Grass Growth Research Articles

Synergistic Effects of Compost and Beneficial Bacillus Bacteria on Sudanese Grass Growth in Saline Soils

Synergistic Effects of Compost and Beneficial Bacillus Bacteria on Sudanese Grass Growth in Saline Soils

Soil health, microbial communities, and annual ryegrass yield under contrasting management practices

AbstractBiological indicators are often used to evaluate the effect of management practices on soil health. However, determining which indicators can detect changes in soil health after implementation of conservation practices and how these indicators relate to plant growth in grass seed production systems remains unclear. The goal of this study was to explore the relationships between management practice history, soil health metrics, plant growth, and soil microbial communities in annual ryegrass grown under greenhouse conditions. Soils were collected from 12 annual ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum (L.) Husnot] fields managed under conventional (till/bale) or conservation (no‐till/full straw) management practices, with three silt loams and three silty clay loams collected for each practice. Annual ryegrass was grown for 5 months on each of the 12 soils in a greenhouse. Soils with a history of conservation management improved the majority of the carbon cycling‐related metrics for the silt loam soils. Management practices had no effect on seed yield, however, conservation management significantly improved aboveground biomass in silty clay loam soils. Contrasting management practices resulted in distinct microbial communities, making them sensitive indicators of changes in soil conditions. Soil health and plant metrics were positively associated with the microbial communities in soils under conservation management. Total C and organic matter were positively correlated to plant parameters in silt loams, while few indicators were correlated to plant metrics in silty clay loams. These results highlight the complex interplay between microbial communities, soil health, and plant growth and the importance of considering inherent soil properties like texture.

The Effect of Giving Liquid Organic Fertilizer Made from Cow Urine Enriched by Agricultural Symbiotic Microbes on the Production of Taiwan Grass (Pennisetum purpureum Cv. Mott)

This research aims to determine the effect of adding liquid organic fertilizer (POC) made from cow urine and agricultural symbiotic microbes on the growth and production of Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum Cv. Mott). The research location is Natai Raya Village, Kumai District, West Kotawaringin Regency. The research method used a unidirectional Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 3 fertilizer treatments applied to Taiwanese grass with 6 replication plots. Treatment consists of: P1 using chemical fertilizer (PK) 100% NPK 200 kg/ha (40 g/plant) or P2 using PK 100%+25% POC (100 ml/plant), and P3 using PK 100%+50 % POC (200 ml/plant). The parameters observed were: plant height, stem diameter, number of tillers, leaf length, fresh weight production (BS), dry matter production (DW) and organic matter production (BO). The results of the study showed that there was a significant increase (P<0.05) with the addition of POC on the growth and production of Taiwan grass. Plant height increased significantly, the highest at P3 was 91.6 cm, an increase of 32.2% compared to P1 of 69.3 cm, at P2 it increased by 16.1%. The largest stem diameter in P3 was 2.18 cm, an increase of 29.9% compared to P1 of 1.68 cm, P2 increased 13.7%. The highest number of offspring at P3 18.56 increased 45.5% compared to P1 12.75, P2 increased 24.9%. The length of the longest leaf on P3 was 77.46 cm, an increase of 40.5% compared to P1 of 55.13 cm, P2 increased 34.55%. The highest BS production was at P3 28,550 tons/ha, an increase of 22.37% compared to P1 23.33 tons/ha, P2 increased 9.74%. BK production was highest at P3 13.38 tonnes/ha, an increase of 25.6% compared to P1 10.62 tonnes/ha, P2 increased 12.5%. The highest BO production was at P3 7,208 tonnes/ha, an increase of 30.62% compared to P1 5.51 tonnes/ha, P2 increased 15.92%. The conclusion of this research is that the higher the dose of liquid organic fertilizer made from cow urine, the higher the growth and production of Taiwanese grass. The optimal fertilizer dose is 100% chemical fertilizer treatment with added liquid organic fertilizer made from 50% cow urine. Keywords : Chemical fertilizer; liquid organic fertilizer; cow urine; agricultural symbiotic microbes; growth and production; Taiwan grass

Adaptability comparison and application assessment of various bioenergy grasses on different marginal lands in China

To understand the effects of different marginal land and environments on the growth, biomass yield, quality, and theoretical ethanol yield of different bioenergy grasses, and to compare the adaptability of different bioenergy grasses. This study was conducted in four representative marginal lands located in Chongqing, Liuyang, Nanyang, and Beijing. The agronomic traits, cell wall compositions, and theoretical alcohol yield of nine energy grasses containing 22 accessions were compared. The effects of environmental factors on biomass yield, quality, and theoretical ethanol yield of different accessions were evaluated via parametric and non-parametric statistics and AMMI analysis, and the stability and adaptability of all accessions were also compared. The results revealed that there were significant differences in biomass yield, quality, and theoretical alcohol yield among different species at the same trial site, and the same species also showed large differences between trial sites. Grasses exhibited divergent adaptability across trial sites, such as Saccharum arundinaceum and Miscanthus floridulus were sensitive to low temperatures and could not overwinter normally in Beijing. The biomass yield of Miscanthus sacchariflorus declined as the latitude decreased. Miscanthus × giganteus, Miscanthus lutarioriparius × sinensis, and Panicum virgatum exhibited greater resistance to environmental changes, indicating superior stability and environmental adaptability.

Nanosilica enhances morphogenic and chemical parameters of Megathyrsus maximus grass under conditions of phosphorus deficiency and excess stress in different soils

Phosphorus (P) imbalances are a recurring issue in cultivated soils with pastures across diverse regions. In addition to P deficiency, the prevalence of excess P in soil has escalated, resulting in damage to pasture yield. In response to this reality, there is a need for well-considered strategies, such as the application of silicon (Si), a known element for alleviating plant stress. However, the influence of Si on the morphogenetic and chemical attributes of forage grasses grown in various soils remains uncertain. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the impact of P deficiency and excess on morphogenetic and chemical parameters, as well as digestibility, in Zuri guinea grass cultivated in Oxisol and Entisol soils. It also sought to determine whether fertigation with nanosilica could mitigate the detrimental effects of these nutritional stresses. Results revealed that P deficiency led to a reduction in tiller numbers and grass protein content, along with an increase in lignin content. Conversely, P excess resulted in higher proportions of dead material and lignin, a reduced mass leaf: stem ratio in plants, and a decrease in dry matter (DM) yield. Fertigation with Si improved tillering and protein content in deficient plants. In the case of P excess, Si reduced tiller mortality and lignin content, increased the mass leaf:stem ratio, and enhanced DM yield. This approach also increased yields in plants with sufficient P levels without affecting grass digestibility. Thus, Si utilization holds promise for enhancing the growth and chemical characteristics of forage grasses under P stress and optimizing yield in well-nourished, adapted plants, promoting more sustainable pasture yields.

PEMBERIAN DUA JENIS PUPUK KANDANG TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN AWAL RUMPUT RAJA (Penisetum Purpuphoides)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of two types of manure on the early growth of king grass (pennisetum putpuphoides). The tools used in this study were scales, tape measure, stationery, writing tools, polybags, machetes, hoe, scope and raffia rope. The materials used in the research were king grass seeds in the form of cuttings of two segments and three nodes, manure of cow manure and manure of goat manure. The method used in this research is the experimental method. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with three (3) treatments, namely: PO (without the use of manure). P1 (cow manure) and P2 (goat manure). Each treatment was repeated four (4) times. Variables observed in this study include: number of shoots, leaf length, leaf width, plant height. The results showed that the number of shoots in the initial growth of king grass in weeks 1-3 was the same, but in week 4 the number of shoots in P1 and P2 was different from P0. Leaf length for each treatment was different from week 1 where treatments P1 and P2 showed differences from P0. Leaf widths differed between treatments from week 1 – 4 where treatments P1 and P2 differed from P0. Plant height at weeks 1 and 2 showed that the P1 and P2 treatments were different from P0, but at weeks 3 and 4 the P2 treatments were different from the P1 and P0 treatments.

APPLICATION OF COCONUT COIR MATTING AND VEGETATION FOR RIVERBANK EROSION PROTECTION

In this paper, a sustainable and non-structural solution is identified to solve the problem of riverbank erosion by using the case study of Pusu River in the district of Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia. Several types of non-structural and sustainable materials were used as riverbank protection in the study area with the application of coconut coir mat and vetiver grass and their effectiveness were evaluated. The coconut coir was fabricated in the laboratory as per ASTM D6525 and it was applied in four plots at the riverbank that consist of different configurations namely bare soil, coconut coir mat with natural vegetation, coconut coir mat with vetiver grass, and vetiver grass on its own. To analyse the effectiveness of the configurations, two tests such as visual inspection test and riverbank erosion assessment using erosion pins were conducted. This study concludes that coconut coir helps vetiver grass roots to grow more expansively as compared to the growth of the vetiver grass without coconut coir. The application of vetiver grass is proven to be 90.5 % effective which is higher than other types of configurations with a 0.05 cm/day mean erosion rate observed.

Divergent effects of food waste derived hydrochar on hydraulic properties and infiltration in a sandy soil

Hydrothermal carbonization of food waste (FW) and application of the solid product (hydrochar, HC) in agriculture, is expected to be an effective way to promote the circulation in food-energy-water nexus. However, little is known on the effects of applying FW-derived HC as a soil amendment on soil properties and functions. The current study investigated the effects of FW-derived HC on soil hydraulic properties and infiltration process. Two types of FW-derived HC were mixed into the top 0–20 cm soil layer at a rate of 1 % and 2 % (w/w) in a soil column experiment with grass growth. In-situ infiltration experiment was conducted within the soil column using a disc infiltrometer at different negative pressure (−20 cm, −6 cm, and −2 cm water head). Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K0) and sorptivity (S0) at each negative pressure head was estimated by fitting experimental cumulative infiltration data to a 4-terms infiltration model. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and soil water retention curve (SWRC) were measured using undisturbed soil cores taken from the soil column. Soil pore size distribution and soil water constants were estimated from the SWRCs. The results indicate that application of FW-derived HC significantly (p < 0.05) affected soil structure by increasing meso (0.03–0.0002 mm) and macro (> 0.03 mm) pores, which can be attributed to the promoted soil aggregation. Saturated hydraulic conductivity was significantly increased and water retention characteristics were changed with significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil water holding capacity and plant available water content. Besides, FW-derived HCs were found hydrophobic and can render wettable sandy soil water repellent. The K0 and S0 were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased and cumulative infiltration was reduced when soil was wetted from an initial dry condition. Negative effect was found on grass growth with significantly (p < 0.05) decreased aboveground biomass after HCs application. Our study indicates that agriculture application of FW-derived HC as a soil amendment could effectively improve soil fertility by recycling nutrient elements and improving soil structure. However, attention should be paid to the hydrophobicity and phototoxicity of FW-derived HC to avoid the related detrimental influences on plant growth and environment.

Inoculation of cold-adapted microbial consortium screened from alpine meadows promotes the growth of mixed grasses by changing soil properties and enzyme activity

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of co-inoculation of three PGPR strains and inoculation ratio on the growth characteristics and soil properties of mixed grasses. In this study, we used 3 strains of PGPR for the material, which were Acinetobacter calcoaceticus called HMAJ1, Pseudomonas piscium called HMAJ5, and Pseudarthrobacter psychrotolerans called NCZ1, with nitrogen fixation and phosphorus solubilization ability. By mixing the bacteria in a different ratio, the effect of inoculating with a microbial consortium on the plant and soil properties of mixed grasses (Elymus nutans Griseb, Festuca sinensis, and Poa pratensis L.) was evaluated and the best microbial inoculants ratio was selected. The results showed that inoculating with a microbial consortium increased the soil organic carbon , available phosphorus, ammonium and nitrate nitrogen content, and the activities of soil alkaline phosphatase, sucrase, peroxidase, and urease, which promoted the plant height and biomass of mixed grasses. Pearson correlation analysis showed that plant characteristics were differently correlated with soil properties. Grey correlation analysis of plant biomass, soil properties, and soil enzyme activity revealed that T7 (HMAJ1:NCZ1 = 3:7) was the most effective in improving mixed-grasses biomass and soil quality. Our results indicated that the positive interaction of nitrogen-fixing bacteria with phosphorus-solubilizing strains may become a novel and effective bio-inoculant to achieve sustainable pulse productivity.

Responses of microbial communities in rhizocompartments of king grass to phytoremediation of cadmium-contaminated soil

King grass has been recognized as a potential phytoremediation plant species due to its high biomass and resistance to heavy metals (HMs). However, the possible impacts of cadmium (Cd) contamination on rhizocompartments' microbial activities in association with king grass have not been extensively explored. The utilization of 16S rRNA gene and ITS sequencing was carried out to examine alterations in the bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizosphere and rhizoplane of king grass in response to low and high Cd stress. Results demonstrated that both bacterial and fungal communities' diversity and richness were negatively impacted by Cd stress, regardless of its concentration. However, evenness did not exhibit any significant response to either of the concentrations. Additionally, nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) ordination demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.001) in microbial communities under different treatments. The abundance of bacterial taxa such as Steroibacter, Nitrospira, Pseudoxanthomonas, Cellvirio, Phenylobacterium, Mycobacterium, Pirellula and Aquicella was adversely affected under Cd stress while Flavobacterium, Gemmata, Thiobacillus and Gemmatimonas showed no prominent response, indicating their resistance to Cd stress. Like that, certain fungal taxa for instance, Cladosporium, Cercophora, Acremonium, Mortierella, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Glomus and Sebacina were also highly reduced by low and high Cd stress. In contrast, Fusarium, Thanatephorus, Botrytis and Curvularia did not show any response to Cd stress. The identified taxa may have a crucial role in the growth of king grass under heavy metal contamination, making them promising candidates for developing bioinoculants to encourage plant performance and phytoremediation capability in HM-contaminated soils.

Effect of Bio-fertilizer, Humic Acid and Sea Algae Extract on Growth and yield of Sudan grass (Sorghum sudanese L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the spring agricultural season of 2021 in two locations, the first in Al-Tilga (10 km northwest of Mosul) and the second in Al-Shuhada (35 km west of Mosul). The experiment was applied according to a randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D.) with a split-plot system. The levels of bio-fertilizer occupied the main plots, and the levels of humic acid and seaweed extract (Alggren-Twin) were secondary plots in three replications. The two factors of the study were as follows: The first factor was biofertilizer (Bactofed) at two levels of zero and 750 ml / 1000 L of water/ha. The second factor is four levels of two levels of seaweed extract with the trade name (Algaren Twin): 3 and 6 ml /L of water. The third and fourth levels are 8 and 16 kg/ha of humic acid. The results of the study were as follows: The addition of bio-fertilizer caused a significant increase in plant height, the yield of fresh and dry forage, the number of dahlias per plant, the weight of panicles grains, and grain yield of individual and total plants in both locations. Also, the addition of seaweed extract and humic acid increased in most of the studied traits to achieve the highest average for most traits and in both locations at the level of humic acid 16 kg/ha. Keywords: Boi-fertilizer; Humic acid; Sea Algae; Sudn agrass; Sorghum sudanense L.

Conservation of beneficial microbes between the rhizosphere and the cyanosphere.

Biocrusts are phototroph-driven communities inhabiting arid soil surfaces. Like plants, most photoautotrophs (largely cyanobacteria) in biocrusts are thought to exchange fixed carbon for essential nutrients like nitrogen with cyanosphere bacteria. Here, we aim to compare beneficial interactions in rhizosphere and cyanosphere environments, including finding growth-promoting strains for hosts from both environments. To examine this, we performed a retrospective analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing datasets, host-microbe co-culture experiments between biocrust communities/biocrust isolates and a model grass (Brachypodium distachyon) or a dominant biocrust cyanobacterium (Microcoleus vaginatus), and metabolomic analysis. All 18 microbial phyla in the cyanosphere were also present in the rhizosphere, with additional 17 phyla uniquely found in the rhizosphere. The biocrust microbes promoted the growth of the model grass, and three biocrust isolates (Bosea sp._L1B56, Pseudarthrobacter sp._L1D14 and Pseudarthrobacter picheli_L1D33) significantly promoted the growth of both hosts. Moreover, pantothenic acid was produced by Pseudarthrobacter sp._L1D14 when grown on B. distachyon exudates, and supplementation of plant growth medium with this metabolite increased B. distachyon biomass by over 60%. These findings suggest that cyanobacteria and other diverse photoautotrophic hosts can be a source for new plant growth-promoting microbes and metabolites.

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Hijauan Rumput Gajah Pakchong Panen Pertama pada Pemberian Dosis Pupuk dan Umur Potong Berbeda

The Pakchong-1 hybrid cultivar is a highly productive forage grass cross between elephant grass and pearl millet grass (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum). The research objective was to determine the growth and production response of Pakchong-1 elephant grass to different fertilizer doses and cutting ages. The study was conducted at the JASTRU (Jonggol Animal Science Teaching and Research Unit) of IPB University. This study used a 3 x 3 factorial completely randomized design (3 doses of nitrogen fertilizer x 3 cutting ages) with 4 replications. The data was analysed using ANOVA and the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The fertilizer doses used were 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1, and the cutting ages were 50, 60, and 70 days. The research results showed that the cutting age significantly increased plant height (180.53 – 210.90 cm), dry leaf weight (3.90 – 5.63 tons ha-1), dry stem weight (2.32 – 4.38 tons ha-1), and total dry weight (6.22 – 10.02 tons ha-1). However, biomass production was not affected. There was an interaction between the fertilizer dose and cutting age in terms of the number of tillers (1.99 – 5.15 tillers per clump) and the number of leaves (5.55 – 11.18 leaves per plant). Based on the research, the optimal point for obtaining the best results in terms of plant height growth, number of leaves, number of tillers, production of fresh biomass, dry weight of stems, dry weight of leaves, and total dry weight of Pakchong-1 elephant grass was a cutting edge of 60 days and the addition of 100 kg ha-1 of fertilizer.&#x0D; Key words: cutting age, fertilizer dosage, forage production, growth of pakchong

Comparison of age and growth of grass and silver carp above and below Changzhou Dam in the Pearl River, China

The life cycles of potamodromous fishes are generally interrupted by the presence of a dam, and populations often display different life history traits between upstream and downstream. This study compared the age and growth rates of grass carp and silver carp above and below Changzhou Dam in the Pearl River. Standard length (SL) composition and back-calculated SL at ages one and two years were greater for grass carp upstream than for downstream individuals; and the length–weight relationship differed between upstream and downstream populations, while the sex ratio, age structure and growth were not significantly different. For silver carp, only SL compositions differed between upstream and downstream populations; sex ratio, age structure, SL-at-age and growth rates were similar. Mean SL-at-age and growth rates of both species were lower at high latitudes than at middle and low latitudes, and populations in the Yangtze River had greater mean SL-at-ages and faster growth relative to silver carp at low latitudes. There were no differences in mean SL or growth among populations at middle and low latitudes. For grass carp, age and growth varied with small-scale ecological processes and regions or latitude, while for silver carp, such variations were proportionate to latitude and the large-scale geographical range. This study provides not only guidelines for fisheries management and conservation of exploited potamodromous fishes, but also insights into the relationship between life history trait variation and adaptive capacity.

Trigger hair thermoreceptors provide for heat-induced calcium-electrical excitability in Venus flytrap

Most plants suffer greatly from heat in general and fire in particular, but some can profit from what is called fire ecology.1Dionaea muscipula, the Venus flytrap, is one such plant. In its natural habitat in the Green Swamps, Dionaea often faces challenges from excessive growth of grass and evergreen shrubs that overshadow the plant.2 Without natural fire, the Dionaea populations would decline.3 How does Dionaea survive and even thrive after swamp fires? Here, we ask whether flytraps recognize heat waves at the forefront of swamp fires and demonstrate that a heat-sensor-based alarm may provide a fire survival strategy for them. In this study, we show that flytraps become electrically excited and close in response to a heat wave. Over a critical temperature of 38°C, traps fire action potentials (APs), which are interconnected with cytosolic Ca2+ transients. The heat-induced Ca2+-AP has a 3-min refractory period, yet traps still respond to cold, voltage, and glutamate. The heat responses were trap specific, emerging only when the trap became excitable. Upon heat stimulation, the Ca2+ wave originates in the trigger hair podium, indicating that the mechanosensory zone serves as a heat receptor organ. In contrast to the human heat receptor, the flytrap sensor detects temperature change rather than the absolute body temperature. We propose that by sensing the temperature differential, flytraps can recognize the heat of an approaching fire, thus closing before the trigger hairs are burned, while they can continue to catch prey throughout hot summers.

Impact of mechanical shrub removal on encroached mountain rangelands in Lesotho, southern Africa

AbstractAlthough rangelands are among the most socio‐economically valuable ecosystems, their degradation remains a world‐wide problem, especially in sub‐Saharan Africa. Lesotho montane rangelands are no exception and are characterised by shrub encroachment and deterioration. As a result, the Lesotho Government has invested heavily on a programme of uprooting the shrubs across the country. Although the programme has been implemented for more than a decade, no scientific studies have assessed the ecological benefits of this approach. Therefore, the current study evaluated the impact of mechanical shrub removal on plant diversity and composition in Lesotho. Stratified random sampling was employed using the Metric Belt Transect‐Quadrat Method to assess the effect of uprooting shrubs on encroached rangeland by comparing herbaceous species diversity and standing biomass across areas that had previously been subjected to shrub removal in three sequential years and rested from grazing. The results reveal that even though mechanical shrub removal enhances herbaceous species diversity and standing biomass, the improvement declines with time post shrub removal. Therefore, the process has a short‐lived benefit and needs to be repeated at least every 2 years to maximise its impact. It is evident that the manual removal of shrubs improves rangeland condition by enhancing growth of herbaceous plants, including forbs and grasses. Therefore, this technique has a potential to be used as a rangeland management tool.

Micro-habitat features determine oviposition site selection in High Brown and Dark Green Fritillaries

The survival of butterfly populations depends on successful oviposition strategies. The limited mobility of early life stages requires females to select sites that reflect larval requirements. However, as land use and climate changes are altering habitat conditions and micro-climate, some species may adapt ovipositing strategies and flourish while others, with narrow niche requirements, may be unable to respond. Oviposition site selection and micro-habitat niche is examined for two closely related butterfly species—the specialist High Brown Fritillary (Fabriciana adippe) and relative generalist Dark Green Fritillary (Speyeria aglaja) through field observations of egg-laying females and analysis of micro-habitat characteristics. A total of 104 oviposition behaviour observations across both species were recorded in 69 1 m2 quadrats, with the habitat characteristics compared to randomly selected quadrats in the same area. Results show that higher host plant density was a positively significant factor for oviposition site selection only for the High Brown Fritillary. Moreover, the cover of live Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum) and grass were important for site selection in both species, with High Brown Fritillaries tolerating less live Bracken and grass cover than Dark Green Fritillaries. This confirms the more specific requirements and narrower micro-habitat niche of the High Brown Fritillary, which appears to be more sensitive to micro-habitat cooling.Implications for insect conservationThe management of Bracken mosaic habitats for these two species should aim to supress grass growth and maintain Bracken density within limits, by opening the Bracken canopy on a rotation through grazing or manual cutting, ensuring a continuous supply of suitable micro-habitat.

Non-targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the mechanism of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis regulating the cold-resistance of Elymus nutans.

Elymus nutans is a perennial grass of the Gramineae family. Due to its cold-resistance and nutrition deficiency tolerance, it has been applied to the ecological restoration of degraded alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As an important symbiotic microorganism, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been proven to have great potential in promoting the growth and stress resistance of Gramineae grasses. However, the response mechanism of the AMF needs to be clarified. Therefore, in this study, Rhizophagus irregularis was used to explore the mechanism regulating cold resistance of E. nutans. Based on pot experiments and metabolomics, the effects of R. irregularis were investigated on the activities of antioxidant enzyme and metabolites in the roots of E. nutans under cold stress (15/10°C, 16/8 h, day/night). The results showed that lipids and lipid molecules are the highest proportion of metabolites, accounting for 14.26% of the total metabolites. The inoculation with R. irregularis had no significant effects on the activities of antioxidant enzyme in the roots of E. nutans at room temperature. However, it can significantly change the levels of some lipids and other metabolites in the roots. Under cold stress, the antioxidant enzyme activities and the levels of some metabolites in the roots of E. nutans were significantly changed. Meanwhile, most of these metabolites were enriched in the pathways related to plant metabolism. According to the correlation analysis, the activities of antioxidant enzyme were closely related to the levels of some metabolites, such as flavonoids and lipids. In conclusion, AMF may regulate the cold-resistance of Gramineae grasses by affecting plant metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activities and antioxidant-related metabolites like flavonoids and lipids. These results can provide some basis for studying the molecular mechanism of AMF regulating stress resistance of Gramineae grasses.

Effect of plant density on the growth of grasses and legumes for ruminants’ production

Grasses and legumes are the two most significant plant species utilized as animal feed. Each of them has a special set of advantages that make it suitable for a distinct use. Thus, the objectives of this research work were to (i) evaluate the effects of planting density on growth and development of legumes and grasses, and (ii) examine the effects of planting density on the nutritional status of legumes and grasses for ruminant production. Five legumes and two grasses were subjected to 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm planting density in RCBD with three replications. ANOVA indicated that there were highly significant differences (P<0.001) in all the parameters measured. The plant density was also found to have highly significant (P<0.001) effect on internode and significant (P<0.05) effect on stem diameter and number of stems. Species by plant density interaction had highly significant effect (P<0.001) only on internode length. There was significant (P<0.05) decrease in morphological traits and biomass yields as the plant density increased. There were significant differences in mineral elements and proximate composition. Increase in plant density decreased the performance of plant species. The planting of both legumes and grasses at 30 cm spacing will be more beneficial for ruminant feed production.

Timing and intensity of goose grazing: Implications for grass height and first harvest

Grazing birds like geese can have a big impact on agricultural land, potentially causing damage to crops. Their exploitation of agricultural land varies within and between seasons, and these temporal grazing patterns can be influenced by management. Furthermore, management practices using scaring and accommodation aim to influence local grazing pressures. To achieve efficient goose management we need a good understanding of the effects of timing and intensity of grazing on grass development and subsequent yield loss. We performed an exclosure study on twelve fields in Friesland (Fryslân), the Netherlands to study the effect of grazing on grass development and potential yield loss. Grazing was prevented either from November or from early April until farmers anticipated their first harvest. Every two weeks we measured grass height and calculated growth in exclosures and in ungrazed plots, and performed dropping counts. The results show that the difference in grass height between grazed and ungrazed plots increases with grazing pressure, but less so for higher grazing pressures. We also find that both winter and spring grazing can result in a larger difference in grass height between grazed and ungrazed plots, and grazing into the growing season delays the start of grass growth. This appears due to the relationship between grass height and growth rate. Because the optimal height for growth increases over the season, spring grazing has a much larger impact on grassland yields than winter grazing. Overall these results show that the amount of yield loss depends on different aspects of grazing, most prominently the recovery time, duration and grazing intensity. We hypothesize that barnacle geese may select fields with denser swards and may stimulate sward density by frequent grazing throughout winter and early spring as well as across consecutive years. Future studies should look into the effect of harvest delays and sward density on the size and quality of yield across the season and especially at the last cut. Management with scaring and accommodation may be able to reduce overall yield losses, but the effect may depend on the timing and location of scaring.