Pasture Improvement Research Articles

Rehabilitation of a degraded acid Mediterranean soil after 11 years of by‐product calcium amendments and pasture improvement

AbstractThe clearing of natural vegetation and tillage for agricultural purposes makes acid soils highly vulnerable to degradation, resulting in significant losses of soil fertility and crop productivity. This work focused on nature‐based agricultural solutions to rehabilitate degraded acid soils in low‐resource systems. We studied after 6 and 11 years how the introduction of a legume‐rich pasture replacing a natural pasture or a tilled forage crop, with and without Ca‐amendment, contributed to recover the soil health, the fertility and the productivity of degraded Ultisols in Western Spain. Industrial by‐products, mainly sugar foam, were used as Ca‐amendment to promote circular economy. The Ca‐amendment factor influenced soil chemistry to 30 cm depth, while the type of soil use affected soil organic matter (SOM) to 15 cm; and both factors had positive effects on biomass productivity. Except for pH and Ca, no interaction between factors was found. Ca‐amendment increased nutrient availability and soil pH, and Al ion precipitated at 0–15 cm depth. As a result, biomass production increased by 35% relative to no Ca‐amendment. Forage cop produced 66% more biomass than pastures, but this increase did not translate into an increase in SOM. In fact, the legume‐rich pasture was the best option to recover soil organic C and N levels, earlier and deeper. Over the 11 years, the use of pastures and Ca‐amendment enhanced biomass production stability. Relative to natural, the improved pasture did not increase plant biomass but provided higher biomass stability and quality in terms of legume abundance, which was promoted when sugar foam was applied. Pastures also favoured key biological variable as earthworm's population, increasing it by four times with respect to forage crops. Compared to the non‐amended and unfertilized natural pasture out of the experiment, the use of improved pasture, followed by natural pasture, combined with sugar foam and fertilization enhanced soil health, soil fertility and biomass production stability. Thus, this solution has proven effective for restoring degraded acid soils, promoting diversity and mitigating climate change, while offering a more economically beneficial alternative.

Evaluations of Improved Forage Legume Potential for Pasture Land Improvement in Low Land and Mid Land Areas of East Shewa and West Arsi Zone

This study aims to evaluate the improved forage legume potential for pasture land improvement in low-land and mid-land areas of East Shewa and West Arsi zone of Oromia regional state during 2021/22 planting seasons. The natural pasture grazing land was selected to establish the experiment. The experiment was undertaken with RCBD design. The ripping was done before sowing and animal manures were applied before establishment to facilitate the germination of legumes forage. The experiment has four treatments with three replications including the control. The plot size was 4 m * 3 m and the distance between the plot and block were 1m and 1.5m respectively. The sample was taken by quadrant of 1 m * 1 m, weighed, and inserted into a paper bag. The sub-sample was taken for dry matter determination and biomass estimation. Laboratory chemical analyses for some of the major parameters have been done at ATARC. The feed sample was analyzed for dry matter (DM) and crude protein (PC) using AOAC (2000) method. The statistical analysis was undertaken by ANOVA procedures with Tukey's Studentized Range (HSD) Tests to separate the mean values for each parameter at P<0.05. Analysis of variance revealed that variations of sites and treatments had showed a significant effect at (P<0.05) on dry matter yield and ADL. In addition, the site effects had showed significant effects on leaf to steam ratio, percentage of dry matter, percentage of ash and coverages. The ANOVA result showed that there was no interactions effect (P<0.05) for all parameters. In addition, the dry matter have significance difference (P<0.05) between the treatments due to different legumes integration. The integrated siratro (T4) and desmodium (T3) have higher mean value of dry matter than the other treatments. Of the total dry matter, the Desmodium have 10.88% proportion while the Siratro have about 49.57%. In general, improved forage legumes integration result indicated that as to be appropriate option for natural pasture improvement in terms of quantity and quality. Thus, of the treatments the demodium and siratro components have higher dry matter and crude protein the T3 and T4 were recommended for natural pasture improvement in terms quantity and quality for lowland and midland agroecology.

Traction Force, Sowing Quality, and Deformation Characteristics of the Coulter of a Grain–Fertilizer–Grass Seeder

The development of restoration technology and meadows, improvement of run-down pastures, and productivity improvement of old crops of perennial grasses is an urgent problem in agriculture. The tillage traction force in seeder designing and manufacturing is an important indicator of energy efficiency. The objective of this work is to reduce traction force and ensure seeding depth uniformity by justifying the optimal chisel parameters of a grain–fertilizer–grass seeder for direct seeding in sod. The Box–Behnken method was applied to investigate the traction force dependence on the seeder velocity, seed embedding depth, chisel width, and mounting angle. The obtained optimal parameters of coulters were justified by the finite element method. Structural and technological parameters were checked using the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics method on the deformation and wear of the seeder working body. The revealed optimal coulter parameters were as follows: chisel width was 20–20.97 mm, chisel length was 145–148.9 mm, mounting angle was 75°–81.6°, and achieved minimum traction force was 720 N. These parameters ensure the quality of grass seed embedding in the sod. The theoretical data of traction force (8.27–8.39 kN) are in accordance with the experimental (8.28–8.63 kN) data under field conditions. These findings are efficient in agrotechnical and mechanical predictions regarding the occurrence of chisel residual stresses and the working lifetime of the part.

Ecological assessment of pastures semi-deserts and dry steppes of Azerbaijan

The absence in the scientific literature of criteria for assessing the ecological status of pasture lands, insufficient knowledge of the use of predictive methods and technology for carrying out special agrochemical measures, as well as issues of permissible loads, served as the basis for choosing the topic of research work. For the first time, in the conditions of pastures in Azerbaijan, an environmental and energy assessment of soil-landscape complexes was carried out. A detailed and final quality assessment was drawn up on soil scale, and the coefficient of their comparative merit was determined. A scientifically based system of agrochemical measures for the superficial and fundamental improvement of pastures has been developed. The final bonitet scale, reflecting the level of fertility of soil varieties, showed that the soils of the Jeyranchol massif turned out to be the most fertile at 62 points, compared with them, the pasture soils of Ajinohur on average across the massif received 53 points, Gobustan 51 points, and the Kura-Araz lowland 55 points. On average, pasture lands in Azerbaijan are valued at 55 points, which indicates the need for agro-reclamation measures. The types of forage plants are distributed as follows: i) Cereals 116, 12%; ii) Asteraceae 109, 11.2%; iii) Legumes 82, 8.4%; iv) Brassicas 59, 6.2%; 6%; v) Cloves 50, 5.3%; vi) Lamiaceae 42, 4.6%; vii) Linear 40, 4.2%; viii) Goosefoot 6, ix) Gimletaceae 32 species, 3.4%; x) Umbrellas 38, 4.4%; xi) Other 339 types, 35.5%.

Assessing the Health Risk and Trophic Transfer of Lead and Cadmium in Dairy Farming Systems in the Mantaro Catchment, Central Andes of Peru.

This study investigated lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) transfer in three dairy farming areas in the Mantaro river headwaters in the central Peruvian Andes and at varying distances from the mining complex at La Oroya. At each of these sites, the transfer of trace metals from the soil to raw milk was estimated, and a hazard assessment for lead and cadmium was carried out in scenarios of minimum, average, and maximum milk consumption in a Peruvian population aged 2-85. Pb and Cd were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Significantly, the concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to exceed the maximum limits recommended by the World Health Organization, with a positive geospatial trend correlated with the distance from mining activity. Both Pb and Cd were found to be transferred through the soil-pasture-milk pathway, with the primary source of Cd being phosphate-based fertilizers used in pasture improvement. Pb was found to be the most significant contributor to the Hazard Index (HI) with those under 19 years of age and over 60 recording an HI of >1, with infants being the most vulnerable group due to their greater milk consumption in relation to their body weight. A marginal increase in contamination was observed in the dry season, indicating the need for studies to be expanded over several annual cycles.

Enhancing soil health and carbon sequestration through phytogenic treatment: insights into microbial functional pathways in pasture dieback affected soil

Abstract Background and aims Phytogenic bioactive plant products have shown promise in mitigating Australian pasture dieback (PDB) syndrome, a complex condition that adversely affects pasture productivity and sustainability. PDB is characterised by the progressive decline of grass, resulting in reduced soil organic matter. Recent studies have indicated that soil microbial communities play a crucial role in the remediation of affected pastures. In our previous research, the application of a phytogenic secondary metabolic product demonstrated a positive impact on soil microbial diversity, and it significantly increased pasture biomass. Building upon our previous study, we aimed to further investigate the mechanisms underlying pasture improvement through phytogenic treatment by spraying. Methods Here, we conducted a shotgun metagenomic investigation of the soil microbiome functional pathways affected by the phytogenic treatment. Results The application of phytogenic treatment to the PDB-affected soil resulted in a notable increase in soil microbial functional richness and diversity and showed alterations in beta diversity. Among the 65 significantly altered functional pathways, 54 showed an increase, while 11 decreased in response to the phytogenic treatment. The treatment altered the soil’s functional capacity towards increased production of biomolecules, including amino acids, lipids, and cofactors, thus enhancing the soil’s nutritional value. Furthermore, the phytogenic treatment significantly increased pathways involved in soil detoxification and carbon sequestration, suggesting its potential to promote soil health and carbon storage. Conclusion Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in improving the soils affected by pasture dieback. These insights will help develop sustainable strategies for pasture production.

Co-Creating Strategies to Optimize Traditional Silvopastoral Systems through the Management of Native Trees in Caívas in Southern Brazil

The conservation of forest remnants in southern Brazil is closely related to historical land use, for example in systems such as caívas that occur within remnants of the Araucaria Forest and include livestock production and the extraction of yerba mate. Over the last decade, technologies adapted for these systems have been developed that promote a significant increase in animal productivity, without harming forest regeneration or the maintenance of the tree layer. However, the fertilization of pastures proposed in the technology has also promoted greater growth of native trees, with a consequent increase in shade levels. This, in turn, has affected the maintenance of pasture and yerba mate in the understory. Thus, this study sought to develop a methodology to adjust shade levels based on forest management that adheres to the limits permitted by current legislation. The objective was to evaluate the effect of tree management to maintain 50% shade levels on environmental indicators in a caíva that has been implementing pasture improvement technology since 2013. Native tree management occurred in 2020 and 2022 and the results were compared with data from the floristic survey of the area carried out in 2013. The results indicate that although the adoption of forest management to adjust shade levels reduced the density of individuals, it did not affect forest diversity, nor the basal area of the caíva tree layer. As such, it is possible to maintain pasture and yerba mate production in the area. Strategies like this are fundamental so that the forest landscape can continue to offer a source of production while also supporting environmental conservation.

Адресная реабилитация сельских населённых пунктов юго-запада Брянской области в отдалённый период после аварии на Чернобыльской АЭС

This study investigates the most efficient methods for mitigating radiation exposure to residents of rural settlements in five south-west districts of Bryansk Oblast, Russia. A database has been created utilizing modern decision support systems (ReSCA and GISDSS). It contains characteristics of 71 rural settlements, agricultural ecosystems, and forests in the most radioactively contaminated territories of Bryansk Oblast. The authors conducted an assessment to determine the radiological and economic effectiveness of seven technologies aimed at reducing both internal and external exposure for residents who were exposed to a total dose exceeding 1 mSv/year. A list of the most effective measures for each settlement was determined, taking into consideration radiological indicators, cost, and social acceptability of technologies. The application of ferrocene to cattle and the surface improvement of pasture lands in the settlement area have been identified as the most effective measures. The efficiency of radical improvement of hayfields and pastures has significantly decreased since the early 2000s due to the high implementation costs. It has been observed that in ten areas, implementing all efficient remediation technologies will not guarantee a decrease in the overall radiation exposure for the public to a level below 1 mSv/year. Simultaneously, the reduction factor for the total radiation dose experienced by residents in the most vulnerable settlements will be increased by 1.7-2.2 times. The results obtained are crucial for prioritizing further remediation of settlements in south-west Bryansk Oblast and restoring hem to normal living conditions in relation to radiation exposure.

A review of sod-seeding for pasture improvement in Saskatchewan, Canada

A review of sod-seeding for pasture improvement in Saskatchewan, Canada

Modeling of Sustainable Land Use of Mountain Pastures in Kyrgyzstan Based on Effective Management of Livestock Practices

On the example of complex analysis of rangeland systems of Kyrgyzstan located in different natural conditions (key objects “Balykchi (Kyok-Moynok),” “Kyok-Oy,” “Suu-Samir”) the possibility of applying the methodology of sustainable land management modeling for assessment and improvement of traditional mountain pastures is shown. The main parameters of sustainable pasture management models for the considered territories were defined including 3 main groups: land potential, adverse impacts (actual processes and phenomena), risk of degradation (potential processes), whose content is divided into 8 subgroups and includes natural conditions and expanded resource potential, ability to self-recovery and sufficiency of socioeconomic conditions, natural and anthropogenic impacts and risks defined for these groups. A systematic list of successful practices in the use of mountain rangelands in Kyrgyzstan has been compiled. The analysis of different practices and their role in maintaining the sustainability of specific models, depending on the baseline situation, biophysical and socioeconomic conditions, has been conducted. The results are summarized and presented in the petal diagrams’ form. It is shown that the effectiveness of sustainable rangeland management models is determined by a set of successful practices. The article reveals a natural growth of volume and diversity of applied practices as the growth of anthropogenic potential of rangeland systems. The proposed approaches can be used as part of the practical management of rangelands by pastoralist societies and are included as methodological recommendations for the development of rangeland legislation and the assessment of the effectiveness of rangeland livestock, taking into account the completeness of the set of practices and technologies applied in different natural conditions.

The way for improvement and use of slope hayfields and pastures in the republic of Bashkortostan

The article gives a brief description of slopes used for grazing, the composition and quality of which are different in the various agricultural zones of the Republic of Bashkortostan. The technology of improvement and use of these slopes in the conditions of the republic is considered here as well.

Livestock Depredation and Its Impact on Farmers in Trongsa District, Bhutan

This survey was conducted in the Trongsa District of Bhutan to assess and document the depredation of livestock by wild predators, time, and seasonality of predation, estimate the economic value of livestock losses in three years (2019-2021), and assess farmers’ perception of livestock depredation. A survey using a semi-structured questionnaire was done with 218 farming households from five subdistricts of Trongsa, Bhutan. From a total of 683 livestock kills recorded, the tiger (69.69%) killed more than the dhole (14.4%), leopard (13.7%), and bear (1.4%) in the last three years. Adult cattle (milch, Dry & Bull) were more vulnerable (n=496) compared to young (calf & heifer) cattle (n=169). The majority of predation was in summer (51.18%) and winter (23.62%) whereas the rests (25.19%) were believed to have occurred irrespective of seasons. The total loss of 683 livestock head was valued at 380,739.13$ of which the majority were cattle (n= 665, 345,219.69$) followed by yak (n=48, 35,032.87$). Each household on average lost approximately 23.8% of the annual household cash income in the last three years and only 13% (n=30) received some form of compensation. The majority of respondents (96.8%) attribute a current increase in depredation cases to wildlife conservation efforts such as strict conservation laws, protected areas, and biological corridors. We recommend livestock intensification programs such as pasture improvements in fallow lands and financial compensations for the loss of improved breeds as short-term measures. We recommend for enhanced discussion on livestock insurance schemes and involve farmers in managing human-wildlife conflicts.

Total annual and seasonal DM production of improved and unimproved resident pastures at three farms in Canterbury

Yield differences between resident and improved pastures were quantified over a 3-4 yr period on three rainfed farms located in North Canterbury (Stockgrove, north of Amberley), Banks Peninsula (Willesden Farm) and the Mid-Canterbury foothills (Inverary Station). Improved pastures produced two- to three-times more feed annually than unimproved resident pastures at each property. At Stockgrove, improved chicory/white clover-based pastures produced 14.1±0.66 t DM/ha/yr compared with 4.36±0.41 t DM/ha/yr from unimproved pastures. Spring accounted for 85% (improved) and 72% (unimproved) of total annual DM production. At Willesden, lucerne monocultures produced 11.5±0.97t DM/ha/yr, which was more than the 4.44±0.45 t DM/ha/yr produced from resident pastures. Improved pastures at Inverary yielded 7.31±0.59 t DM/ha in summer/autumn of 2018/19, which was more than double the 3.34±0.43 t DM/ha from unimproved pastures. In 2019/2020, improved pastures produced 11.7±1.45 t DM/ha compared with 4.45±0.73 t DM/ha. In the third growth season (2020/2021) improved pastures produced 14.1±1.76 t DM/ha compared with 6.67±1.38 t DM/ha from unimproved pastures. In Year 4 (2021/22) the 12.6±1.29 t DM/ha from improved pastures was 56% more than the 8.07±0.85 t DM/ha from the unimproved pastures. Substantial increases in annual and seasonal feed supply patterns can be achieved through hill country pasture improvement.

What are the best pasture improvement options for different South Island hill and high-country environments?

A range of options exist to improve pasture in the South Island hill and high country. Pasture yield and the cost of seed, lime and fertiliser from 55 trial sites were used to calculate partial gross margins (GM) for a range of improvements on different slopes and aspects. On drillable land, for average rainfall <500 mm/yr, pastures should be based on subterranean clover or perennial lupins. Lucerne can be used where root growth is not limited by soil depth. At 500-750 mm/yr rainfall, lucerne and perennial lupins, with subterranean or Caucasian clover, are viable. Where rainfall is >750 mm, lucerne and Caucasian, white and red clover can be sown. At similar rainfall, soil moisture is more limited on non-drillable hill compared with drillable land, and aspect must be considered. At <750 mm/yr on sunny aspects, clover, e.g., subterranean or balansa,are the best options, and shady areas can be improved with subterranean clover. Late winter application of 30- 50 kg/ha nitrogen can be used on shady aspects with less than 750 /yr rainfall or sunny aspects with higher rainfall. For >750 mm/yr rainfall on shady aspects, pasture should be managed to maximise legume content, and over-sowing white clover should be considered.

Total annual and seasonal DM production of improved and unimproved resident pastures at three farms in Canterbury

Yield differences between resident and improved pastures were quantified over a 3-4 yr period on three rainfed farms located in North Canterbury (Stockgrove, north of Amberley), Banks Peninsula (Willesden Farm) and the Mid-Canterbury foothills (Inverary Station). Improved pastures produced two- to three-times more feed annually than unimproved resident pastures at each property. At Stockgrove, improved chicory/white clover-based pastures produced 14.1±0.66 t DM/ha/yr compared with 4.36±0.41 t DM/ha/yr from unimproved pastures. Spring accounted for 85% (improved) and 72% (unimproved) of total annual DM production. At Willesden, lucerne monocultures produced 11.5±0.97t DM/ha/yr, which was more than the 4.44±0.45 t DM/ha/yr produced from resident pastures. Improved pastures at Inverary yielded 7.31±0.59 t DM/ha in summer/autumn of 2018/19, which was more than double the 3.34±0.43 t DM/ha from unimproved pastures. In 2019/2020, improved pastures produced 11.7±1.45 t DM/ha compared with 4.45±0.73 t DM/ha. In the third growth season (2020/2021) improved pastures produced 14.1±1.76 t DM/ha compared with 6.67±1.38 t DM/ha from unimproved pastures. In Year 4 (2021/22) the 12.6±1.29 t DM/ha from improved pastures was 56% more than the 8.07±0.85 t DM/ha from the unimproved pastures. Substantial increases in annual and seasonal feed supply patterns can be achieved through hill country pasture improvement.

Quantifying biodiversity impacts of livestock using life‐cycle perspectives

Biodiversity impacts are rarely included in systems analyses of livestock production. We piloted two approaches toward quantifying biodiversity impacts, pressure‐state‐response (PSR) and potential species loss (PSL), at a cow–calf operation in Florida for which extensive environmental data were available. Using these approaches, we compared livestock production on two vegetation types, semi‐native pasture (SNP) and improved pasture (IMP), and we found fewer deleterious effects on biodiversity associated with SNP (characterized by low stocking rates and no fertilizer) than with IMP, as evidenced by a lower PSL and greater biotic integrity under PSR. Both approaches agreed in the direction of the outcome, but we argue that, when possible, they should be applied complementarily to inform both absolute and per‐unit product biodiversity impacts of livestock production. This research demonstrates how to incorporate biodiversity into life‐cycle perspectives of livestock sustainability assessments when data availability varies, supporting the expansion of multi‐metric, holistic evaluations that are absent from most livestock system analyses.

The influence of tropical pasture improvement on animal performance, nitrogen cycling, and greenhouse gas emissions in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

This study evaluated beef cattle performance, nitrogen (N) dynamics, and potential greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in tropical pastures receiving N fertilization or mixed with legumes. During the cool season, 54 Nellore heifers were randomly allotted to continuous grazing in three plots of each pasture type: T1 (Marandu grass with 150 kg N/ha), T2 (Marandu grass with 120 kg N/ha), T3 (Marandu grass with Arachis pintoi), T4 (Marandu grass with Desmodium heterocarpo), T5 (Marandu grass without N fertilization), and T6 (degraded pasture). The stocking rate was periodically adjusted to achieve the target canopy height of 20–25 cm. Animal performance and N livestock excretion were estimated by variation in live weight and spot samples of urine and feces, respectively. GHG emissions were calculated using the methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Animal performance was higher in fertilized and mixed pastures (e.g., T1 to T4) than in T5 and T6 pastures. Heifers grazing on T1, T2, T3, and T4 excreted lower amounts of urine with higher N concentrations than heifers grazing on T5 and T6. Heifers grazing in T2 and T4 pastures had a lower concentration of fecal N than those grazing on other pastures, reflecting lower N excretion in this form. The potential for direct nitrous oxide emissions per unit area in pastures mixed with legumes was approximately four times lower than that in pastures with mineral N fertilization. The recovery of degraded pastures and the inclusion of forage legumes contributed to maintaining the sustainability of animal production in pastures

EFFECTS OF WEED CONTROL METHODS ON WEEDS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF RANGE GRASSES IN SEMI-ARID KENYA

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Weeds are a common occurrence and challenge in different crops eventually influencing crop development and yields. Weed control and management are key in enhancing the productivity of cultivated pastures. In semi-arid Kenyan drylands, the main methods employed for weed management are manual cultural practices and recently, the application of commercial herbicides. <strong>Objective:</strong> To evaluate the effects of two weed control methods on weed characteristics and productivity of four rangeland grasses commonly used in reseeding and pasture improvement in a semi-arid environment. <strong>Methodology:</strong> In a randomized complete block design in a field experiment, we determined the effects of two weed control methods (manual and herbicide use) in four rangeland cultivated grasses. These are Buffel grass (<em>Cenchrus ciliaris</em>), Horsetail grass (<em>Chloris roxburghiana</em>), Masaai love grass (<em>Eragrostis superba</em>) and Bush rye (<em>Enteropogon macrostachyus</em>). Weed characteristics (species, density, diversity and weed biomass,) were evaluated, as well as the effectiveness of the weed control methods in the grasses. <strong>Results:</strong> Broad-leaved weeds and annual grasses were prevalent in the established grasses. Generally, higher grass dry matter yields were obtained in <em>Cenchrus ciliaris</em> grasses (2.05 t h<sup>-1</sup>) while lowest yields were in <em>Chloris roxburghiana</em> (1.2 ton ha<sup>-1</sup>). Weed management interventions increased biomass production in the grasses by a mean of 19% in general. The mean yield increase varied with species and weed control method ranging from 8-39%. Weed control methods significantly reduced weed density, diversity and eventually weed biomass within the grass species. The efficacy of manual weed control and chemical application was in the range of 27-74%. <strong>Implications: </strong>Weed control is, therefore, necessary if one is to realize higher productivity and returns in cultivated pasture and fodder systems in semi-arid environments. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> Both chemical and manual control methods of weed control are important and effective approaches to manage weeds in pasture systems in semi-arid environments.<strong> </strong></p>

Interaction of site, spacing, weed control and fertiliser in Pinus radiata plantations in southeast New South Wales

ABSTRACT Two trials addressing soil preparation, weed control, fertiliser application and planting density were established on dry, high-elevation sites as part of a program to develop site-specific management. The sites differed in soils and the level of pasture improvement. The objectives included identifying treatment combinations that had greatest productivity and best stem and branch form, considering that poor stem form is an issue on pasture sites. The trials were assessed at 13 years of age. Volume production was high compared with a plantation established earlier on a native forest site, but it was not possible to determine whether this was a result of higher survival, higher nutrition, improved weed control or improved genetics. There was little difference in the effects of soil preparation treatments, and there was no effect at 13 years of the small early-fertiliser application. Weed control was important, with effects on volume production varying between sites and having a greater effect on the highly improved pasture site. Increasing stocking from 1000 stems ha−1 to 1500 stems ha−1 increased volume production by about 24% where weed control was applied. There were differences in stem and branch form between sites, and the highly improved pasture site had a higher level of multi-leaders, probably attributable to low boron. The study shows the value of small, standardised silvicultural trials in the development of site-specific management.

Livestock preference and feeding value as key determinants for forage improvement – why not ask the consumers?

This review presents a new model for a multidisciplinary approach to development of modern forage cultivars to enable high-value meat and wool production in the mixed farming zones of Australia. Many pasture improvement activities focus on biomass production, filling novel agro-ecological niches, fixing nitrogen and phenotypic markers. Key traits that drive profitability of livestock, such as feeding value (FV), and nutritive value (NV), are rarely considered in a timely manner. Farmers are often not seriously engaged until late in the development pipeline. Of the nearly 10 000 publications that reference forage improvement or breeding and Australia, less than 5% also reference ruminant production factors such as FV, metabolisable energy, digestibility, methane or toxicity in the abstract, title or keywords. We make the case that the late engagement of livestock science and farmers results in early discarding of potentially valuable genetic material. This in turn may contribute to market and nutritional limitations that contribute to the high failure rate of new pasture cultivars. Four case studies demonstrated the within and among species variation in FV and NV. The first showed the variability in dry matter digestibility and crude protein of 20 species of herbaceous perennials at different stages of maturity. A second study with annual legumes, grasses and brassicas indicated highly significant differences in the rate of decline of NV over time and across species. The third case study focused on commercial and experimental accessions of lucerne and demonstrated highly significant differences among accessions in NV, with a doubling of livestock growth expected with the lowest and highest NV accessions. These case studies demonstrated the potential risks associated with evaluation of FV and NV after most of the germplasm has been excluded. The final case study described a different model that was used in the identification and commercialisation of a woody perennial species. This process incorporated a multidisciplinary team, farmers and livestock-relevant characteristics from the start. In 9 years, Anameka™ oldman saltbush was selected for higher palatability, 20% higher organic-matter digestibility and eight times more biomass than the average of the original genetic material.