Increase In Dry Matter Yield Research Articles

Effects of irrigating forage turnips, Brassica rapa var. rapa, during different periods of vegetative growth. 1. Turnip yields, yield components and growth rates

The effects of applying irrigation to spring sown forage turnips, Brassica rapa var. rapa cv. Barkant, during four stages of vegetative growth on yields, yield components and growth rates, were investigated in two field experiments in north-west Tasmania during the 1999–2000 and 2000–01 spring–summer seasons as a basis for developing irrigation strategies for turnip that could improve their efficiency of water use. Increases in dry matter yield in response to irrigating during the four consecutive periods of vegetative growth were additive for all treatment periods and harvest times: the yield increases to irrigation during any period were independent of prior or subsequent levels of irrigation. Consequently, yield increases that are foregone because of the onset of moisture deficits during an earlier period cannot be recovered in a later period: there is no compensatory growth. The results also show that moisture deficits that restrict yields in a previous treatment period do not restrict yield response to irrigation in later periods: the turnip crop appears to respond immediately to the removal of a water stress.

English

  This research experiment was conducted to examine the effect of Rhizobiuminoculation (RI) and P fertilization (P) on nodulation, growth and yield characteristics of soybean grown in the presence of starter N fertilizer (N). Treatments included: i) 02 levels of RI (RI0, RI1), ii) 02 levels of P (P0, P1 that is, P2O5 @ 90 kg ha-1) iii) 03 levels of N (N0, N1 and N2 that is, N at of 25 and 50 kg N ha-1) iv) 03 replication. Results of the experiment revealed that total number of nodules increased from 73 in the un-inoculated control to 125 and 95 following the application of RI and P representing 70 and 30% increase over control. N supply did not affect the number of nodules; however, combination of RI and P with 25 kg N ha-1 (RI1P1N1) produced the highest number of nodules (152). RI, P, N and their combinations increased shoot and root biomass. Seed yield in the control was 767 kg ha-1 that significantly increased to 1081, 907 and 940 kg ha-1 following the application of RI, P and N demonstrating a 41, 18 and 23% increase over control. The highest seed yield of 1208 kg ha-1 was recorded in the combine treatment of RI1P1N1 indicating 57% increase over control. Relative increase in dry matter yield due to RI, P and N was 63, 46 and 49%. Seed protein content in different treatments ranged between 33 - 40% while oil content ranged between 13 - 18%. Application of RI, P and their combinations increased protein content by 6 - 22% while increase in oil content was 12 - 35%. Concentrations of N and P in plants and their uptake was significantly increased and relative increase in N uptake due to RI, P and K was 77, 21 and 31% , respectively, while the corresponding increase in P uptake was 79, 92 and 56%. It was found that the efficiency of RI and P fertilization increased substantially with the application of 25 kg N ha-1 but the efficiency decreased when N supply increased from 25 kg N ha-1 to 50 kg N ha-1. The results demonstrate the potential benefits of using Rhizobium inoculation and P fertilization with reduced level of N as starter fertilizer in order to achieve plant-growth promotion, increased nodulation and seed yield of soybean.   Key words: Glycine max L., nodulation, N fertilization, P application, soybean,Rhizobium inoculation, soybean.

Annual Cool-Season Forage Nutritive Value and Production after Overseeding into Bahiagrass Sod in Silvopastoral Systems

Significant acreage of pines planted by the Conservation Reserve Program has reached the age for pulp-wood thinning. This is an appropriate time to consider conversion from planted pine plantation to silvopasture systems to generate short-term cash flow from cattle. Little has been reported concerning tree configuration that is best suited for silvopasture in the southern Coastal Plain for winter forage production. This study examined the effects of tree configurations (silvopastures — (double-row and randomly thinned) and control – open pasture) and annual cool-season species (‘Jumbo’ ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), ‘Dixie’ crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and ‘Cherokee’ red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) combinations on the yield and nutritive value of annual cool-season forages. Annual cool-season species combinations, which included ryegrass alone, ryegrass-crimson clover, and ryegrass-crimson-red clovers, were overseeded on ‘Argentine’ bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge.) sod in all systems in November of 2003 and 2004. Open pasture produced about 22% and 36% greater dry matter (DM) than the double-row, and randomly thinned, respectively, while the double-row treatment produced 18% more DM than randomly thinned treatment. Forages in silvopastures increased crude protein (CP) more than did open pasture. Ryegrass-clover(s) mixtures improved CP concentration and increased DM yield by 10% over ryegrass alone. In general, in vitro organic matter digestibilities of forages were similar in the tree configurations and the forage combinations. Annual cool-season forages with high digestibility (greater than 65%) and CP protein (18%) can be produced for livestock in silvopasture systems.

Nonstructural Carbohydrate Concentrations in Timothy as Affected by N Fertilization, Stage of Development, and Time of Cutting

Forages with increased total nonstructural carbohydrate (TNC) concentrations improve the N‐use efficiency of dairy cows. This study determined the effect of time of cutting (0700 vs. 1500 h), stage of development (heading and anthesis), and N fertilization (30, 50, 70, 90, and 110 kg N ha−1 as NH4NO3) on the fermentable carbohydrate concentration of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) grown in northern Ontario, Canada. Forage dry matter (DM) yield and concentrations of N, starch, sucrose, glucose, fructose, and fructans were determined. Concentration of soluble carbohydrates (SC) was estimated by the sum of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, while TNC was obtained by adding SC and starch. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect forage carbohydrate concentrations, but slightly increased DM yield. Forage had higher TNC, starch, sucrose, and fructose concentrations (+9 to 63%) but lower glucose concentration (−27%) when harvested at anthesis compared with heading. Concentration of high degree of polymerization (HDP) fructans was close to 0 at heading and increased to 64.3 mg g−1 DM at anthesis. The afternoon‐cut forage had higher TNC (+53%), SC (+60%), and sucrose (+87%) concentrations than the morning‐cut forage; this positive effect was greater when timothy was harvested at heading compared with anthesis. Starch and HDP fructan concentrations were similar for both times of cutting, whereas results for glucose and fructose were inconsistent. Delayed cutting during the day and an extended growth period increased timothy TNC and HDP fructan concentrations to an extent likely to improve the N use efficiency of dairy cows.

Effects of fertilisation and harvesting stages on forage yield and quality of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.)

This study aimed to determine the effects of five phosphorus rates (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha‐1) and three harvesting stages (beginning of flowering, full flowering, and seed filling) on forage yield and quality of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.). Dry matter (DM) yield, N, P, K, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were determined. Phosphorus rates and harvesting stages significantly affected most of the components determined in hairy vetch. Phosphorus applications increased DM yield, N, P, Ca and Mg contents but decreased K, tetany ratio (K: (Ca + Mg)), ADF and NDF and had no effect on Mn, Cu, Fe and Zn. Harvesting at the late stages caused a reduction in forage quality. Contents of N, P, K, Cu, Zn, Mg and tetany ratios decreased with advancing growth while DM yield, Ca, ADF and NDF contents increased.

Cattle Manure Application Strategies Effects on Bahiagrass Yield, Nutritive Value, and Phosphorus Recovery

Animal manure application based on crop N requirements often leaves excess P in the soil because of the differences in the N/P ratio in manures and that required by the plants. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of cattle (Bos taurus) manure applied alone or in combination with ammonium nitrate (AN) on bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge) dry matter (DM) yield, nutritive value, tissue P concentration and recovery, and soil P concentrations. Treatments consisted of a control, two N rates (200 and 400 kg ha−1), two N sources [manure alone or manure plus AN (50/50% combination)], and two application frequencies (single vs. split). Bahiagrass was harvested at 28‐d intervals and evaluated for DM yield, crude protein concentration (CP), in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM), and tissue P concentration. Soil samples were analyzed for Mehlich‐1 extractable P. Bahiagrass DM yield, nutritive value, and P recovery were greater for the manure plus AN treatments when compared to the control and manure alone. Although greater N rates increased DM yield and CP, bahiagrass P recovery was reduced as the N rate increased. Approximately 20 and 53% of the applied P was recovered by bahiagrass when manure was applied alone and in combination with AN, respectively. Soil‐test P (0–15 cm depth) was greater for the treatments receiving manure alone compared to manure plus AN treatments. Our results demonstrated that applying manure in combination with an inorganic N source can increase forage yield and nutritive value while reducing the risks of soil P accumulation.

The effect of foliar application of Ekolist fertilizer on maize yielding and chemical composition

A pot experiment was conducted in Wagner-type pots of 5 kg soil capacity. The medium used for the investigation was light loam containing 22% of silt and clay. The plant subjected to testing was Blask variety of maize collected in caryopsis milk stage. The experimental scheme involved foliar application of Ekolist fertilizers: Mikro K, Mono Zn and Mono B within the frames of two levels of N fertilization 0.8 g (N1) and 1,6 g ( N2) per one pot as well as control object without foliar fertilizer used. The research showed that foliar application of Ekolist fertilizers at a lower nitrogen dose did not significantly affect the increase of maize dry matter yield in com-parison to control object. Fertilization with a higher nitrogen dose by foliar application of Ekolist Mono Zn and Ekolist Mono B fertilizers did significantly affect the increase in dry matter yield of maize in comparison to the control object. The highest content of microelements applied (Zn and B) was found in leaves and stems of maize for foliar application of Ekolist Mono and the mean content of analyzed microelements in aboveground parts of maize was higher with N-1 nitrogen dose in comparison to a higher nitrogen dose N-2.

Double-cropping annual ryegrass and bermudagrass to reduce phosphorus levels in soil with history of poultry litter application

Long-term application of poultry litter may result in excessively high soil phosphorus (P). This field study determined the potential of ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass overseeded with ‘Marshall’ annual ryegrass and harvested for hay to reduce the level of Mehlich-3 extractable P (M3-P) that had accumulated in a Savannah soil due to a 30-year history of broiler litter application to bermudagrass, as well as antecedent litter rates of 0, 4.48, 8.96, 17.9, and 35.8 Mg ha−1 in 1999–2001. Following the cessation of litter, the plots were overseeded in fall 2001–2003 and fertilized in summer with 268 kg N ha−1 as NH4NO3. Applying 8.96 Mg ha−1 litter significantly elevated M3-P in surface soil (0–15 cm depth) from about 183 to 263 mg kg−1. Annual dry matter (DM) yield and P uptake generally increased as litter rate increased up to 17.9 Mg ha−1. Analysis of M3-P at four sampling dates from October 2002 to April 2004 found no significant effect of forage system or its interaction with litter rate, and levels in both systems decreased by about 25, 27, 22, 26, and 29% at the five litter rates, respectively. Ryegrass–bermudagrass significantly increased DM yield and P uptake, but did not translate to reductions in M3-P, as compared to bermudagrass winter fallow. With no further litter additions and five harvests per year, both forage systems removed about 49 kg ha−1 P with a DM yield of 15 Mg ha−1 and reduced M3-P by about 26 mg kg−1 annually. Bermudagrass performance is important in the remediation of high soil P.

Yield and nutritive value of timothy as affected by temperature, photoperiod and time of harvest

AbstractScenarios of global climate change forecast an increase in air temperature of 3°C over the next 100 years in eastern Canada. Growth and nutritive value of cool‐season grasses are known to be affected by air temperature. It is also believed that grasses grown at high latitude have a greater nutritive value. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of four combinations of day/night temperature and photoperiod (15 h–17/5°C; 15 h–22/10°C; 15 h–28/15°C; and 17 h‐17/5°C) on dry‐matter (DM) yield, in vitro true DM digestibility (IVTD), in vitro digestibility of neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF), and concentrations of NDF, acid‐detergent fibre (ADF), lignin, minerals and non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) in timothy grown under controlled conditions. Furthermore, herbage was harvested in the morning and in the afternoon to assess the impact of the time of harvest. The dietary cation–anion difference [DCAD = (K+ + Na+) − (Cl− + 0·6 S2−)] and the grass tetany index [GT index = K+/(Ca2+ + Mg2+)] were also calculated. Higher temperature regimes significantly decreased IVTD and digestibility of NDF but had a limited effect on concentrations of NDF, ADF and lignin. DM yield of herbage was less and the concentration of NSC was greater in timothy grown under a temperature regime of 28/15°C than the 17/5°C and 22/10°C regimes; this effect is mainly explained by a response to temperature stress. Values of DCAD and the GT index of herbage were also lower under the 28/15°C than the 17/5°C and 22/10°C regimes as a result of a decreased plant K concentration. Under the 17/5°C regime, an increase in 2 h of photoperiod resulted in increased DM yield, decreased concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Cl and N, and an increased starch concentration; IVTD or digestibility of NDF were not affected, although lignin concentration was reduced. Harvesting timothy in the afternoon rather than in the morning resulted in higher NSC, mainly sucrose, concentrations, and decreased ADF and NDF concentrations. The forecasted increase in air temperature in eastern Canada over the next 100 years will result in lower yields and nutritive value of timothy.

Photoperiod Sensitivity of Rhizoma Peanut Germplasm

Short days are thought to alter dry matter (DM) partitioning in rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.). Under controlled environmental conditions, six lines of rhizoma peanut germplasm (cultivars Florigraze and Arbrook; Florida lines Ecoturf, Arbrook Select, and Arblick; and PI 262826) were exposed to natural and extended photoperiod regimes (15 or 18 h). The study started 21 Sept. 2000 and ran until the following May; aboveground DM was harvested five times. The following year the same lines were transplanted into the field, where they received either natural light or 15 h extended photoperiod conditions between 20 Sept. 2001 and 19 Apr. 2002 and again during the winter of 2002–2003. In the field, cover and DM was determined on approximately 9 wk intervals. In the controlled environment study, both extended photoperiod treatments increased DM yield, but the 18 h treatment was most consistent across selections and dates. The February response was greatest when there was greater than fivefold increase across selections for the 18 h treatment above natural photoperiod (2.80 vs. 0.52 g/pot, respectively). In the field, percent cover was enhanced by extended photoperiod for all selections except Ecoturf by the second sampling date after the lights were turned on (avg. 90 vs. 38% cover, respectively, for extended and natural photoperiod). Cover differences persisted until June 2002. Dry matter yield also was increased by treatment during the fall of both years. These studies suggest that selection for late and early season DM production in rhizoma peanut will select for photoperiod insensitivity.

돈분액비 시용이 호밀의 생산성 및 토양의 이화학적 특성에 미치는 영향

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of DM (dry matter) content and split application of liquid swine manure (LSM) on productivity of rye and subsequent soil quality on the pasture of Livestock Policy Division, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. The experiment was done between November, 2005 and June 2006, using split plot design. Treatments were 2 main plots (7.0 and 1.6% DM LSM) and 2 subplots (basal fertilizer 100% and basal fertilizer 50%+top dressing 50%). Application of 7.0% DM LSM resulted in significant increase in DM yield and plant length of rye compared with 1.6% DM LSM (p of grass crop. The pH (5.5), OM (13.3%), available (47.6 mg/kg) and Ca (2.75cmole/kg) content of the pasture soil studied were lower, compared with those of cultivated soil. Results show that the application of a 7.5% DM liquid swine manure increases the productivity of rye compared with a 1.6% DM liquid swine manure, meanwhile the property of pasture soil was not influenced by application of LSM.

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Oxalate Content in Rhodesgrass, Guineagrass and Sudangrass

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) level on the dry matter (DM) yield, N concentration and oxalate content of some tropical grasses, namely Rhodesgrass (Chloris gayana), Guineagrass (Panicum maximum) and Sudangrass (Sorghum vulgare). Three levels of N as urea were applied (Standard- 260, Standardx2- 540 and Standardx4- 1,060 kg N/ha for Rhodesgrass; Standard- 380, Standardx2- 770 and Standardx4- 1,570 kg N/ha for Guineagrass and Sudangrass) in a completely randomized design and grasses were harvested twice at approximately two-month intervals. Dry matter yield tended to be higher with increased rate of N fertilizer in all species, while further additional N (Standardx2 or Standardx4) did not significantly (p>0.05) further increase DM yield, when compared with the Standard level of N fertilizer application. There was also a trend towards higher N concentration in plants as N fertilization increased in all species and it was increased significantly in Rhodesgrass and Sudangrass (p 0.05) differences on oxalate content in plant tissue within species, when compared with the Standard level of N. The Rhodesgrass contained 0.11, 0.13 and 0.15% soluble oxalate and 0.23, 0.25 and 0.27% total oxalate with Standard, Standardx2 and Standardx4 level of N application, respectively. The Guineagrass contained 0.54, 0.50 and 0.42% soluble oxalate and 1.60, 1.56 and 1.45% total oxalate with Standard, Standardx2 and Standardx4 level of N application, respectively. The Sudangrass contained 0.06, 0.15 and 0.12% soluble oxalate and 0.22, 0.22 and 0.21% total oxalate with Standard, Standardx2 and Standardx4 level of N application, respectively The results from this study suggest that these grasses do not use further addition of N fertilizer (Standardx2 or Standardx4) to form high content of oxalate salts, when compared with the Standard level of N. In addition, the levels of oxalate present with these grasses are quite low as far as toxicity to animals is concerned.

Using poultry litter biochars as soil amendments

Despite the recent interest in biochars as soil amendments for improving soil quality and increasing soil carbon sequestration, there is inadequate knowledge on the soil amendment properties of these materials produced from different feed stocks and under different pyrolysis conditions. This is particularly true for biochars produced from animal origins. Two biochars produced from poultry litter under different conditions were tested in a pot trial by assessing the yield of radish (Raphanus sativus var. Long Scarlet) as well as the soil quality of a hardsetting Chromosol (Alfisol). Four rates of biochar (0, 10, 25, and 50 t/ha), with and without nitrogen application (100 kg N/ha) were investigated. Both biochars, without N fertiliser, produced similar increases in dry matter yield of radish, which were detectable at the lowest application rate, 10 t/ha. The yield increase (%), compared with the unamended control rose from 42% at 10 t/ha to 96% at 50 t/ha of biochar application. The yield increases can be attributed largely to the ability of these biochars to increase N availability. Significant additional yield increases, in excess of that due to N fertiliser alone, were observed when N fertiliser was applied together with the biochars, highlighting the other beneficial effects of these biochars. In this regard, the non activated poultry litter biochar produced at lower temperature (450°C) was more effective than the activated biochar produced at higher temperature (550°C), probably due to higher available P content. Biochar addition to the hardsetting soil resulted in significant but different changes in soil chemical and physical properties, including increases in C, N, pH, and available P, but reduction in soil strength. These different effects of the 2 different biochars can be related to their different characteristics. Significantly different changes in soil biology in terms of microbial biomass and earthworm preference properties were also observed between the 2 biochars, but the underlying mechanisms require further research. Our research highlights the importance of feedstock and process conditions during pyrolysis on the properties and, hence, soil amendment values of biochars.

The effect of foliar application of Ekolist fertilizer on maize yielding and chemical composition

Summary. A pot experiment was conducted in Wagner-type pots of 5 kg soil capacity. The medium used for the investigation was light loam containing 22% of silt and clay. The plant subjected to testing was Blask variety of maize collected in caryopsis milk stage. The experimental scheme involved foliar application of Ekolist fertilizers: Mikro K, Mono Zn and Mono B within the frames of two levels of N fertilization 0.8 g (N1) and 1,6 g ( N2) per one pot as well as control object without foliar fertilizer used. The research showed that foliar application of Ekolist fertilizers at a lower nitrogen dose did not significantly affect the increase of maize dry matter yield in comparison to control object. Fertilization with a higher nitrogen dose by foliar application of Ekolist Mono Zn and Ekolist Mono B fertilizers did significantly affect the increase in dry matter yield of maize in comparison to the control object. The highest content of microelements applied (Zn and B) was found in leaves and stems of maize for foliar application of Ekolist Mono and the mean content of analyzed microelements in aboveground parts of maize was higher with N-1 nitrogen dose in comparison to a higher nitrogen dose N-2.

The effect of dairy effluent on dry matter yields, nutritive characteristics, and mineral content of summer-active regrowth forage crops in southern Australia

In southern Australia, the majority of dry land dairy farms use a 2-pond system to treat and contain dairy effluent collected at the milking platform. This effluent contains a range of nutrients that have the potential to affect forage dry matter (DM) yields, nutritive characteristics, and mineral content of forages. The effect of applying second-pond dairy effluent to the summer-active forages chicory (Chichorium intybus L. cv. Grouse), Hunter (Brassica campestris L. × Brassica napus L.), Winfred (Brassica napus L.), and Sweet Jumbo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench × Sorghum sudanese (Piper) Stapf.) over two summer periods was measured. Effluent was applied at rates of 0, 40, 80, and 100 mm with application split into two equal application times. The first occurred 6–10 weeks after sowing and the second immediately after the first grazing. Forages were assessed for DM yield, nutritive characteristics, and mineral content over the two growth periods in each year. Analysis of effluent showed that on average over the 2 years, the effluent contained 146, 34, 439, and 18 kg/ML of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S), respectively. Furthermore, the effluent also contained 161 kg/ML of calcium (Ca) and 222 kg/ML of magnesium (Mg). For the total growth period in Year 1, all crops showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in DM yield to applied effluent, with response values varying for each crop. Responses were 49, 52, 29, and 51 kg DM/ha.mm applied effluent for chicory, Hunter, Sweet Jumbo, and Winfred, respectively. For Year 2, all crops also showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in DM yield (15 kg DM/ha.mm applied effluent) with applied effluent. In Year 1, crude protein (CP) content of all crops increased (P < 0.05) in a linear manner at rates of 0.073 and 0.047% per mm applied effluent for growth periods 1 and 2. There were also linear responses (P < 0.05) in Year 2, with responses varying for each crop for each growth period. For chicory there was no effect of effluent application on CP content in either growth period, while other crops generally exhibited a linear increase with responses of up to 0.08% per mm applied effluent. The greatest changes in mineral content of herbage were those of K, Ca, and Mg. There was a linear increase (P < 0.05) in K content for all growth periods in Years 1 and 2. Magnesium content of chicory (periods 1 and 2) and Winfred (period 2) showed a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in response to effluent application in Year 1, whereas there was no effect in Year 2 for any crops. The results from this study highlight the potential of second-pond dairy effluent to increase DM yields of a range of summer-active forage crops. The data also suggest that while effluent can improve DM yields when soil moisture is limiting, when additional moisture as rainfall occurs, responses from effluent are even more pronounced. In addition, the CP content of forages can be improved when effluent is applied. The combination of increased DM yield with higher CP content provides greater flexibility in dairy cattle feeding options through the dry summer period.

Effluent and nitrogen fertiliser effects on dry matter yield, nutritive characteristics, and mineral and nitrate content of turnips

The 2-pond system to treat and contain dairy effluent is commonplace on dry-land dairy farms in southern Australia. The first pond is a deep anaerobic treatment pond and the second a shallow aerobic pond where the liquid effluent is stored. This liquid effluent contains a range of nutrients that have the potential to influence forage dry matter (DM) yields, herbage nutritive characteristics, and mineral content of forages. The effect of applying second-pond dairy effluent to a summer turnip (Brassica rapa L.) crop over two consecutive summer periods was measured. In addition to the application of effluent, N fertiliser was also applied. Effluent was applied at three rates, 0, 30, and 60 mm ~7–8 weeks after turnips were sown each year, with fertiliser N applied at either 0, 25, 50, or 75 kg N/ha in combination with effluent rates immediately before effluent application. Turnips were assessed for DM accumulation, nutritive characteristics, and mineral and nitrate-N content. Effluent contained high concentrations of both potassium (K) (440–500 kg/ML) and sodium (Na) (637–766 kg/ML), with moderate levels of calcium (Ca) (177–180 kg/ML) and magnesium (158–213 kg/ML). Total N was higher in Year 2 (208 kg/ML) than in Year 1 (160 kg/ML), with the proportion of total N present as ammonia-N also higher in Year 2 (81%) than in Year 1 (57%). Dry matter yield responses for leaf and root were 20 and 11 kg DM/ha per effluent mm applied in Year 1 and 19 and 13 kg DM/ha.mm applied in Year 2, respectively. Total DM yield increases were 32 and 39 kg DM/ha.mm applied for Years 1 and 2, respectively. There was no effect of N application or interaction between effluent and N application in either year. For Year 1, nutritive characteristics were relatively unaffected by either effluent or N fertiliser application, while in Year 2, leaf crude protein content increased (P < 0.05) in a linear manner at 0.058% per mm effluent applied. The K and Na content of turnip leaves increased (P < 0.05) with effluent application in both Years 1 and 2, while the Ca decreased (P < 0.05) with effluent application in Year 2. Results from this study further emphasise the potential value of second-pond dairy effluent to increasing forage DM yield and improving the nutritive value of turnips. The data, however, question the value of using N fertiliser on its own or in combination with effluent to improve the same attributes. Dry matter yield responses to effluent were similar across both years despite contrasting climatic conditions, highlighting the ability of turnips to respond to limited moisture inputs.

Effects of phosphorus fertilisation and harvesting stages on forage yield and quality of narbon vetch

The effects of five different phosphorus rates (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha‐1) and three different harvesting stages (beginning of flowering, full flowering, and seed filling) on forage yield and quality of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) were evaluated under the Mediterranean conditions of Turkey in 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), N, P, K, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were determined. Phosphorus rates and harvesting stages significantly affectedmost of the quality components determined in narbon vetch. Phosphorus applications increased DM yield, CP, N, P, Ca and Mg contents, decreased K, Fe, ADF and NDF, and had no effect on Mn, Cu and Zn. Harvesting at the late stages caused a reduction in forage quality. Crude protein, N, P, K, Cu, Zn and Mg contents decreased with advancing stages, while Ca, ADF and NDF contents increased.

Forage soybean performance in mediterranean environments

Livestock producers are interested in growing forage soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in summer and ensiling alone or in mixtures with corn or sorghum. Four row spacings (20, 40, 60, and 80 cm), four seeding rates (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg seeds per hectare) and four harvesting stages for forage production (V 5, R 2, R 4, and R 6) were evaluated under irrigated conditions in a randomized split–split plot design with three replications in three different locations in Turkey with Mediterranean-type climate in 2004 and 2005. Dry matter (DM) yield was significantly reduced with increased row spacings in all locations. There was no significant difference between 20, 40, or 60 cm row spacings while 80 cm provided the lowest yield. Increased seeding rates (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg seeds per hectare) generally increased DM yield, although the most suitable row spacing varied by location. DM yield was significantly affected by harvest maturity increasing with advancing maturity in all locations. DM constituent plant components were generally unaffected by row spacing and seeding rate but harvest maturity did significantly affect DM partitioning. As expected, leaf blade fractions decreased continually as plant maturity increased, while stem and flower plus pod fraction increased from V 5 to R 6. In general, row spacing and seeding rate did not significantly affect crude protein, degradable protein, and in vitro dry matter digestibility of soybean forage, but all decreased significantly with advancing maturity. These studies demonstrated soybeans managed for forage in a Mediterranean-type environment can average of 9.3 and 11.3 t ha −1 dry matter yield at R 4 and R 6 stages, respectively, while averaging 13.3% crude protein, 8.2% degradable protein, and 60.6% in vitro dry matter digestibility.

Effects of the nitrification inhibitor dicyandiamide on soil mineral N, pasture yield, nutrient uptake and pasture quality in a grazed pasture system

AbstractRecent lysimeter studies have demonstrated that the nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide (DCD), can reduce nitrate (NO) leaching losses from cow urine patches in grazed pasture systems. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of fine particle suspension (FPS) DCD on soil mineral N components, pasture yield, nutrient uptake and pasture quality under grazed pasture conditions. A field study was conducted on the Lincoln University dairy farm, Canterbury, New Zealand, from 2002 to 2006. FPS DCD was applied to grazed pasture plots at 10 kg ha−1 in early May in addition to applied cow urine patches at a nitrogen (N) loading rate of 1000 kg N ha−1, with DCD reapplied in early August. Soil mineral N levels in the urine patches were monitored. Pasture yield, N and cation concentrations and uptake were measured in treatment urine patches and inter‐urine areas of the pasture. Comparisons were made with control plots which did not receive DCD. NO levels under the DCD‐treated urine patches (0–7.5 cm) were in the order of 10 kg N ha−1 compared with 40–80 kg N ha−1 under untreated patches, and soil ammonium (NH) levels were consistently higher under the DCD‐treated patches. The DCD significantly and consistently increased pasture yield in both the urine patches, and inter‐urine areas of the pasture in all 4 years of the trial. Mean annual dry matter (DM) yields over 4 years were inter‐urine areas, 10.3; inter‐urine + DCD, 12.4; urine, 12.4 and urine +DCD 16.0 t DM ha−1, representing an average DM yield increase of 20 and 29% in inter‐urine and urine patch areas, respectively. On a whole paddock basis, the increase in annual DM yield resulting from DCD application was estimated to be 21%. N, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and potassium (K) concentrations in pasture were unaffected by treatment with DCD; however, total annual uptake of these nutrients by pasture was significantly higher in all years where DCD had been applied. Pasture DM, protein, carbohydrate, metabolizable energy and fibre levels and sward clover content were not affected by treatment with DCD. The results demonstrate the agronomic value of the DCD treatment in addition to the environmental benefits in a grazed pasture system.

Residual fertilizer effects on dry‐matter yield and nutritive value of Mediterranean pastures

SummaryFive pastures in an Mediterranean environment in southern Italy were fertilized for 6 years (1993–1998) with nitrogen (N) fertilizer, phosphorus (P) fertilizer and two levels low (L) and high (H) of combined nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizer (N‐P), and compared with a no‐fertilizer control treatment, and the effects on soil variables, dry matter (DM) yield of herbage and floristic composition of the pastures measured. From 1998–2002, half of each plot was fertilized with the same treatments (continued treatment) while the other half received no fertilizer (discontinued treatment). In the year 2001–2002, the plots on the discontinued fertilizer treatments and the plots on the control treatment were used to evaluate the residual effects of the fertilizer treatments. The P and N‐P fertilizer continued and discontinued treatments, in comparison to the control treatment, had a higher content of available P2O5 in the soil while under the N fertilizer treatment it decreased. The N and P fertilizer treatments and the residual effects of these treatments led to higher DM yields and proportions of Gramineae and Leguminosae, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, differences in the nutritive value of the herbage and floristic composition were observed between the N‐P fertilizer treatments and the control treatment. The residual effect of the N, P and N‐P fertilizer treatments increased DM yield proportionately by 0.063, 0.385 and 0.404, respectively, and reduced the crude protein content of the herbage. The residual effects of the fertilizer treatments on milk forage units (MFU) were 261 for N, 1107 for P and 1003 MFU ha−1 for N–P fertilizer treatments. Among fertilizers, the residual effect of the N‐P fertilizer treatment promoted an increase in DM yield but produced little variation in floristic composition of the pasture. In general, the fertilizer treatments increased DM yield and nutritive value of herbage and reduced floristic composition in pastures on these Mediterranean sites.