Highest Dry Matter Yield Research Articles

Influence of the spatial distribution of components on the productivity of sainfoin-cereal grass mixtures under different sowing methods in the conditions of the right-bank Forest-Steppe

Purpose. To investigate optimization of the spatial distribution of the component in binary legume-cereal grass mixtures by selecting a complementary composition of the phytocenosis, method of planting perennial grasses to create hay grass stands with Onobrychis arenaria in the right-bank Forest-Steppe. Adequate selection of legume and cereal species in a double-component sowing significantly reduces negative interactions at different stages of ontogenesis, reduces interspecific competition for environmental resources, balances the structure of phytocenosis, increases its productivity and prolongs the productive longevity of sown hayfields. Methods. System analysis, field, seeded haymaking, laboratory, comparative. Results. In the field experiment of the Department of Field Fodder Crops, Hayfields and Pastures, the influence of the spatial distribution of Onobrychis arenaria under various methods of sowing with Bromus inermis, Bromus riparius, Festuca arundinacea and Phleum pratense on the yield of dry matter, feed units, metabolic energy, and supply of fodder protein with digestible grass protein of the grass mass (phytomass) of double-component sainfoin-cereal grass mixtures of hay use is studied. It is established that, compared with the conventional mixed method of sowing sainfoin with different types of cereal components, on average for three years of using grass stands, the highest yield of dry matter, feed units, and metabolic energy was obtained under cross and cross-row sowing methods. Conclusions. The influence of the spatial distribution of Onobrychis arenaria and cereal grasses on the formation of grass stands and the productivity of grass mass is substantiated. The prospects of cross and cross-row methods of sowing binary sainfoin-cereal grass mixtures are outlined. This placement of legume and cereal components contributed to a decrease in interspecific competition for environmental resources, balancing the structure of the phytocenosis, increasing its productivity and the quality of grass mass and prolonging the productive longevity of the seeded hayfield in conditions of the right-bank Forest-Steppe.

Feed productivity of sainfoin in the conditions of the right-bank Forest-Steppe

The purpose of the research was to study the effect of planting time on the formation of productivity of Hungarian sainfoin when grown for green forage. Methods are field, laboratory, statistical, correlation and regression relationships. Research results. It is established that under uneven humidity and high temperature regime in the year of sowing, Hungarian sainfoin formed two yields under spring planting date and one yield under summer planting date. In the second and third years of growth, no significant effect of the planting date on the stages of organogenesis of Hungarian sainfoin was found, where the maturity of the herbage was reached simultaneously. Productivity of Hungarian sainfoin was only conditioned by hydrothermal conditions, where the yield of green mass averaged 45.9—49.6 t/ha with crude protein content of 1.58—1.73 t/ha. At the same time, the highest dry matter yield of 10.25 t/ha and crude protein of 1.73 t/ha was provided by agrophytocenosis when sown on April 12. The productivity index of Hungarian sainfoin in the first year of life was determined, where the highest indicator was obtained during the early spring sowing period (29.04) – 7.85 kg/ha of dry matter per 1 hour of light day, whereas for the recommended summer sowing period was 1.13 kg/ha, or 6.9 times lower. The correlation equation between dry matter output, duration of daylight and the sum of precipitation from full shoots to the beginning of flowering in the first year of life is described. It is found that with increase of precipitation by 1 mm the dry matter output increases by 1.53 % and there is a tendency increase with increasing the length of daylight by 1 minute. Conclusions. It has been established that on gray forest soils of the right-bank Forest-Steppe, over two years of intensive use of the grass stand, regardless of hydrothermal conditions, Hungarian saifoin provided a stable forage productivity when sown in spring. Thus, dry matter yield was 9.38—10.25 t/ha with crude protein content of 1.58—1.73 t/ha. In particular, as for summer planting date, July 20 appeared to be the most effective planting date, which provided dry matter yield of 9.78 t/ha with crude protein content of 1.61 t/ha.

Growth Response of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seedlings to Application of Cocoa Pod Husk-based Compost

Aim: To study the effects of cocoa pod husk based compost: Soil mixtures on growth of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Complete Randomized Design with four replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the main nursery of Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana at New Tafo - Akim (06°13’ N and 00°22’ W) in the Eastern Region of Ghana, between November, 2016 and December 2017.
 Methodology: Surface soil classified as Ferric Lixisols together with four compost types produced from cocoa pod husk, poultry manure and Panicum maximum was used to fill polythene bags. A Soil alone (T1) and Soil + standard foliar fertilizer (T2) with a four compost:soil mixture treatments namely T3 - 1:1 w/w, T4 - 1:2 w/w, T5 -1:3 w/w and T6 - 2:1 w/w were tested. Each of the four compost types was used for T3 to T6. Surface soil, poultry manure, compost and compost-soil mixtures were carried out using standard laboratory procedures. Mixed hybrid cocoa seedlings were raised and growth evaluated monthly.
 Results: Interaction effect was observed between compost types and compost-soil mixtures on dry matter yield of cocoa seedlings. Cocoa seedlings grown in T5 of compost 1 had the highest dry matter yield. Higher shoot: root ratio of cocoa seedlings were observed in compost 1. The order of desirability for the four compost types in terms of compost-soil mixtures was compost:soil (1:3 w/w) > compost:soil (1:2 w/w) > compost:soil (2:1 w/w) > compost:soil (1:1 w/w). CMPT1 will ensure more vigorous cocoa seedlings growth after transplanting and subsequently, higher establishment rate.
 Conclusion: The optimum mixture of compost and soil for growing cocoa seedlings under limited availability of fertile surface soil is compost 1 mixed with surface soil at the ratio of 1:3.

AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE AND PHOTOSYNTHETICALLY ACTIVE RADIATION INTERCEPTED BY MAIZE INTERCROPPED WITH BRACHIARIA

Maize and soybean are the main crops used for crop yield on Brazilian Cerrado biome. The off-season maize intercropped with ruzigrass [Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. & C.M. Evrard) Crins (Syn. Brachiaria ruziziensis Germ. & Evrard)] increases soil cover and yield for crops in succession. However, the benefits on maize yield depend on the distribution and radiation-use efficiency (RUE) and its conversion to biomass. This study aimed to evaluate maize and ruzigrass yield in different cultivation systems. The experiment was carried out at Embrapa Agropecuária Oeste, in Dourados, MS, Brazil. The experiment design was randomized blocks, with seven treatments constituted by the combination of spacing between maize rows, single and intercropped, with ruzigrass in distribution methods. Photosynthetically active radiation, chlorophyll, leaf temperature, morphological characteristics and maize mass yield were evaluated in maize at the flowering stage (R1). Maize and ruzigrass yield were evaluated during maize maturation. The reduced spacing in single maize has a higher yield and lower radiation incidence in the ear. Maize intercropped with ruzigrass sown by broadcasting showed higher leaf temperature, lower plant height and lower maize leaf area. Morphological and physiological characteristics and maize grain yield were more influenced by planting methods than the presence of ruzigrass. The highest yield of dry matter and maize grain occurred in reduced spacing in maize, either alone or intercropped with ruzigrass.

Hyperspectral Reflectance Data and Agronomic Traits Can Predict Biomass Yield in Winter Rye Hybrids

Winter rye (Secale cereale L.), a potential alternative biogas substrate, is traditionally bred for grain yield. Thus, our objective was to evaluate the possibility to predict dry matter yield combining vegetation indices derived from visible to NIR spectral data as a proxy for agronomic traits. A total of 404 elite rye hybrids were tested for grain yield, and a subset of this comprising 274 hybrids were also tested for dry matter yield over 2 years and at 4 locations in Germany bringing the total number of environments to 8. Spectral data were collected around solar noontime on mostly clear sky by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) on two dates and measured in the wavelength range between 410 and 993 nm. Observed variation among tested hybrids ranged between 3.64–10.53 Mg ha–1 for grain yield and 8.44–14.66 Mg ha–1 for dry matter yield across different sites. The 23 vegetation indices and the agronomic traits, such as plant height, grain yield, and dry matter yield, showed mostly moderate to high heritability estimates (h2 > 0.50), and their genetic variances were significantly (P < 0.001) different from zero. Plant height was more informative than grain yield for indirect selection of high dry matter yield. An index combining hyperspectral and agronomic data developed by a multiple regression procedure showed a cross-validated prediction ability of 0.75, representing an improvement of about 6% to a model incorporating only agronomic traits. During earlier selection stages, the developed index could be a suitable tool for the cost-effective selection of superior candidates for biomass trials based on grain yield trials.

What is the maximum nitrogen in marandu palisadegrass fertilization?

AbstractThe absence of nutrient replacement, especially nitrogen (N), is one of the main causes of grazing system underutilization and tropical climate pasture degradation. Therefore, N is a very important nutrient in the pasture maintenance; however, it is necessary to know the maximum limit to be used of this nutrient, since fertilization increases production cost. Thus, the objective of this study was to identify the N dose that provides the highest production of marandu palisadegrass (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu), and the fertilization effect on pasture degradation process and forage nutritive value. Treatments consisted in the application of : 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 kg N ha−1 cycle−1 of regrowth. The evaluations were carried out during the summers (November to April) of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017. The highest dry matter yield (DMY) and forage accumulation rate (FAR) occurred between doses of 50 and 75 kg ha−1 cycle−1, with no change in productive potential at higher doses. The reduction in mineral content and the increase in crude protein (CP) are the main changes in the nutritional value of marandu palisadegrass, with no pronounced effect on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) and potentially digestible dry matter proportions of CP in the cell wall (CPCW) and in cellular content (CPCC).The productive effect of nitrogen fertilization under marandu palisadegrass is the increase in DMY and FAR. Thus, the use of nitrogen fertilizers in pasture systems with marandu palisadegrass has a greater impact on the area gain than the individual gain, assuming these systems, the use of nitrogen doses of 50 to 75 kg ha−1 cycle−1.

INFLUENCE OF INTERCROPPING MAIZE WITH CLIMBING BEAN ON FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY

Maize forage is poor in protein content which shows its low quality and nutritive value. Regarding to high feed costs of protein supplementations, legumes can be used in livestock nutrition for their high protein content and, thus, providing cost savings. Since legumes have low dry matter yield, acceptable forage yield and quality can obtained from intercropping cereals and legumes compared with their sole crops. In this study, maize (Zea mays L.) and climbing bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were intercropped in different sowing densities and their monocropping equivalents were tested to determine the best intercropping system on forage yield and quality. Maize was cultivated alone (75 000 plants ha-1) and intercropped with bean as follows: 75 000 plants ha-1 of maize and 37 500 plants ha-1 of bean (MB1), 75 000 plants ha-1 of maize and 50 000 plants ha-1 of bean (MB2) and 75 000 plants ha-1 of maize and 75 000 plants ha-1 of bean (MB3), in rows alternating with maize. The highest dry matter yield was produced by MB3 (20.9 t ha-1), and the lowest by maize (16.9 t ha-1). All intercropped systems had higher crude protein contents, MB1 (92 g kg-1 DM), MB2 (99 g kg-1 DM) and MB3 (110 g kg-1 DM), than the maize (77 g kg-1 DM). Intercropping of maize with bean reduced neutral and acid detergent fiber, resulting in increased forage digestibility. Therefore, maize intercropping with bean could substantially increase forage quantity and quality, and decrease requirements for protein supplements as compared with maize.

Effects of sowing methods and seeding rates on growth and yield characteristics of phasey bean (Macroptilium lathyroides)

AbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing methods (broadcast or row sowing) and seeding rate (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 g/m2) on growth, yield characteristics, and forage quality of phasey bean (Macroptilium lathyroides (L.) Urb.) cv. “Murray”). Experiments were carried out in 2002 and 2003. Sowing method affected dry‐matter yield (DMY): broadcast sowing resulted in higher DMY than row sowing in 2002, and during the first harvest in 2003. Dry‐matter digestibility (DMD) and crude protein (CP) concentration were not influenced by the sowing method, except when DMD and CP of the broadcast sowing treatment increased as the plant weight increased. Contrary to expectation, seeding rate did not affect leaf area index, DMY, DMD, CP, digestible dry‐matter yield or CP yield. Even the lowest seeding rate did not influence the yield and forage quality of phasey bean, compared with the recommended higher seeding rate.

Suitability of Biochar and Biomass Ash in Basket Willow (Salix Viminalis L.) Cultivation

The article presents the findings of a field experiment investigating the effectiveness of biochar and plant biomass ash when used as a soil fertiliser in the cultivation of basket willow (Salix viminalis L.). The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal dose of fertiliser to enable a maximum increase in the crop yield and enhancement of the chemical properties of the soil. In the course of the two-year experiment, the increase in basket willow yield was in the range of 6%–49%. The highest dry matter yield from the plants, at the end of both the first and the second year of the experiment, was obtained in the plots where the soil was amended with biochar alone (11.5 t ha−1), a combination of biochar and ash (respectively 11.5 and 1.5 t ha−1) and ash added at the rate of 1.5 t ha−1. The yield was reduced when the soil was amended with ash added at the rates of 3.0 t ha−1 and 4.5 t ha−1 or with the latter doses of ash combined with biochar. The results indicated that too high a concentration of ash (rate of 3.0 t ha−1 or higher for basket willow) have negative effects on plant growth and may represent a limiting factor. The study suggests that biochar is a better soil amendment than ash, because biochar application gave the highest improvement in the soil properties and plant growth. It was found that the addition of biochar, biomass ash or combinations of the two materials applied in suitable doses may be a good soil amendment.. In particular in soils which are severely damaged and require restoration, this fertilization may have a noticeable effect on soil properties and plant growth.

Growth and Productivity of Chickpea Genotypes under Different Soil Moisture Environment

The field experiment was conducted in concrete drought plots at crop physiology field lab, Department of Agronomy at CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during rabi season 2017-18 with the objective to study the effect of soil moisture environment on growth and productivity of chickpea genotypes in Factorial Randomized Block Design with three replications. In one block two irrigations one at pre-flowering stage and other at pod development stage were applied and in other block no post sown irrigation was applied. Significantly more number of days were taken to reach various phenological stages, taller plants and higher dry matter accumulation and yield was recorded under irrigated environment in comparison to rainfed environment. Among genotypes, H 13-09 had taken significantly more number of days to 50 percent flowering, 50 percent podding and maturity as compared to other genotypes. Highest seed yield (2097 kg/ha) was recorded in genotypes H 13-36 as compared to other genotypes; however, it was statistically at par with genotypes H 12-63(1979 kg/ha) and H 13-09(2011 kg/ha).

Modelling and prediction of dry matter yield of perennial ryegrass cultivars sown in multi-environment multi-harvest trials in south-eastern Australia

With over 60 commercial perennial ryegrass cultivars available on the market in Australia, selecting cultivars with high dry matter (DM) yield and economic profitability requires accurate estimates of their DM yield across target environments. This study, using data from multi-environment multi-harvest (MEMH) trials conducted in south-eastern Australia, derived accurate seasonal predictions of DM yield of these cultivars using linear mixed models (LMM). Base AR37 and Bealy NEA2 were found to be the best performing cultivars in most of the seasons in the target south-eastern Australian environments. Seasonal variability was found to be larger than genotypic variability as usually is the case in multi-environment trials. We have provided details of the LMM methodology used, along with ASReml-R code, to enable others to apply it in similar studies with appropriate changes as required for dataset used. The statistical theory underlying this methodology has also been briefly described in an Appendix for interested readers.

Biomass yield and energy efficiency of willow depending on cultivar, harvesting frequency and planting density

The study aimed at comparing the yield of dry biomass and energy efficiency of 22 willow cultivars depending on the harvesting frequency and variable plant density. The field experiment was established in 2010. The willow cultivars were planted in two densities; 13 300 and 32 500 plants per ha. Among the compared cultivars in the second year (2013) of full production, high yield of dry matter was obtained from cvs. Tordis (33.1 t/ha/year), Inger (30.4 t/ha/year) and Klara (29.0 t/ha/year). After six years of cultivation, the highest aboveground dry matter was given by cvs. Tora (27.4 t/ha/year) and Tordis (27.0 t/ha/year). The gross calorific value of willow biomass ranged from 15.2–20.1 GJ/t dry weight. Greater energy efficiency (329.3 GJ/ha/year) occurred in willow cultivars collected in a two-year cycle than in the one-year cycle (286.4 GJ/ha/year). In the two-year cycle collected in the third year after planting, energy efficiency was greater (379.5 GJ/ha/year) than in the two-year cycle harvested in the sixth year after planting (279.15 GJ/ha/year). The initial slower growth of biomass does not determine plant yielding.

Nutritional and morphostructural characterization of pre-dried winter grass silage

The aim was to evaluate the productive quality and fermentative as like the nutritional parameters of winter grass silage in the vegetative and reproductive stages in two consecutive crop years. The experiment was carried out at Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Campus Dois Vizinhos, Brazil, from April 2012 to December 2013. The experimental field had a 560 m2 area; it comprised 32 plots of 16 m2 each, with a space of 0.5 m between blocks. Four winter grass species were used, including Avena sativa L. ‘IPR 126’ (white oat), Avena strigosa Schreb. ‘IAPAR 61’ (lopsided oat), Lolium multiflorum Lam. ‘Barjumbo’ (ryegrass), and Secale cereale L. ‘Temprano’ (rye), being evaluated through silage making in two phenological stages, vegetative and reproductive. The experimental design was randomized block in a bifactorial scheme (cultivar and phenological phase of pasture). The experimental materials were ensiled in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microsiles, with four replicates per treatment. Pre-drying and ensiling allowed the preservation of material quality. The highest yields of dry matter per hectare were obtained in the reproductive stage; however, the nutritive content at this stage was relatively lower when compared with vegetative. The rye presented relatively less variation of the nutritional composition between the studied phenological stages. The ash content of the forage influenced the pH of the silage, and the highest pH was verified at the vegetative stage. Even with pre-dehydration, the vegetative stage presented a greater loss of effluents than the reproductive stage.

Increasing forage yield and effective weed control of corn-soybean mixed forage for livestock through using by different herbicides.

The aim of this study was to evaluate different herbicides for optimum growth, yield and nutritive value of corn-soybean mixed forage under randomized complete block design. The experimental site was selected and divided equally into 3 blocks. Each block was further divided into 5 plots that each plot had 15 square meter space (3 × 5). Five herbicidal treatments were randomly applied over 5 plots and herbicides were used under 5 herbicidal treatments, viz. 1) No herbicide (control); 2) Pendimethalin; 3) Linuron; 4) S-metolachlor and 5) Ethalfluralin. The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA through SAS 9.1.3 software. The results indicated that growth characteristics were not influenced (p > 0.05) by any herbicide. However, arithmetically corn stalk height was highest in the field of Pendimethalin treatment, whereas highest soybean height was found in the field of S-metolachlor. Arithmetically dry matter (DM) yield was increased with herbicidal treatments as compared to that of control treatment. Relatively highest DM yield (130%) was recorded in the treatment of Ethalfluralin followed by Pendimethalin (126%), S-metolachlor (126%) and Linuron (108%) as compared to that of control treatment. The weed emergence was significantly reduced in all herbicidal treatments as compared to that of control (p > 0.05), but the difference among herbicidal treatments was non-significant. It was concluded that weed emergence can be effectively controlled by use of any tested herbicide. However, optimum DM yield can be achieved through using herbicides; Ethalfluralin, Pendimethalin and S-metolachlor.

Rendimiento de forraje y valor nutritivo de alfalfa a diferentes intervalos de corte

&#x0D; El objetivo fue determinar el efecto en intervalos de corte sobre el rendimiento de materia seca, relación hoja-tallo, proteína y digestibilidad in situ en hoja y tallo de alfalfa cv ‘San Miguelito’, en el Altiplano Mexicano. Se establecieron cuatro intervalos de corte (3, 4, 5 y 6 semanas para primavera-verano y 4, 5, 6 y 7 semanas para otoño-invierno) distribuidos aleatoriamente bajo un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con 4 repeticiones. Los intervalos de 6 y 7 semanas (p&lt; 0.05), produjeron el mayor rendimiento de materia seca por corte con 4 393 kg MS ha-1; sin embargo, también obtuvieron los menores valores de la relación hoja-tallo (0.74), proteína en hoja y tallo (26.9 y 11.7%) y digestibilidad en hoja y tallo (79.8 y 64.3%). Con la finalidad de obtener un balance apropiado entre rendimiento y calidad del forraje se concluye que la alfalfa se debe cosechar, a intervalos de corte de seis semanas en otoño e invierno, de cuatro semanas en primavera y de cinco semanas en verano.

English

This experiment was under taken at Mechara Agricultural Research center of on- station site for two consecutive years of 2016 and 2017 cropping season. The aim of the research was to identify the best adaptable and high biomass and dry matter yielders from four ecotype of Desho grass (Pennisetum pedicellatum) to demonstrate promising ecotypes for livestock producer’s community in the study area. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was employed to evaluate the ecotypes. The result revealed that the agronomic performance of regeneration percentage, plot cover, plant vigor and leaf to stem ratio were not shown significant difference (P>0.05) between Desho grass lines. However, significantly difference (P<0.05) were observed in plant height and dry matter yield between four Desho grass lines. The highest dry matter yield were produced from Areka-DZF # 590 (28.74 t/ha), Kulumsa-DZF#592 (26.14 t/ha) and KK1-DZF # 591(23.59 t/ha) lines and produced 0.71, 0.66 and 0.59 leaf to stem ratio, respectively. The mean value of dry matter yield, biomass (herbage) yield and leaf to stem ratio was increased from first to second harvesting year. The dry matter yield had strongly positive correlation with morphological parameters of leaf to stem ratio (r=0.8; P<0.01), plant height (r=0.62; P<0.05), plot cover (r=75; P<0.05), and low correlation with biomass yield (r=0.2). Based on the result, Areka-DZF#590, Kulumsa-DZF-#592, and KK1-DZF#591 lines were well adapted and performed from Desho grass lines evaluated in this experiment. Therefore, these selected Desho grass lines should be further demonstrated and scaled-up at around Mechara Agricultural Research station and similar agro-ecologies of Hararghe areas. Key words: Desho grass, dry matter yield, leaf to stem ratio, lines.

Methane Production From Industrial Hemp

Abstract. Due to the increasing shortage of fossil fuels, the use of alternative energy sources is becoming even more popular. In Latvia, maize is predominantly used for the production of biogas, and other crops are being studied for this purpose. (Research purpose) To study the productivity of industrial hemp varieties (Cannabis sativa L.) and the possibility of obtaining biogas from hemp. (Materials and methods) Field experiments on hemp productivity were carried out on sod calcareous, heavy dusty sand clay soils in 2012-2014. Ten industrial varieties of hemp – 'Bialobrzeskie', 'Futura 75', 'Fedora 17', 'Santhica 27', 'Beniko', 'Ferimon', 'Epsilon 68', 'Tygra', 'Wojko', and 'Uso 31' – were sown with a seeding rate of 50 kilogram per hectare at the background of fertilizers: nitrogen – 120, phosphoric oxide – 90, potassium oxide – 150 kilogram per hectare. Hemp was sown on 10-square meter plots in mid-May, in triplicate. Hemp was harvested at the beginning of seed ripening phase. The whole crop of green mass was calculated on a completely dry matter. The fermentation process for the production of biogas, the average yield of methane, and other parameters were studied in the Laboratory of Bioenergetics of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, using small-sized bioreactors. (Results and discussion) The dry matter yield of hemp obtained in the agro-climatic conditions of Latvia averaged 13.32- 17.78 tons per hectare. For an average of three years (2012-2014), higher yields of dry matter were obtained from the varieties of 'Futura 75' (17.76 tons per hectare) and 'Tygra’ (16.31 tons per hectare). The average amount of methane obtained from the 'Uso 31' leaves was 0.365 litre from one gramme of dry organic matter, which is a very good result as compared to other energy crops, for example, corn silage (0.319-0.330 litre from one gramme of dry organic matter in Latvia). (Conclusions) The research has demonstrated that hemp can be successfully used to produce biogas, and hemp leaves are the most suitable starting material.

Performance of overwinter cover crops in coastal Lebanon

The effect of the cover crops, narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis), oat (Avena sativa), forage radish (Raphanus sativus), on weed suppressionandsoil nitrogenwas studied in field conditions overwinter. The impact of their residues on the productivity of a subsequent corn crop was followed in the summerof the same year. Between mid-November andMarch oat produced, on a dry weight basis,915 g m-2against 402 g m-2for narbon vetch and 292 g m-2for radish. Consequently, weeds were suppressed best in the presence of oat. Narbon vetchwas less effective than radishin controlling weeds, as it was slowerto get established. In terms of mineral nitrogen, soils occupied by radish (13.1 mg kg-1soil) presented smaller concentrations of ammonium-Nthanthose by vetch(18.7 mg kg-1soil)and the control(19.7 mg kg-1soil). Following the overwinter covercrops, plots were split intoone half whereroots only were incorporated,and another half receivingwhole plants. Residues of whole plants promoted higher production of corn in the booting and flowering stages, as compared to roots only. At the 50% doughstage, the highest dry matter yield was 7.6 Mgha-1afternarbon vetch. Cornyield was the smallest after oat, due to N immobilization. This was demonstrated, using the litter bag technique, when oat residues (15.6g N kg-1) lost 31% of their N against 66% for radishresidues(21.1g N kg-1).For an effective control of weeds and nutrient recycling a cover crop, such as oat, is most efficient. In this case, the succeeding summer crop needs to receive some extra nitrogen.

The effect of different proportions of Medicago media Pers. in mixtures with Festulolium braunii (K. Richt.) A. Camus on the yield and feed value of green fodder

A field experiment was performed in 2011–2013. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different proportions of Medicago media in mixtures with Festulolium braunii on the yield and feed value of green fodder, including the content of crude protein (CP) and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and the carbohydrate-to-protein ratio. It was found that alfalfa had a high competitive advantage over Festulolium. In the second and third year of full utilization, alfalfa was the predominant species in the tested mixtures regardless of the proportion of sown seeds. The mixtures with alfalfa were characterized by high and stable dry matter yields and high protein content, whereas Festulolium significantly increased the content of WSC and improved the WSC:CP ratio. The evaluated mixtures had a higher feed value than pure-sown components. The results of the study indicate that Festulolium mixtures with a lower proportion (30% and 50%) of alfalfa are characterized by a higher feed value.

Quality characteristics and nutrient yields of maize and legume forages under changing intercropping row ratios

Availability of green fodder with improved quality to animals is the key to success for sustainable livestock production. It is difficult to maintain the health and milk production of the livestock without supply of the quality green fodder. Therefore, the study was carried out to evaluate the forage quality of maize and legumes as influenced by varying intercropping combinations. This experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with seven treatments consisting of three different forage crops, viz. maize, cowpea and guar sown in sole as well as in 1:1 and 2:1 intercropping combinations of forage cereal with legume crop components in three replications. Experimental results showed that the highest dry matter yield (94.89 q/ha) was obtained in maize+ cowpea (2:1) intercropping combinations. The quality parameters of different forage crops, viz. Organic Matter, Crude Protein, Ether Extract, Ash Content, Neutral Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Fiber, Acid Detergent Lignin, NDICP and ADICP were influenced significantly and favourably with inclusion of both legumes. Among intercropping combinations Maize: legume (1:1) was better over Maize: legume (2:1) and sole maize. The CP, EE and Ash yield were influenced significantly and maximum value were observed 10.74, 1.99 and 9.4 q/ha, respectively in forage maize+ cowpea (2:1) ratio. Among the different forage crops, the fiber fractions were observed minimum in (1:1) intercropping ratio of maize with legume components as compares to their sole component as well as (2:1) intercropping combinations. The insoluble crude protein content was found minimum in (1:1) intercropping combination and influenced significantly with their respective (2:1) or sole crop.