop treatments (trt) were randomly assigned to plot (0.49 ha/plot; 6 plots/trt) in a 2×2 factorial design. Treatments included cereal rye or triticale with or without crimson clover. Plots were seeded mid-September (rye or triticale: 101 kg/ha; crimson clover inclusion: 84 kg/ha cereal and 9 kg/ha legume). Treatments were mechanically harvested for haylage at the end of May. Plot yield was determined by total forage mass collection. Prior to ensiling, samples (12/plot) were composited within plot to evaluate forage quality. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Forage yield was greater (P < 0.01) with inclusion of crimson clover than without (3,208 vs. 2,654 kg/ha, respectively). Forage yield was not different (P = 0.17) between cereal type. Crimson clover inclusion reduced dry matter (P < 0.01). Between cereal types, rye had greater (P < 0.01) DM than triticale. Crimson clover inclusion increased CP (P < 0.01; 9.6% vs 8.6%, respectively). Neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were greater (P < 0.01) in rye compared with triticale. In experiment 2, spring-calving cows and heifers (n = 105; BW = 633 ± 100 kg; gestation = 198 ± 17 days) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatment diets in a 42-day feeding trial to determine feed value of cover crops. Four diets were based on cover crops (60% inclusion) from experiment one with an additional control diet (CON; 85% alfalfa hay and 15% modified wet distillers grains). All treatments were limit fed (11.3 BW∙animal-1∙d-1/). Body weights (BW) and body condition scores (BCS) were assessed at trial initiation and conclusion. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4. Female final BW and BW change were greater (P < 0.01) in cover crop treatments compared with CON. Body weight change did not differ (P ≥ 0.21) between cereal type or with inclusion of crimson clover. Initial BCS was not different (P ≥ 0.47); however, final BCS was greater (P < 0.01) in cover crop treatments compared with CON. Crimson clover inclusion increased (P = 0.02) BCS change. In summary, inclusion of crimson clover increased forage yield, CP, and female BCS. Although rye cover crops had decreased quality prior to ensiling, there were no differences in cow performance compared with triticale. Substituting cover crops for alfalfa hay resulted in increased cow BW and BCS, suggesting the cover crops evaluated have greater feed value than alfalfa hay.

Selection of succeeding crops for a double‐cropping system in alpine pastoral areas of the Qinghai–Tibetan plateau

AbstractTo establish artificial grassland annually, oats, a traditional forage species, are normally cultivated in Qinghai–Tibetan alpine pastoral areas in spring and harvested the same year. Selection a suitable autumn‐sown forage species and succeeding crop, thus harvest of two crops per year, would increase forage yield and quality. We used the triticale variety Gannong No. 2 as an autumn‐sown crop and evaluated the performance of different succeeding crops: B1 (50% triticale and 50% common vetch), B2 (40% rye and 60% common vetch), B3 (50% oats and 50% common vetch), B4 (triticale), B5 (rye), and B6 (oats). We analysed crop productivity and nutrition at two sites in China in 2019 and 2020: Hezuo, and Lhasa. The highest hay yield (15.03 t ha−1) and crude protein content (12.22%) of autumn‐sown triticale as well as the highest average hay yield (6.05 t ha−1) and comprehensive evaluation value (0.80) of the six succeeding crops were obtained at the Lhasa site. At both sites, the succeeding crop with the highest average hay yield (6.30 t ha−1), crude protein content (13.08%), and comprehensive evaluation value (1.00) was B1. In regard to the interaction of environment and succeeding crop, the highest hay yield (8.07 t ha−1) and comprehensive evaluation value (0.95) were obtained with B1 at the Hezuo site. Forage yield and nutrition can be significantly elevated by using autumn‐sown triticale double‐cropped with B1. The results first examine double cropping in alpine pastoral areas, provide a theoretical basis for establishing a double‐cropping cultivation system in this region.

The Effect of Inorganic Nitrogen Fertilizers on the Quality of Forage Composed of Various Species of Legumes in the Northern Part of a Temperate Climate Zone.

This study focuses on the effect of inorganic nitrogen fertilizers on the quality of perennial grasses. Both grasses and legumes are important in swards, and each type of grass has different biological and ecological properties. Legumes in multi-species swards, especially in their early ages, benefit other Poaceae grasses by improving their growth. When evaluating individual cuts over a three-year period, it was determined that the quality indicators of the forage were significantly influenced by the year of use, N fertilizer application, and the different species compositions of the swards. In many cases, N fertilizers significantly reduced the CP content while tending to increase MADF and NDF. Monoculture grass swards had the highest WSC content; in most cases, N fertilizers increased the WSC content in the forage. DMD was the lowest in the first year of use, specifically in the first cut. Our three-year experiment, which investigated twelve swards with different species compositions, demonstrated that legume grasses improved the quality indicators of forage and contributed to maintaining a more stable overall forage yield over the years. As the climate continues to become warmer, there is a growing need to study a wide range of plant species and different varieties suitable for local growth conditions.

Legume-grass mixtures increase forage yield by improving soil quality in different ecological regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Information on the relationship between soil quality and forage yield of legume-grass mixtures in different ecological regions can guide decision-making to achieve eco-friendly and sustainable pasture production. This study's objective was to assess the effects of different cropping systems on soil physical properties, nitrogen fractions, enzyme activities, and forage yield and determine suitable legume-grass mixtures for different ecoregions. Oats (Avena sativa L.), forage peas (Pisum sativum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), and fava beans (Vicia faba L.) were grown in monocultures and mixtures (YS: oats and forage peas; YJ: oats and common vetch; YC: oats and fava beans) in three ecological regions (HZ: Huangshui Valley; GN: Sanjiangyuan District; MY: Qilian Mountains Basin) in a split-plot design. The results showed that the forage yield decreased with increasing altitude, with an order of GN (3203 m a.s.l.; YH 8.89 t·ha-1) < HZ (2661 m; YH 9.38 t·ha-1) < MY (2513m; YH 9.78 t·ha-1). Meanwhile, the forage yield was higher for mixed crops than for single crops in all ecological regions. In the 0-10 cm soil layer, the contents of total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN), soil organic matter (SOM), soluble organic nitrogen (SON), urease (UE), nitrate reductase (NR), sucrase (SC), and bacterial community alpha diversity, as well as relative abundance of dominant bacteria, were higher for mixed crops than for oats unicast. In addition, soil physical properties, nitrogen fractions, and enzyme activities varied in a wider range in the 0-10 cm soil layer than in the 10-20 cm layer, with larger values in the surface layer than in the subsurface layer. MBN, SON, UE, SC and catalase (CAT) were significantly and positively correlated with forage yield (P < 0.05). Ammonium nitrogen (ANN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), SOM and cropping systems (R) were significantly and positively correlated with Shannon and bacterial community (P < 0.05). The highest yields in the three ecological regions were 13.00 t·ha-1 for YS in MY, 10.59 t·ha-1 for YC in GN, and 10.63 t·ha-1 for YS in HZ. We recommend planting oats and forage peas in the Qilian Mountains Basin, oats and fava beans in the Sanjiangyuan District, and oats and forage peas in Huangshui valley. Our results provide new insights into eco-friendly, sustainable, and cost-effective forage production in the Qinghai Alpine Region in China.

Overexpression of Lolium multiflorum LmMYB1 Enhances Drought Tolerance in Transgenic Arabidopsis.

Lolium multiflorum is one of the world-famous forage grasses with rich biomass, fast growth rate and good nutritional quality. However, its growth and forage yield are often affected by drought, which is a major natural disaster all over the world. MYB transcription factors have some specific roles in response to drought stress, such as regulation of stomatal development and density, control of cell wall and root development. However, the biological function of MYB in L. multiflorum remains unclear. Previously, we elucidated the role of LmMYB1 in enhancing osmotic stress resistance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, this study elucidates the biological function of LmMYB1 in enhancing plant drought tolerance through an ABA-dependent pathway involving the regulation of cell wall development and stomatal density. After drought stress and ABA stress, the expression of LmMYB1 in L. multiflorum was significantly increased. Overexpression of LmMYB1 increased the survival rate of Arabidopsis thaliana under drought stress. Under drought conditions, expression levels of drought-responsive genes such as AtRD22, AtRAB and AtAREB were up-regulated in OE compared with those in WT. Further observation showed that the stomatal density of OE was reduced, which was associated with the up-regulated expression of cell wall-related pathway genes in the RNA-Seq results. In conclusion, this study confirmed the biological function of LmMYB1 in improving drought tolerance by mediating cell wall development through the ABA-dependent pathway and thereby affecting stomatal density.

A Method for Estimating Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Forage Yield Based on Remote Sensing Data

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a widely planted perennial legume forage plant with excellent quality and high yield. In production, it is very important to determine alfalfa growth dynamics and forage yield in a timely and accurate manner. This study focused on inverse algorithms for predicting alfalfa forage yield in large-scale alfalfa production. We carried out forage yield and aboveground biomass (AGB) field surveys at different times in 2022. The correlations among the reflectance of different satellite remote sensing bands, vegetation indices, and alfalfa forage yield/AGB were analyzed, additionally the suitable bands and vegetation indices for alfalfa forage yield inversion algorithms were screened, and the performance of the statistical models and machine learning (ML) algorithms for alfalfa forage yield inversion were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that (1) regarding different harvest times, the alfalfa forage yield inversion model for first-harvest alfalfa had relatively large differences in growth, and the simulation accuracy of the alfalfa forage yield inversion model was higher than that for the other harvest times, with the growth of the second- and third-harvest alfalfa being more homogeneous and the simulation accuracy of the forage yield inversion model being relatively low. (2) In the alfalfa forage yield inversion model based on a single parameter, the moisture-related vegetation indices, such as the global vegetation moisture index (GVMI), normalized difference water index (NDWI) and normalized difference infrared index (NDII), had higher coefficients of correlation with alfalfa forage yield/AGB, and the coefficients of correlation R2 values for the first-harvest alfalfa were greater than 0.50, with the NDWI correlation being the best with an R2 value of 0.60. (3) For the alfalfa forage yield inversion model constructed with vegetation indices and band reflectance as multiparameter variables, the random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) simulation accuracy was higher than that of the alfalfa forage yield inversion model based on a single parameter; the first-harvest alfalfa R2 values based on the multiparameter RF and SVM models were both 0.65, the root mean square errors (RMSEs) were 329.74 g/m2 and 332.32 g/m2, and the biases were −0.47 g/m2 and −2.24 g/m2, respectively. The vegetation indices related to plant water content can be considered using a single parameter inversion model for alfalfa forage yield, the vegetation indices and band reflectance can be considered using a multiparameter inversion model for alfalfa forage yield, and ML algorithms are also an optimal choice. The findings in this study can provide technical support for the effective and strategic production management of large-scale alfalfa.

The effects of functional trait diversity on productivity of grass-legume swards across multiple sites and two levels of nitrogen fertiliser

Productive and stable forage yields are essential for the sustainability of ruminal livestock production. Grassland seed mixtures composed of species of diverse functional groups have previously been demonstrated to increase yield performance and stability compared to monocultures. In this study we conducted field trials with five grass and two legume species either grown in monocultures or a range of mixtures from two-species to seven-species mixtures sown in a simplex design. The species represented different functional groups regarding ability to fixate atmospheric nitrogen (N), rate of establishment and temporal persistence.The experiments were established with the same cultivars of species at five locations in Norway with climatically contrasting environments – from mild humid, mountainous continental to sub-arctic. The experimental plots were harvested for three years at four of the sites and two years at one of the sites, and they were fertilised according to normal practise in intensive silage grass production in the respective regions (regular N). At three of the sites, a treatment with low mineral N supply rate was also included.We found that crops sown as mixtures returned higher yields and contained less weeds than the average of monoculture crops, and these effects were consistent over all sites and study years. The grass-legume mixtures managed at low N supply rate performed equally well or better than monocultures or grass-only mixtures managed at regular N supply. We found no effects of the functional groups categorised as temporal persistence or rate of establishment on the yield performance, and there were no apparent benefits of increasing the number of species beyond the species P. pratense, F. pratensis and T. pratense over the three production years the experiments lasted.The results suggest that by using grass-clover mixtures, farmers can reduce N fertiliser rates, without compromising productivity of temporary grassland under northern conditions over the first three years of production.

Uso de glyphosate no manejo de Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri consorciado com milho

ABSTRACT The intercropping between maize and forage species is an alternative commonly used within farming systems. Competition among crops may be a limiting factor in intercropping, compromising maize and forage yield. Although necessary, the literature does not provide satisfactory answers on the interaction of forage crops launched in the market recently, such as BRS Zuri, intercropped with maize. Therefore, techniques such as the use of herbicide subdoses come in as an option to suppress forage growth, making simultaneous cultivation feasible. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of glyphosate herbicide subdoses on the development of Panicum maximum cv. BRS Zuri intercropped with Roundup Ready® (RR) maize and how this interaction reflects on the weed population, forage yield, and biometric and yield variables of maize. The experimental design was randomized blocks with treatments consisting of six subdoses of glyphosate herbicide (0, 48, 96, 240, 480, and 960 g acid equivalent [a.e.] ha-1) and maize in monoculture with four replications. For the conditions of this study, the dose of 480 g a.e. ha-1 of glyphosate may be an alternative since there was weed suppression and adequate forage development. Maize yield was not affected by the presence of forage.

The effects of the different sowing methods and planting density on the yield components of soybean (Glycine max) under intercropping condition with rhodes grass (Chloris gayana Kunth.)

In Japan, grass-legume intercropping systems are being developed to increase quality and yield of grain and forage. Hence, this study evaluated the effects of sowing methods and planting density on yield traits of forage soybean under intercropping condition with rhodes grass. The field experiment was laid on in a completely randomized block design with four treatments and four replications. Rhodes grass seeds were sown at 2.8 kg/10a in a field containing mono- and intercropping-plots. For soybeans, two levels of sowing densities (about 15 or 30 seeds/m2: named “L” and “H”) and two sowing methods (row or spray: named “R” and “S”) were applied for a total of four different intercropping combinations. Rhodes grass DMY obtained the highest in low level of sowing density with rowing methods (LR) (338 kg/10a) while soybean DMY obtained the highest in high level of sowing density with rowing methods (HR) (251 kg/10a) and in high level of sowing density with spray methods (HS) (177 kg/10a). Intercropping at low density increased CP (12%) and CPY (40.4 kg DM/10a) in Rhodes grass, and CP (18.9%) in soybeans, whereas high sowing density increased soybean CPY in HR (41.5 kg DM/10a) and contributed to higher soybean CPY in DM percentage at 66% (HS) and 56% (HR). Overall, high density sowing increased the 1st total DMY while row sowing increased the 1st total CPY in both crops at the first cutting, while monocropping increased Rhodes grass yield and plant length at the second-cutting. Also, sowing soybean by a broadcast spreader could obtain sufficient crude protein yield as a forage soybean in southern Kyushu, Japan. Further studies are needed for soybean overseeding method and use of early-maturity soybean lines