Harvesting Grass Research Articles

An experimental assessment of biomass loss due to red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) grazing on agricultural grass meadows in Norway

In Europe, over a third of the agricultural area is grass meadows used for livestock grazing and fodder production. Grass meadows provide a food source for wild ungulates causing human-wildlife conflicts due to forage removal. Few experimental studies have quantified biomass loss with enough replicates to determine how surrounding environments influences level of biomass removal. Using an exclosure experiment on 57 grassland meadows over five years at the northwest coast of Norway covering 10 650 km2, we quantified biomass removal by red deer (Cervus elaphus L.) and how environmental factors impacted biomass loss (Study 1). Furthermore, we examined development of biomass loss and crude protein concentration in five fields throughout the growing season (Study 2). The average predicted biomass loss to red deer grazing was 16% for the first harvest, and 7.3% for the second harvest (Study 1). Biomass loss increased with red deer density from 0% at the lowest density (0.6 red deer harvested/km2) to 31% at the highest density (4 red deer harvested/km2). Biomass loss increased from 12% to 32.8% as terrain ruggedness index (TRI) rose from 2.1 to 7.1. Absolute biomass loss increased towards time of grass harvest (Study 2). Crude protein concentration was higher in unfenced plots during the period before first harvest, but not between first and second harvest (Study 2). The quantification of biomass removal at a large spatial scale over several years in this study provides a better understanding of factors causing variation in losses.

Shallow drainage of agricultural peatlands without land-use change: have your peat and eat it too

IntroductionDrainage for agricultural purposes is one of the main drivers of peatland degradation, leading to significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, biodiversity loss, and soil eutrophication. Rewetting is a potential solution to restore peatlands, but it generally requires a land-use shift to paludiculture or nature areas.MethodsThis study explored whether three different water level management techniques (subsoil irrigation, furrow irrigation, and dynamic ditch water level regulation) could be implemented on dairy grasslands to yield increases in essential ecosystem services (vegetation diversity and soil biogeochemistry) without the need to change the current land use or intensity. We investigated vegetation diversity, soil biogeochemistry, and CO2 emission reduction in fourteen agricultural livestock pastures on drained peat soils in Friesland (Netherlands).ResultsAcross all pastures, Shannon-Wiener diversity was below 1, and the species richness was below 5. The plant-available phosphorus (P) was consistently higher than 3 mmol L−1. None of the water level management (WLM) techniques enhanced vegetation diversity or changed soil biogeochemistry despite a notable increase in water table levels. The potential for CO2 emission reduction remained small or even absent. Indicators of land-use intensity (i.e., grass harvest and fertilization intensity), however, showed a strong negative correlation with vegetation diversity. Furthermore, all sites’ total and plant-available P and nitrate exceeded the upper threshold for species-rich grassland communities.DiscussionIn conclusion, our research suggests that incomplete rewetting (i.e., higher water tables while maintaining drainage) while continuing the current land use does neither effectively mitigate GHG emissions nor benefit vegetation diversity. Therefore, we conclude that combining WLM and reducing land-use intensity is essential to limit the degradation of peat soils and restore more biodiverse vegetation.

Correlation between perennial grass productivity and landscape and climatic conditions

The yield monitoring (1998–2023) of cloverothymothy grass stands of 1 year of use within the moraine hill was carried out in order to find patterns in the influence of weather conditions on it. The grass stands were operated in the conditions of the Tver region without fertilizers in a single-cut mode on a field divided into 120 plots. Using regression analysis, we determined the influence of temporal variability of average monthly values: average daily temperatures, their amplitude, amount of precipitation and hydrothermal coefficient on the hay yield of perennial grasses. It was revealed that in total these parameters determine about 43% of the variability in grass productivity, but fluctuations in temperature amplitudes are responsible for 32% of the temporal variability of the yield. The yield of herbs is affected by the variability of growing conditions not only in time, but also in space. The negative impact on the yield of air temperature changes is observed in all parts of the landscape, except for the flat top, where productivity responds positively to the growth of the hydrothermal coefficient and negatively to the increase in air temperatures in the pre-harvest period. The following have a negative impact on product yield: temperature changes in late summer and early autumn, especially on southern slopes, which can make it difficult for plants to overwinter; thaws in March, causing the formation of an ice crust on the soil surface and damaging the tillering nodes of plants; hot days in the pre-harvest period, accelerating the ripening of grasses and reducing the intensity of biomass accumulation. February thaws, promoting the accumulation of moisture in the soil, lead to an increase in grass yield. Measures that reduce the negative impact of temperature changes on the grass harvest include: autumn mowing of young grass, snow retention in meadows, and sprinkling of grass on the hottest days of the pre-harvest period.

Biomass of Shoots and Roots of Multicomponent Grasslands and Their Impact on Soil Carbon Accumulation in Arenosol Rich in Stones

To prevent the degradation of light-textured soils, it is advisable to use them for grasslands. These soil management systems help with the faster accumulation of soil organic carbon (SOC), thereby improving the soil’s properties and reducing carbon emissions from agricultural land. In this experiment, we studied the distribution of multi-component perennial grass roots in the Arenosol profile and their impact on SOC sequestration in temperate climate zones. Our research aimed to identify differences in root biomass at depths of 0–15 cm, 15–30 cm, and 30–50 cm and to assess their correlation with SOC and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the soil. The roots, shoots, and soil samples of fertilized and unfertilized grasslands were collected at the flowering stage and after the final grass harvest two years in a row. Our findings revealed that, in sandy loam Arenosol rich in stones, 12.4–15.9 Mg ha−1 of root biomass was accumulated at 0–50 cm of soil depth. The application of NPK fertilizers did not significantly affect grass root biomass, but significantly affected shoot biomass. Most roots (84–88%) were concentrated in the 0–15 cm layer. On average, 5.10–6.62 Mg ha−1 of organic carbon (OC) was stored in the roots of perennial grasses within 0–50 cm of soil depth. We found that the SOC content in the 0–50 cm soil layer correlated more strongly (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) with C accumulated in the roots of the corresponding layer than with shoot biomass (r = 0.41, p = 0.04). However, a significant correlation was found between DOC and shoot biomass (r = 0.68, p < 0.001) and between DOC and the biomass of residues (r = 0.71, p < 0.001), explaining the significant increase in DOC in the 30–50 cm soil layer and indicating the leaching of mobile soil organic matter (SOM) substances from the above-ground biomass using fertilizers.

Wetland Ecosystem: Plant Species Diversity, Services, Degradation Drivers, and Community Perception in Sinana District, Oromia Region, Southeast Ethiopia

Wetlands are a vital source of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The study investigated the plant species diversity and assessed the perception of the ecosystem services of the area and drivers of wetland degradation in Sinana district, Southeast Ethiopia. Vegetation inventory, household surveys, focused group discussions, and key informant interviews were employed to gather information. A total of 45 sample plots laid along transacts were inventoried. A plot size of 5 m × 5 m (25 m2) and 1 m × 1 m (1 m2) nested within the major plot was used for shrubs and herbs, respectively. A total of 137 households were surveyed to collect socioeconomic data. The study identified 20 plant species belonging to 14 families. Family Cyperaceae was dominant within the studied wetland. The Shannon diversity (H=1.15) indicates that the wetland has low vegetation diversity with an uneven distribution (E=0.385) of vegetation. A total of 20 ecosystem services thought to be underprovisioning, regulating, and cultural services were identified. According to plaintiffs, major provision services are grazing livestock (77.4%), irrigation (76.6%), and harvesting of grass for fodder (68.6%). Important drivers of wetland degradation are a shortage of cropland (70.8%), lack of awareness (69.3%), upland land degradation (65.7%), and increasing population (62%). The main driver, a shortage of cropland, was the key driver, followed by a lack of awareness and upland land degradation. Therefore, the result heightened that the studied wetland is under serious degradation due to high human pressure associated with population growth and climate change. Thus, an appropriate wetland management strategy must be designed.

PERANCANGAN MEKANISASI PANEN TANAMAN BATANG RUMPUT DENGAN PEMOTONG TIPE SIRKULAR MENGGUNAKAN PEMODELAN INVENTOR®

In general, traditional farmers still use the manual method which requires a large number of workers and takes longer for one hectare. With this mechanization, it is hoped that the time and cost at harvest will be faster and cheaper. It is hoped that this harvester can not only be used on one type of grass stalks plant (eg. rice) but can also be used for other types of grass stalks plants (lemongrass, sticky rice, straw). This paper produces a design using Inventor 3D to describe a mechanization system for harvesting grass stalks using a circular harvester. The crucial analysis carried out on the carrier, focuses on three things, namely the estimation of power system requirements, estimation of harvest capacity and system stability. Fits the speed-adjusting lever and the lever adjusts the height of the cutter. In its application can be used on wet land or dry land. The conclusion from the calculation is that the driving force is sufficient to move the body and cutting blades, the design capacity exceeds twice that of the manual method, and in practice the body is still stable when passing through land with an elevation of 30 degrees.

Performance of dairy cows offered either zero-grazed grass or grass silage prepared from the same sward

Daily harvesting of fresh grass for housed livestock when its nutritive value is high (Zero-grazing) is a labour-intensive process which requires a consistent supply of grass at the optimum growth stage. An alternative approach which may save on labour and require less time spent on grassland management each day, involves harvesting and ensiling herbage on a number of occasions (every 4 weeks approximately) during the growing season when it is at the same nutritive value as herbage used for zero-grazing. This study examined the impact of these two approaches to dairy cow performance. Thirty-six mid-lactation Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered either zero-grazed fresh grass (ZG), or grass silage (SIL) prepared from the same sward harvested at a similar growth stage, over a single season. Fresh grass was harvested daily and offered to ZG cows for a 12-week period. During this period, the same sward was harvested once weekly and ensiled in round bales. Following a five-week ensilage period, the silage was offered to cows on SIL for a 12-week period. All cows were also offered 8.0 kg concentrate per day. Zero-grazed grass and grass silage had a mean metabolisable energy content of 11.0 and 11.3 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Mean forage DM intake (DMI) and total DMI were greater for cows on ZG (P < 0.001) compared to SIL, with intakes during weeks 8–12 of the experiment lower with SIL compared to ZG (P < 0.001). Cows on ZG had a higher milk yield, milk protein concentration, milk fat plus protein yield and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield (P < 0.001) than cows on SIL. With the exception of milk yield (where the difference was primarily observed during weeks 8–12 of lactation), these differences were observed most weeks during the study period. Milk fat concentration was unaffected by treatment (P > 0.05). Milk of cows on ZG had higher concentrations of total monounsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.001), total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs, P < 0.001) but lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids (SFAs, P < 0.001) compared to cows on SIL. Diet had no effect on cow BW or condition score. This study has shown that when harvested from the same sward, milk yield and ECM yield were improved when cows were offered zero-grazed grass compared to grass silage. This difference in performance was likely due to the lower forage intake observed with the grass silage-based diet.

Grass harvesting eliminates the beneficial effects of legume addition on soil nematode communities in a tall grass pasture

Legume is an important type of plant functional group that can provide a myriad of ecosystem services. In general, the legume can promote the developments of soil fertility, soil biota, and other plants due to its ability to fix nitrogen. In practice, the legume-rhizobium system is one of the most ancient and successful biotic management strategies in anthropogenic ecosystems. However, little is known about how legumes interact with other agricultural management practices and affect soil biota. In this study, a full factorial design was employed to investigate the effects of a shrubby legume (Amorpha fruticosa) addition in conjunction with grass harvesting frequency on soil nematode communities in a hybrid napiergrass (Pennisetum hydridum) pasture. There were three grass harvest frequencies as two, four, and six times annually, as well as three legume densities including no legume, low legume density, and high legume density. During two-year monitoring, the results showed that the legume addition considerably enhanced abundances of total nematodes and bacterivorous nematodes as well as metabolic activities of total nematodes, bacterivores, and omnivore-predators for production and respiration, and the effects increasing with legume density. However, increased frequency of grass harvesting eliminated the effect of legume addition on soil nematode communities. The results suggest that frequent aboveground biomass export from the ecosystem may eliminate the bottom-up control of legumes on soil biota. Our findings could provide a better understanding of legume-soil interactions.

Performance of Dairy Cows Offered Grass Silage Produced within Either a Three- or Four-Harvest System When Supplemented with Concentrates on a Feed-to-Yield Basis.

More frequent harvesting of grass swards provides an opportunity to improve the nutritive value of grass silage. This study investigated the effect of offering silages produced within either a three- (3H) or four-harvest (4H) system on dairy cow performance when concentrate supplements were offered according to the individual cow's milk yield (feed-to-yield). Cows (n = 80) were allocated to either 3H or 4H at calving and remained on experiment for 25 weeks. Within both treatments, cows were offered silage from each harvest consecutively in proportion to the dry matter (DM) yield for each harvest. Silage was offered as a mixed ration with concentrate added at a rate of 8 kg/cow/day. Additional concentrates were offered on a feed-to-yield basis. Herbage yields were reduced in the 4H system, but 4H silage contained higher metabolisable energy and crude protein content compared to 3H. Cows offered the 4H silage had greater silage DM intake, milk yield and milk protein content, while milk fat content was greater in cows offered 3H silages. In conclusion, increasing harvesting frequency from three to four harvests per year can improve silage feed value, silage intakes and milk yields when concentrates are offered on a feed-to-yield basis.

PERANCANGAN MEKANISASI PANEN TANAMAN BATANG RUMPUT DENGAN PEMOTONG TIPE SIRKULAR MENGGUNAKAN PEMODELAN INVENTOR®

In general, traditional farmers still use the manual method which requires a large number of workers and takes longer for one hectare. With this mechanization, it is hoped that the time and cost at harvest will be faster and cheaper. It is hoped that this harvester can not only be used on one type of grass stalks plant (eg. rice) but can also be used for other types of grass stalks plants (lemongrass, sticky rice, straw). This paper produces a design using Inventor 3D to describe a mechanization system for harvesting grass stalks using a circular harvester. The crucial analysis carried out on the carrier, focuses on three things, namely the estimation of power system requirements, estimation of harvest capacity and system stability. Fits the speed-adjusting lever and the lever adjusts the height of the cutter. In its application can be used on wet land or dry land. The conclusion from the calculation is that the driving force is sufficient to move the body and cutting blades, the design capacity exceeds twice that of the manual method, and in practice the body is still stable when passing through land with an elevation of 30 degrees.

Collaborative agent-based modeling for managing shrub encroachment in an Afroalpine grassland

We co-designed an agent-based model of an Afroalpine grassland in Ethiopia that is experiencing unwanted shrub encroachment. The goal was to enable managers of a community conservation area to better understand the drivers of shrub encroachment and to test possible management actions for controlling shrubs. Due to limited site-specific data, we parameterized this model using insights from published literature, remote sensing, and expert opinion from scientists and local managers. We therefore sought to explore potential future scenarios rather than make highly accurate predictions, focusing on facilitating discussions and learning among the diverse co-management team. We evaluated three social-ecological scenarios with our model, examining: (1) the impact of changing precipitation regimes on vegetation, (2) whether changing the frequency of guassa grass harvests would improve the long-term sustainability of the grassland, and (3) whether the combination of grass harvest and shrub removal would affect shrub encroachment. We found that the model was highly sensitive to the amount of grass harvested each year for local use. Our results indicate that the guassa grass was more resilient than shrubs during persistent dry climatic conditions, whereas a reduction in only the early spring rains (known as the “belg”) resulted in considerable loss of grass biomass. While our modeling results lacked the quantitative specificity desired by managers, participants in the collaborative modeling process learned new approaches to planning and management of the conservation area and expanded their knowledge of the ecological complexity of the system. Several participants used the model as a boundary object, interpreting it in ways that reinforced their cultural values and goals for the conservation area. Our work highlights the lack of detailed scientific knowledge of Afroalpine ecosystems, and urges managers to reconnect with traditional ecological management of the conservation area in their pursuit of shrub encroachment solutions. The decline or absence of the belg rains is becoming increasingly common in the Ethiopian highlands, and our results underscore the need for more widespread understanding of how this changing climatic regime impacts local environmental management. This work lays a foundation for social-ecological research to improve both understanding and management of these highly threatened ecosystems.

An assessment of herbage mass, ryegrass cultivar and red clover inclusion on sward productivity, quality and morphology under a cutting protocol

AbstractThe use of ‘cut-and-carry’ (the mechanical harvesting and feeding of fresh grass) has increased in some temperate regions in recent years and evidence suggests that sward management practices in this system differ to conventional grazing. In order to investigate this further, a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial experiment was used to examine the effect of low (1489 kg dry matter (DM)/ha; LHM) and high (2142 kg DM/ha; HHM) pre-cutting herbage mass; three ryegrass cultivars, diploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne; DIP), tetraploid perennial ryegrass (TET) and a hybrid ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum × L. perenne; HY); and the inclusion of red clover (Trifolium pratense) on sward herbage production, nutritive value and ryegrass morphology. Plots were harvested according to herbage mass from March to November in 2018 and 2019. Annual DM production was 1489 kg DM/ha higher in HHM than in LHM swards. Pre-cutting herbage mass had no effect on organic matter digestibility (OMD) in early season for DIP and TET swards or in late season for all cultivars. There was an interaction between ryegrass cultivar and clover inclusion in annual yield whereby red clover increased DM production in all cultivars however, its effect was largest in HY swards. Red clover inclusion increased DM production but reduced OMD in early and mid-seasons. Overall, TET swards were lowest in neutral detergent fibre and highest in OMD compared to HY and DIP. Pre-cutting herbage mass, ryegrass cultivar and red clover inclusion require careful consideration when establishing and managing pastures in cut-and-carry systems.

Nutritive value of forages and diets in some small-scale dairy farms in Kiambu County, Kenya in the short rains season

Sixteen selected small-scale dairy farms were investigated in Kiambu County (Kenya) during the short rains seasonto develop a snapshot of the types of rations fed, milk yields obtained and sources of fodder. On average farmers had1 ha of land and 2.2 lactating cows yielding 8.93 kg milk/cow/d with feed intake of 10.5 kg DM/d. Only 35% of feedconsumed was produced on farm. Boma Rhodes grass hay and green Napier grass were the main forage components(37.9 and 28.3% of total DM). Protein forages used were the herbaceous legumes lucerne and desmodium (19.9 and15.9% CP, respectively) and leguminous shrubs (Leucaena, Calliandra and Sesbania with 21.1% CP and 43.4%aNDFom, on average). Grasses had higher aNDFom digestibility (47.1%) than legumes (39.7%). Napier grass, BomaRhodes grass, lucerne and desmodium had fiber digestibility of 51.9, 48.6, 46.8 and 32.6%, respectively. The energyand protein balances (actual vs. requirements) of the cows were on average -19.3 and -16.4%, respectively, indicatingthat cows utilized body tissues to produce the levels of milk obtained. Mutiple correspondence analysis showed that amilk yield higher than 9.1 kg/d was associated with a level of Boma Rhodes grass &lt;5 kg DM/d, concentration of nonfibrous carbohydrates in the diet &gt;22.0% (DM basis), concentrate level &gt;2.63 kg/cow/d and CP% in the ration &gt;9.1%. To improve milk yields during this season farmers should harvest grass forage at a younger age, include leguminous forage in the diets and increase the level of concentrates fed. These strategies should be demonstrated on farms to show possible benefits.

WAYS OF INTENSIFICATION OF PRODUCTION HERB SEEDS

The main reason holding back the development of seed production is the agro-technical and physical-technical features of plants and, in fact, seeds. There are no special combines for harvesting grass seeds yet, so it is recommended to use serial combine harvesters equipped with special devices to harvest them. The main directions of improving the process of seed heap treatment on stationary is the intensification of the process of primary cleaning of seeds and their wiping from beans, which provides an opportunity to increase the productivity of the technological line and reduce the complexity of the process. The paper compared the six most common technologies for harvesting alfalfa seeds by the following individual indicators: operating costs (UAH / ha), energy consumption (MJ / ha), metal consumption (kg / ha), crop losses (kg / ha). The best results of complex comparison are in those technologies that process all collected seed mass into stationary ones. The authors developed the design of a grater device with horizontal grater discs. To obtain new scientific data on the physical process of wiping seeds from beans and to study the patterns that occur, experimental studies were conducted that allowed to obtain rational design and technological parameters of the wiping process. One of the ways to intensify the process of production of legume seeds is a combination of technological processes of wiping and separation in one machine. Analysis of various separating devices showed that machines with a rotating sieve of cylindrical or conical shape are best suited for this purpose. Extending the residence time of the material on the sieve by applying a conical surface increases the yield of pure seeds, and also contributes to the uniform loading of the sieve surface, which improves the quality of the source material.

The influence of the timing and methods of harvesting the seed grass of the eastern goat’s rue (Galega orientales Lam.) on the yield and sowing quality of seeds

Eastern goat’s rue (Galega orientales Lam.) possesses high fodder productivity and accumulates a large amount of vegetative mass with high humidity for harvesting for seeds. This greatly complicates the harvesting of grass stand for seeds. One of the ways to solve this problem is to carry out desiccation of the grass stand. A complicating factor in choosing the optimal harvesting period is the extended flowering and ripening period of goat’s rue beans, the duration of which reaches 25-35 days. The use of the drug Reglon Super based on diquat is a highly effective agrotechnical method that allows increasing the collection of seeds by 24%. The desiccation of the herbage contributes to the production of seeds with high sowing qualities. The seeds with the best sowing qualities are found in beans with yellow, brown, brown or dark brown color of the beans. In light green beans, the seeds are fully formed, but have a high moisture content. Goat’s rue beans do not crack or crumble at the onset of the full ripeness phase. This allows the seed to be harvested when most of the beans are ripe. A comparative assessment of the timing and method of harvesting the seed herbage of the goat’s rue showed that with a ripening of 39% and the presence of 47% of light green and yellow beans, the yield losses ranged from 26 to 56%. The highest seed yield in one confidence interval of 422-453 kg / ha and 444 kg / ha was obtained, respectively, by direct threshing with preliminary desiccation of the grass stand in the ripening phase of 74-97% of beans or by separate harvesting when mowing into swaths during ripening 74 % beans.

Searching Alternative Uses of Grassland for Sustainable Development: Evidence from the Eastern Black Sea Region, Turkey

Sustainably utilizing natural resources would provide sustainable livelihoods for agrarian communities in developing countries. Using alternative and more efficient methods to utilize natural resources will probably serve to achieve this goal. Ensiling grass in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey is assumed to provide an alternative roughage fodder source for the animal husbandry sector which has faced dramatic declines for the last decades. This study investigated the possibilities of preparing and adopting grass silage in the region where drying grass to provide roughages for winter feeding is troublesome due to the heavily rainy climate during the harvest season. The study was organized in two broad sections; (1) socioeconomic survey and (2) ensiling process for roughage fodder provision. In the first section, socioeconomic characteristics of livestock farmers, farming practices applied, problems encountered by farmers, and awareness level about grass silage in the region were investigated. In the second section, a silage preparation process was carried out by (1) harvesting and ensiling of grass, (2) determination of the composition of grass silages, and (3) determination of aerobic stabilities of silages. Results showed that livestock farmers in the region have small numbers of animals and operate conventionally, farmers tend to be older, hold an elementary school degree, and are mostly not open to innovations. They face serious problems with drying their grass to provide roughage fodders and lack information about this technology. The ensiling process revealed favorable results that grass produced in the region can be successfully turned into silage. The quality can further be increased with some additives. The study concludes that to sustainably utilize the regional grasslands, awareness-raising campaigns and extension programs for ensiling technology should be organized.

PENGARUH DOSIS BOKASHI TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI PADA PEMOTONGAN PERTAMA RUMPUT GAJAH MINI (Pennisetum Purpureum cv. Mott)

This research aims was to determine the effect of bokashi dose on plant height, number of tillers, percentage of stems, fresh production, and dry matter production and also to determine the optimum dose of bokashi to obtain the best results on growth and production at the first harvest of dwarf elephant grass. This research was conducted in March 2020 - July 2020 in Sidodadi Asri village, Jati Agung district, South Lampung regency. This research used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 levels of treatment, namely P0 (control); P1 (bokashi dosage 30 tons/ha); P2 (bokashi dosage 40 tons/ha); and P3 (bokashi dosage 50 tons/ha). Each experimental treatment unit has plot measuring 2x2 m2. Each trial unit was repeated 3 times, so there were 12 trial units. The data were analyzed by variations analyzed at 5% and or 1% level, after that it was followed by orthogonal polynomial test. The results showed that the dose of bokashi had a significant effect (P&lt;0,05) on plant height, fresh production, and dry production, but had no significant effect (P&gt;0,05) on number of tillers, and percentage of stems. The effect of bokashi fertilizer on plant height was obtained by using the optimum bokashi dose of 36.73 tons/ha and the equation was = 60,13 + 35,38x - 6.62x2 [0 ; 50 ton/Ha] (P&lt;0,01). The optimum dose was not obtained for the number of tillers, percentage of stems, fresh production, and dry production.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Plant height, Number of tillers, Percentage of stems, Fresh production, Dry production

A comparison of grass silages harvested at first, second and third cut on feed intake and milk production of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to compare the milk production potential of first, second and third harvest of grass silage from the same sward in Northern latitudes. Three change-over design dairy cow feeding experiments were conducted during different years which differed markedly in weather conditions. The silages were supplemented with a cereal based The objective of this study was to compare the milk production potential of subsequent first, second and third cuts of grass silage from the same sward in Northern latitudes. Three change-over design dairy cow feeding experiments were conducted during different years which differed markedly in weather conditions. The silages were supplemented with a cereal based concentrate (average concentrate proportion 431 g kg-1 diet dry matter). Feed intake and milk production was highest with first-cut and lowest with third-cut silage. The energy corrected milk yields averaged over three experiments were 35.0, 33.2 and 31.9 kg d-1 for first, second and third harvest silages, respectively. Respective dry matter intakes were 23.1, 21.9 and 20.7 kg d-1. Compared to analysed feed values, the average intake of third-cut silages was lower than expected. Due to the high risk of low intake potential of third-cut silages, they are not recommended for cows in early lactation if there are other silages available.

A survey analysis of farmer practices and perceptions of zero-grazing on Irish dairy farms

Zero-grazing (ZG; the mechanical harvesting and feeding of fresh grass) is increasingly used in grass-based milk production systems alongside conventional grazing. It allows farmers to supply fresh grass from land parcels that are outside of the main grazing block during seasonal shortages and periods when climatic conditions limit animal grazing opportunities. The objective of this study was to establish an understanding of current ZG practices on Irish dairy farms, to capture farmer perceptions on the implementation of this management practice, and to identify farmer knowledge requirements on ZG. An online survey was distributed and completed by 130 dairy farmers who use or have used ZG. Zero-grazing was used alongside conventional grazing by 92% of respondents. These farms were particularly fragmented, with between 1 and 14 separate land blocks. Respondents felt ZG helped them overcome fragmentation, increase grass use, and extend grass feeding in spring and autumn. However, extra cost and time input associated with ZG were recognized as key challenges. The majority of respondents rated current technical information available on ZG in the Republic of Ireland as "poor" or "very poor," and knowledge deficits were identified in the areas of cost analysis, grass management and productivity, cow productivity, cow health and nutrition, and soil fertility.

ДЛИТЕЛЬНОСТЬ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЯ СЕМЕННЫХ ТРАВОСТОЕВ МНОГОЛЕТНИХ БОБОВЫХ ТРАВ

Seed productivity of perennial leguminous grasses is subject to sharp fluctuations due to their biological characteristics, different reactions to changes in growing conditions, and meteorological factors over the growing season. In this case, the productive longevity of herbs is of great importance. The research aims to analyze the seed productivity and the duration of using the grassstand of perennial legume grasses in the meteorological conditions of the Middle Pre-Urals. The analysis of seed yield, energy, and economic efficiency of long-term use of perennial leguminous grasses was carried out based on a result of studies laid down in the Udmurt Research Institute of Agriculture of the UdmFRC of the UB RAS in 1996–2005 with the eastern Galega variety Gale, in 2011–2015 – with varieties of red clover and variegated alfalfa, in 2011–2016 – with birds-foot trefoil variety Solnyshko. The research found that red clover sowing is best used for seeds for one year. In the first year of use, the yield of double-cut clover varieties was 146 kg/ha, of single-cut varieties – 138 kg/ha. In the second year of using the grass stand, the yield significantly decreased to 37 and 39 kg/ha. The yield of 162 kg/ha at the standard level was formed by the twocut clover variety Dymkovsky. Crops of variegated alfalfa can be used for seeds for two years. Seed productivity of variegated alfalfa varieties in the 1st year of use was 204 kg/ha, in the 2nd year of use – 260 kg/ha. Alfalfa of the Guzel variety formed a significantly high seed yield of 251 kg/ha. The recommended duration of the use of the birds-foot trefoil grass-stand is two to three years. In the 1st and 2nd years of use of the grass stand, the yield of the seeds was relatively high, 215–378 and 213–349 kg/ha, respectively. By the 3rd year of use, it decreased to 89–161 kg/ha. The old-age grass stand of the 4th year of use did not form seeds. Sowing the birds-foot trefoil without a cover or under cover of spring wheat by the usual row method with a seeding rate of 8–9 million units/ha showed the highest seed yield of 255–270 kg/ha. The duration of the use of the eastern Galega grass-stand is up to 10 years or more. The highest yield of Galega seeds of 510 kg/ha was obtained during the harvesting of grass in the first year of use for feed, in the second – fifth year of use – for seeds, from the 6th year of use – for feed.