Forage Yield Research Articles

Comparação do rendimento de matéria seca e do valor nutricional de diferentes híbridos de milho para produção de silagem

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the forage yield and nutritional value of eight corn hybrids for silage production: P3565 PWU (Pioneer®), CERES 310, CERES 312, CERES 405, CERES 412 (Nova Ceres Sementes®), 2A521 PW, 2B533 PW and FS620 PWU (Forseed®), with 4 repetitions each. The plants were harvested at the dough grain phenological stage (R4). Hybrid CERES 312 showed higher dry biomass production, however, with no significant difference from CERES 310 (30,919 and 27,662kg ha-1, respectively), and higher grain yield (14,365 kg ha-1). The participation of stem and leaves of hybrid CERES 405 was higher than the other hybrids (22.3% and 20.2%). Hybrid CERES 405 presented higher CP content (8.38%) however, it did not differ from CERES 310, CERES 312 and 2B533 PW. The 2B533 PW hybrid had lower LDA content (2.94%). Hybrids P3565 PWU and 2B533 PWU presented higher values of NEl (1.511 and 1.499 Mcal kg DM-1, respectively) and the hybrid CERES 312 presented lower value (1.412 Mcal kg DM-1). Differences in the participation of plant components were inconsistent on the nutrients obtained, proving that structural and nutritional evaluations of corn hybrids should be complementary.

Effects of Different Harvest Stages on Forage Yield and Quality of Soybean Cultivars Grown as Second Crops

In this study, the effect of three different harvesting stages [full bloom stage (R2), full pod stage (R4), and full seed stage (R6)] on forage yield and quality of three soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) cultivars (Adasoy, Derry and Yeşilsoy) were evaluated under Mediterranean climate conditions in Adana, Türkiye in second crop seasons. Plant height, green herbage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein (CP), crude protein yield (CPY), leaf and stem ratio, dry matter intake (DMI), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), digestible dry matter (DDM) and relative feed value (RFV) were determined. The results showed that the average plant height of three soybean cultivars was 106.5-203.5 cm and green herbage yield was 190 42-603 50 kg ha-1. The highest values were obtained from cv. Derry at R4 and R6 harvest stages. In both years, the highest CPY values were determined from the R6 harvest stages. Obtained ADF, NDF, DMI, DDM, and RFV values were found to be between 32.8-47.1%, 41.1-59.3%, 2.0-3.6%, 52.1-63.3%, 83.0-180.2%, respectively, and the best results were obtained from the R6 harvest stage of cv. Yeşilsoy. According to these results, in second crop conditions, while cv. Derry came to the fore of soybean yield, cv. Yeşilsoy stands out in terms of quality. As a result, it is thought that it is appropriate to harvest soybean in the R6 harvest period, the use of soybean as a green herbage should be expanded and its addition to feed rations can provide positive contributions.

EVALUATION OF GENOTYPES WITH ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS OF LABLAB (PURPUREUS L.) AND IT'S DRY MATTER YIELDS STABILITY IN THE MIDLAND OF GUJI ZONE, SOUTHERN OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

Animal feed is one of the main challenges livestock producers face due to inadequate nutrition, particularly during the dry season. This study aimed to identify the Lablab genotype's performance in different midlands areas of Guji zones. A 3mx2m plot was used to seed twelve Lablab purpureus genotypes obtained from the International Livestock Research Institute Gene Bank and a tick-registered variety from the Bako Agricultural Research Centre. During the main cropping rainy season in 2021-2022, three locations, Dufa, Gobicha, and Kiltu sorsa, Adola subsite, and on farms in two (2) consecutive years, respectively, were studied using randomized complete block designs (RCBD) with three replications. Information was gathered regarding the establishment, duration of various physiological stages, dry matter yield of fodder, chemical compositions, and additional relevant factors. AMMI and the SAS statistical analysis programmer, version (2002), were used to analyse variance in the gathered data. The list significant difference test was used to compare the means. The AMMI analysis of variance for forage dry matter yield showed substantial (P<0.01) variations in genotype and environment but not in the effects of the G x E interaction. The representative testing site and the testing conditions (Adola Woyu and Kiltu sorsa) were quite good at differentiating genotypes. The combined analysis of the data revealed non-significant (P>0.05) differences for plant height and thousand seed weight but significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences for days to flowering, days to maturity, number of branches, leaf to steam ratio, number of pods, and number of seeds across the tested environments. The results showed that, out of all the examined locations, G-11620 (15.43 t/ha) and G-14486 (11.12 t/ha) had the highest forage dry matter production. It was observed that the leaf-to-steam ratio was higher in both G-11486 and G-11620. All chemical compositions across the tested genotypes were found to be significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) among parameters, except DOMD and IVDMD, which did not show significant (p >0.05) variations among genotypes. The recorded CP content ranged from 21.15% for G-14486 to 23.50% for G-11620, with the lowest value coming from typical cheek Gabis at 10.8%. The highest and the lowest NDFs were recorded from G-11620 (11.2%) and Gabis (22.23%), respectively. Generally, the mean performance, yield and stability of the G-11620 and G-14486 were high and stable across the tested locations. Therefore, genotypes (G-14486 and G-11620) were promoted to variety verification for further evaluation and possible release.

FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF WINTER LEGUME / GRASS MIXTURES HARVESTED AT DIFFERENT PHENOLOGICAL STAGES

Winter forage crop mixtures are very important sources of quality forage as well as the benefits they bring to the soil and the main crop. In areas where year-round production is carried out, leaving the soil fallow during the winter months and producing maize-maize or cotton-cotton causes fatigue in the soil and facilitates the increase of pests. For this purpose, forage yield and quality characteristics of 12 different winter forage crop applications (4 pure and 8 mixtures) were investigated between 2014-2016 in Büyük Menderes basin. The experiment was designed according to the split-plot experimental design in randomized blocks and mowing operations were carried out in 2 different phenological periods with 4 replications. Hay yield (kg da-1), ADF (%), NDF (%), ADL (%), crude protein ratio (%), crude protein yield (kg da-1) and relative feed value averages were measured. According to the results obtained from the experiment, there are differences between crude protein ratio and relative feed values. When analyzed in line with the production purpose, 75% forage pea + 25% oat mixtures stand out in terms of crude protein yield, while 55% forage pea + 45% annual ryegrass stands out in terms of relative feed value. Due to the changes in mowing times depending on the characteristics, it is thought that it would be ideal to perform mowing operations between 50%-100% flowering.

Increasing Forage Yields through Application of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR)

In the last decade, the use of microbial activity has become increasingly widespread with the knowledge of the negative impact of providing inorganic fertilizer inputs on the cultivation of feed crops. A study was carried out to examine the effect of PGPR application from various host plants on increasing the yield of forage Asystasia gangetica (L.) subsp. Micrantha. The research was a pot experiment designed with a completely randomized design (CRD). The research began with identifying PGPR causes from various host plants, then applied to A. gangetica. The variables observed in this study were: the presence and population of PGPR on PGPR leader of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad, Mimosa pudica, Paspalum notatum and Eleusin indica grass plants, growth and yield of A. gangetica forage plants. The results showed that the highest number of non-symbiotic bacteria was found in PGPR from host plant roots E. indica as much as 1.1x106 cfu/ml, while the highest number of symbiotic bacteria was found in M. pudica host plant roots. The most TPC was found in the roots of the host E. indica as much as 6.4x105 cfu/ml, while the highest P bacteria were found in the roots of the host plants E. indica and M. pudica each with 3.4x105 cfu/ml. It was concluded that the highest forage yield of A. gangetica was obtained from the application of PGPR seeds E. indica and M. pudica respectively at 21.52 and 21.06 g plant-1.

A RESEARCH ON THE HAY YIELD AND QUALITY OF ALFALFA CULTIVARS WITH DIFFERENT FALL DORMANCY RATES UNDER MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE CONDITIONS

This research was carried out as two separate trials established in two different years to determine the effects
 of different seed ratios and harvest stages of different annual companion crop species on the hay yield and
 botanical composition of a pasture mixture under Mediterranean climate conditions. The field trials were
 established in a randomized complete block with a split-plot arrangement in three replications. The research
 results showed that barley, annual ryegrass, and berseem clover can be utilized as companion crops in
 artificial pasture systems. The inclusion of these companion crop species in the pasture mixture resulted in an
 increase in forage yield and a significant decrease in weed infestation. While delaying the harvest stage of the
 companion crop does not have a notable effect on the proportion of legumes and weeds in the total biomass, it
 significantly enhances the dry forage yield and the proportion of grasses in the overall biomass of the mixture.

EFFECTS OF COMPANION CROP ON THE HAY YIELD AND BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF PASTURE UNDER MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE CONDITIONS

This research was carried out as two separate trials established in two different years to determine the effects of different seed ratios and harvest times of different annual companion crop species on the hay yield and botanical composition of a pasture mixture under Mediterranean climate conditions. The field trials were established in a randomized complete block with a split-plot arrangement in three replications. The research results showed that barley, annual ryegrass, and berseem clover can be utilized as companion crops in artificial pasture systems. The inclusion of these companion crop species in the pasture mixture resulted in an increase in forage yield and a significant decrease in weed infestation. While delaying the harvest time of the companion crop does not have a notable effect on the proportion of legumes and weeds in the total biomass, it significantly enhances the dry forage yield and the proportion of grasses in the overall biomass of the mixture.

MORPHOLOGICAL, AGRONOMIC, AND QUALITY PROPERTIES OF THE TWO DEVELOPED POPULATIONS OF ALFALFA (Medicago sativa L.) UNDER NON-IRRIGATED CONDITIONS OF SEMIARID REGIONS

Alfalfa is the most important crop in Turkey but there is no alfalfa cultivar developed for rainfed conditions under the semiarid regions in Turkey. For this reason, new cultivars are needed for using of rangeland improvement, artificial pasture establishment, and hay production. For this reason, the two alfalfa populations were developed by the mass selection method in the breeding project. These two advanced populations (L-533, and L-1739) were examined with the three control cultivars of alfalfa (Bilensoy-80, Savaş and Kayseri) for morphological, yield and quality traits in two various regions of Turkey in three experimental years. The present study results demonstrated that there were significant differences in terms of the plant height, but no differences in stem diameter, and stem number among the study genotypes. When evaluating all genotypes, the L-533 and Kayseri had the highest yield value, but the Savaş cultivar was the lowest. As compared to Bilensoy-80 cultivar, the L-533, and L-1739 populations gave higher at 22.27 and 11.57% in green forage yield; 18.30 and 10.13% in dry forage yields, respectively.
 In addition, statistically significant differences were found for ADF, NDF, and digestible dry matter yield among the study genotypes, except crude protein contents. Moreover, the highest crude protein content and digestible dry matter yield were obtained from the L-533 and L-1739, but the L-533 had also the lowest NDF content. The present study result showed that the L-533, and L-1739 had high adaptation capability, excellent yield, and good quality performance in dry conditions under semi-arid regions and could be used as commercial cultivars.

Impact of mico-seed cookies with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, yield, and chemical composition of Gynura procumbens

The mico-seed cookies incorporated arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and functioned as an organic conditioner in the soil to enhance nutrient availability through symbiotic impact on the plant at the root system level. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of mico-seed cookies on the growth rate, yield, and forage chemical characteristics of Gynura procumbens. The research was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments of mico-seed cookies application (a control group (without mico-seed cookies), and three groups that used mico-seed cookies with diameters of 4 cm (53 g), 5 cm (84 g), and 6 cm (130 g)). The research site was located at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia, on soil with an acidic pH range of 3.93-4.45. The results showed that the mico-seed cookie improved the direct planting system of G. procumbens indicated by the increasing seedling rate, growth rate, and forage yield. Additionally, the mico-seed cookies triggered the bioactive compounds production. The research concluded that the application of the mico-seed cookie direct planting system to G. procumbens resulted in a statistically significant enhancement of the seedling percentage (up to 15%), colonization (up to 70%), growth rate (25-30%), yield (42-44%), and forage chemical characteristics, especially on trigger bioactive compounds. G. procumbens has potential as forage based on biomass production and high-quality nutrient, especially leaf protein content that reaches up to 25%.

Key management practices to reduce the risk of the occurrence of Rumex obtusifolius in productive grasslands

AbstractRumex obtusifolius (broad‐leaved dock) is a problematic weed that reduces yield and nutritional value of forage in grasslands of temperate regions worldwide. We conducted an on‐farm study to identify management practices and environmental factors that influence the risk of the occurrence of R. obtusifolius in high densities in permanent, productive grasslands used for forage production. Following a common protocol, a paired case–control design was implemented in Switzerland (CH), Slovenia (SI), and United Kingdom (UK) to compare parcels with high densities of R. obtusifolius (cases, ≥1 plant m−2) with nearby parcels free of or with very low densities of the species (controls, ≤4 plants 100 m−2). A total of 40, 20, and 18 pairs were recorded in CH, SI, and UK respectively. Parameters measured included data about management practices and history, vegetation cover and composition, and soil nutrients and texture. Across countries, increased vegetation cover reduced the relative risk of R. obtusifolius occurrence. By contrast, increased soil phosphorus and potassium and high soil bulk density raised the relative risk. These effects were consistent across countries, as no interactions between country and any of the factors were observed. The two indicator species for case parcels, Plantago major and Poa annua, were typical species of disturbed areas and fertile soils, while indicators for control parcels were characteristic of grasslands under medium to high management intensity (e.g., Festuca rubra, Cynosorus cristatus, Anthoxantum odoratum). We conclude that the risk for grassland infestation with R. obtusifolius can be significantly affected by management practices. Prevention measures should target phosphorus and potassium fertilisation to the forage plants' requirements, minimise soil compaction, and maintain dense swards.

Effects of Different Harvesting Practices on Forage Yield and Quality Characteristics in some Sweet Sorghum Cultivars

Effects of Different Harvesting Practices on Forage Yield and Quality Characteristics in some Sweet Sorghum Cultivars

Yield and nutritive value of local races of grasses and legumes to rejuvenate pastures for sustaining livestock productivity in sub-Himalayan region of India

Improved local races of 8 grasses and 5 legumes were evaluated for forage yield and nutritional characteristics for introduction in sub-Himalayan pastures. Forage yield was higher for in grasses and Phalaris aquatic-PAOnobrychis viciifolia- in legumes. Grasses had low (P&38;lt0.05) CP and more NDF, ADF and cellulose than OVlegumes. Grasses had higher (P&38;lt0.05) tCHO except TP, while legumes had higher non Trifolium pretense-structural carbohydrates-NSC. Lignin bound carbohydrate fraction (C ) was higher in legumes except CPhleum pretense-Festuca rubra-FR. PP and Protein fraction P (NPN) was lower (P&38;lt0.05) in grasses. Grasses and Alegumes had lowest contents of rapidly degradable protein fraction (P ). Grasses and legumes differed B1(P&38;lt0.05) in gross energy and digestible energy and legumes had higher total digestible nutrients (TDN) except Bromus unioloides-. Truly digestible non fibrous carbohydrates (tdNFC) and tdCP of legumes were higher BU(P&38;lt0.05) than grasses. Legumes and - had higher (P&38;lt0.05) , Medicago s ativa-MSCoronilla varia CVTRdigestible DM (DDM) except (59.38) and (60.78%). Dry matter intake (DMI) and Festuca arundinacea-FABU relative feed value (RFV) were higher (P&38;lt0.05) for legumes. Neutral detergent fiber and cellulose were negatively correlated (P&38;lt0.01) with TDN, energy and DDM, RFV, DMI, tdNFC and tdCP. P and moderately B1degradable protein fraction (P ) were positively correlated (P&38;lt0.01) with RDP, while lignin bound protein B2fraction (P ) was negatively associated with TDN, energy and DDM. The NSC was positively associated with CTDN, energy, DDM, RFV, DMI and tdCP. Variability in nutritional characteristics of grasses and legumes signify their potential to rejuvenate pastures to improve livestock production.

Lathyrus diversity: resources with different origin with relevance to crop improvement

Lathyrus sativus L. is a legume crop, possessing high protein content, tolerant to drought, waterlogging and salinity. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the phenotypic diversity of the exchanged local Lathyrus accessions from Mediterranean region and south eastern Europe in order to review their potential for its ex situ conservation and sustainable use. The subject of the study were twenty four grass pea accessions with different origin, received on a project basis. The morphological, biological and economic characteristics were assessed on 10 pre-marked, normally developed plants from each accession using the International Classification of Species Lathyrus sp. and list of indicators. All exchanged accessions were registered in our national database and in European Search Catalogue for Plant Genetic Resources (EURISCO). Nine Lathyrus sativus accessions with Bulgarian origin were reproduced at the experimental field of IPGR, Sadovo and the seeds from them was included in AEGIS (A European Genebank Integrated System). Several accessions (C000095, C0000101, C0000100, BGR43334, BGR40415 and C00000103) were selected with promising results related to grain and forage yields. Cluster analysis classified the accessions into two distinct groups as accessions from Bulgaria, Romania and part of Serbia were grouped in the first cluster and all others in the second. As the best adapted accessions to Bulgarian environment condition were two accessions from Romania (C00096 and C00095), two from Serbia (C000100 and C000101) and two from Bosnia and Herzegovina (C00093 and C00094). They demonstrated good productivity and good adaptability. All exchanged accessions were registered in our National database and in EURISCO database.

Utjecaj konsocijacije kukuruza s grahom na kakvoću i prinos krme

Corn silage is a high-yielding, voluminous forage rich in energy but with insufficient protein content for ighproducing cattle. Since legumes have a low dry matter yield, low forage yield and unsatisfactory quality, they are often used in intercropping with cereals, which contributes to a higher yield and better forage quality than in pure culture. In this research, corn (Zea mays L.) and climbing beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were sown in different sowing densities in order to determine the best ratio in the intercropping system of corn and beans to achieve high yield and good nutritional value of forage. A pure maize crop (75000 grains ha-1) and maize in intercropping with beans were sown: 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 37000 grains ha-1 of beans, 75000 grains ha-1 of maize and 50000 grains ha-1 of beans and 75000 grains ha-1 of corn and 75000 grains ha-1 of beans. The highest yield of dry matter was determined with the highest proportion of beans (19.0 t ha-1), and the lowest yield with 75000 plants ha-1 of corn and 37000 plants ha-1 of beans (17.2 t ha-1). The intercropping of corn and beans reduced the proportion of neutral detergent fibers, which could result in an increase in the digestibility of voluminous forage. Based on the nutritional value and forage yield, we can conclude that the intercropping with the highest proportion of beans had the highest yield and the best nutritional value.

Analysis of the genotype through interactions with the environment and dry matter yield stability of Lablab purpureus L. in midland of Guji zone.

Abstract The purpose of the study was to assess Lablab genotyping performance in different Guji midland areas. A 3mx2m plot was used to seed twelve accessions of Lablab purpureus , which were obtained from the International Livestock Research Institute Gene Bank, and a tick registered variety from Bako Agricultural Research Centre. During the main rainy season in 2021-2022, three locations-Dufa, Gobicha, and Kiltu sorsa, Adola subsite, and on farms in two (2) consecutive years, respectively were studied using randomized complete block designs (RCBD) with three replications. Information was gathered regarding the establishment, duration of various physiological stages, dry matter yield of fodder, chemical compositions, and additional relevant factors. AMMI and the SAS statistical analysis programmer, version (2002), were used to perform an analysis of variance on the gathered data. The list significant difference test was used to compare the means. The results of the AMMI analysis of variance for forage dry matter yield showed that there were substantial (P < 0.01) variations in genotype and environment, but not in the effects of the G x E interaction. Both the representative testing site and the testing conditions (Adola Woyu and Kiltu Sorsa) were quite good at differentiating genotypes. The combined analysis data revealed non-significant (P > 0.05) differences for plant height and thousand seed weight, but significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences for days to flowering, days to maturity, number of branches, leaf to steam ratio, number of pods, and number of seeds across the tested environments. The results showed that, out of all the examined locations, G-11620 (15.43 t/ha) and G-14486 (11.12 t/ha) had the highest forage dry matter production. It was observed that the leaf to steam ratio was higher in both G-11486 and G-11620. All chemical compositions across tested genotypes were found to be significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) in the study of composite chemical compositions, with the exception of DOMD and IVDMD, which did not reveal significant (p >0.05) variations among genotypes. The recorded CP content ranged from 21.15% for G-14486 to 23.50% for G-11620, with the lowest value coming from typical cheek Gabis 10.8%. The highest and the lowest NDF were recorded from G-11620 (11.2%) and Gabis (22.23%) respectively. Generally the mean performance, yield and stability of the G-11620 and G-14486 were high and stable across the tested locations. Therefore, genotypes (G-14486 and G-11620) were promoted to VVT for further evaluation and possible for release.

Effect of mowing numbers and cutting height on growth and forage yield of sorghum cultivar Giraffa grass

A field experiment was carried out in Al-Muthanna Governorate during the summer season 2021-2022. It included a study of the effect of two treatments of mow (cut one, cut twice) and four levels of cutting heights (5, 10, 15, and 20) cm on the growth and yield of forage white sorghum variety Giraffa grass. The experiment was applied according to the design of sectors. The complete randomized R.C.B.D with three replications, the response of the variety Giraffa grass to the number of weeds and cutting heights was estimated by measuring some growth characteristics, as the results of the analysis showed that the mow treatment (cut twice) was significantly superior by giving the highest average of the characteristic of the number of tillers.m-2 , the ratio of leaves to stems (%), and the yield of green and dry forage (tons.h-1 ) were 150.0 tons of m-2 , 41.51%, 19.14 tons.h-1 , and 1.53 tons.h-1 , respectively. As for the treatments for cutting heights, it was observed that the treatment was superior to 10 cm in the characteristic of plant height (cm) and the number of pruning, while the treatment was superior to 5 cm in the characteristic of dry forage yield (ton.h-1 ) and the ratio of leaves to stems (%) was 1.55 tons.h-1 and 34.72%, respectively, while the two cutting treatments were superior to 15 cm and 20 cm, giving the highest average yield of green forage, which reached (16.41 and 16.09) tons.h-1 , respectively

Effect of mixing ratios and spraying with microelements on the growth and yield of forage for a mixture of oats and clover

A field experiment was carried out in the fields of the Agricultural Research Station-College of Agriculture, University of Basra, during the winter season of 2021-2022. To study the effect of seeding rates of both oats and Egyptian clover with mixing percentages of 100% oats, 75% oats + 25% clover, 50% oats + 50% clover, 75% clover + 25% oats, 100% clover as the first factor and microelements at a concentration of 1500, 3000 and 4500 ppm as a second factor. The time for spraying with micro-elements was in the branching stage, 7-10 days after the first spray and 7-10 days after the second spray. The experiment was carried out in a factorial experiment with three replications, according to a randomized complete block design, RCBD. Three cuttings were taken during the crop’s growth period. The height of the oats and clover plants, the number of oat tillers, the number of clover branches, the weight ratio of leaves to tillers and stems, and the amount of green and dry forage were measured. The results of the study showed that the different ratios of mixing oats and clover crops contributed to the production of the studied traits; 50% of oats + 50% of clover in the second cutting recorded the highest yield of green fodder (66.84 tons ha-1) and dry fodder yield (22.37 tons ha-1). As for the effect of concentrations of microelements, the level of 4500 ppm achieved superiority in all growth characteristics of all cutting, and the highest yield was recorded in green fodder (65.57 tons ha-1) and dry forage (22.44 tons ha-1) at the second cutting. 50% oats + 50% clover at the level of 4500 ppm gave the highest yield for green fodder (69.66 tons ha-1) and dry (24.81 tons ha-1). Keywords: Mixture; Spraying; micro-nutrients; green fodder; Avena sativa; Clover.

Photosynthetic activity - as a factor in the formation of yield and quality of the new grain fodder oat variety Irtysh 33

The purpose of the research is to assess the influence of photosynthetic activity of the new promising oat variety Irtysh 33 on the formation of its yield and quality of green mass. The experiments were performed in 2017-2022. The soil of the experimental plots is ordinary leached chernozem with a humus content of 5.7…7.5 %. The experiment was carried out in 4 repetitions. The seeding rate is 4 million viable seeds/ha. The area of the plots is 10 m2. The object of research is a new promising oat variety Irtysh 33, the standard variety is Orion. Optimal moisture supply was observed in 2019 (hydrothermal coefficient = 1.10), excess moisture in 2018 (hydrothermal coefficient = 1.39), and dry conditions in 2017, 2020-2022. (hydrothermal coefficient = 0.58-0.77). On average, over the period of research, the variety Irtysh 33 was characterized by a more developed leaf apparatus (35.5 and 24.9 % higher than the standard for leaf surface area in the sweeping and flowering phases, respectively). The new variety was characterized by an increased mass fraction of dry biomass, exceeding the Orion standard by 14.6 % in the heading phase and by 10.2 % in the flowering phase. The Irtysh 33 variety provided photosynthetic potential 30 % higher than the standard. The new variety generated forage yields that were 7.3 and 3.2 t/ha higher than the standard in the heading and flowering phases, respectively. An increased quality of forage mass of the Irtysh 33 variety in the heading phase was also noted - higher than the standard for the mass fraction of protein by 0.4 %, for protein collection by 1.07 t/ha and 0.7 % lower than the standard for the mass fraction of fiber. Indicators of photosynthetic activity had a direct impact on the formation of the yield and quality of green mass of the Irtysh 33 variety, depending on the development phase. From spawning to flowering, the role of accumulation of dry biomass on the formation of the mass fraction of fiber (from r=0.515±0.02 to r=0.684±0.103, respectively) and yield (from r=0.479±0.008 to r=0.602±0.015) increased, as well as the role of net productivity of photosynthesis (for the accumulation of dry biomass from r=0.115±0.004 to r=0.419±0.017; for yield from r=0.460±0.020 to r=0.601±0.051). The average direct degree of conjugation of the assimilation surface of the leaf with the mass fraction of protein, noted in the sweeping phase (r=0.640±0.19), in the next phase changed to the average reverse (r= -0.508±0.021).

Forage yield and nutritive value of summer legumes as affected by row spacing and harvest timing

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an essential, high-quality forage used for grazing stocker cattle from fall to spring in the US Southern Great Plains (SGP). However, the lack of nutritious forages during summers limits grazing by stocker cattle. To fill this quality gap, a short season species capable of producing significant yield and quality of forage is necessary. A two-year experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of three legumes: tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray), mothbean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal], and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] as a control, at different harvest dates, in response to different row spacing (38 ​cm and 76 ​cm) and moisture levels (rainfed and irrigated). Results showed forage yield by all legumes planted at 38 ​cm spacing (4.5 and 3.9 ​Mg ​ha−1) was higher than at 76 ​cm spacing (3.4 and 2.4 ​Mg ​ha−1) in 2018 and 2019. Soybean was the most productive while mothbean had the highest relative feed value (RFV) in both 2018 and 2019 (160 and 118, respectively). Although soybean produced more forage, mothbean and tepary bean provided high quality forage in terms of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and in-vitro true digestibility (IVTD). The results indicate that no single legume species stands out as the unequivocal leader in delivering both high-quality and abundant forage. Consequently, the choice of which species to utilize should be tailored to the specific forage requirements and management goals. Future research should explore mothbean genotypes to identify cultivars with greater yield potential and develop agronomic practices that effectively utilize those cultivars.

The Effects of Harvesting Heights at Different Stubble Heights on Forage Yield and Quality in Sorghum Sudangrass Hybrid Cultivars

The Effects of Harvesting Heights at Different Stubble Heights on Forage Yield and Quality in Sorghum Sudangrass Hybrid Cultivars