Pasture Production Research Articles

Selection of Drought-Tolerant Pasture Species under Varying Soil and Moisture Conditions in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Livestock production is an agricultural system that serves as humanity’s protein and calorie source. Its production is the main economic stay for some people and a complementary source for others. However, land misappropriation and draught constrain the sustainable production of pasture for feeding livestock. Further aggravated by farmer/herder clashes and wetlands extinction. The need for an experiment for the selection of the best pasture species in the Sudan Savannah region that can thrive well under diverse soil textures and moisture status becomes imperative. This trial was conducted in the screen house of Babcock University, objectively to test the performances of Sorghum almum, Andropogon gayanus, Brachiaria mulato and Centrosema pascuorum under Sand, Sandy Clay Loam, and Sandy Loam textures and four water regimes: 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%. Standard agronomic recommendations were practised throughout the experiment. Data collected included plant height, fresh and dry shoot and root weights, number of leaves, and leaf length. Data generated were analyzed using ANOVA. According to the results, Sandy Loam soil (Soil type from Gamawa) was the best for supporting all the pasture species, followed by Sandy Clay Loam (Soil type from Zaki). S. almum outperformed other pasture species significantly irrespective of soil textural type and water stress level treatments, followed by B. mulato. For water levels; 100% and 75% had the most promising biomass outcome. Based on the results, a 75% water regime which represents 25% deficit of the actual crop water requirement is recommended for the production of the tested pastures in the area.

Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS: formation and present

Purpose. To highlight the contribution of scientists of the Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS to the development of scientific support for the feed industry in Ukraine, summarize the main scientific achievements. Methods. The analysis of formation and development of the Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of was carried out on the basis of archival documents, periodicals and monographic publications with the use of general scientific (analysis, synthesis) and historical (problematicchronological) research methods. Results. The evolutionary development of the scientific support of the feed production industry in Ukraine is shown through the prism of spatio-temporal fundamental and applied research carried out according to the competitive programs of scientific studies commissioned by the ministries and agencies of Ukraine. An analytical review of the main achievements of the Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS specialists in the development of scientific approaches to feed production was carried out. Significant achievements of scientists in the separate areas of feed production are outlined: selection and seed production, field and pasture production, procurement and preservation of feeds, ensuring their quality and safety, forming complete rations for high-performance livestock breeding. Publication activity of the researchers during the Institution's existence is characterized. The historical aspect of the Institute personnel management formation is revealed. Practical significance of the specialists in agricultural production scientific developments implementation has been assessed. Conclusions. Contribution of the researchers of the Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS to the development of feed production as a science is indisputable. The path taken by the staff of the Institute is the path of creative searches of its scientists, researchers, managers to solve the problems of production, procurement, preservation and use of feeds and development of relevant state programs, concepts and forecasts.

Productive traits and biological features of young horses of Yakut breed in different areas of breeding

The Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is one of the regions of Russia where drove breeding of horses has long been developed. In the modern realities of horse breeding, to further increase the number of drove breeding of horses and improve their productive, reproductive and adaptive traits, one of the most important techniques is to increase the genetic diversity of animals. The purpose of the research was livestock characteristics, the study of productive traits and biological characteristics of young horses of Yakut breed of the Arctic zone (Momsky ulus) in a comparative aspect with young horses of the Middle Taiga zone (Amginsky ulus). So, in terms of pre-slaughter weight and slaughter yield, the foals of the Momsky ulus had superiority. At the age of 6 months, they had a higher preslaughter weight by 9,3 kg (P ≥ 0,99), and a heavier carcass by 10,09 kg (P ≥ 0,99), compared with their herdmates of the Amginsky ulus. According to the slaughter yield, the foals of the Momsky ulus also had superiority. In the foals of the Momsky ulus at the age of 6 months the slaughter yield was 56,5 %, which was higher in comparison with the young animals of the Amginsky ulus by 2,5 abs.% (P ≥ 0,95). Probably, the higher pre-slaughter weight of foals in the Momsky ulus was due to more productive pasture lands with a higher nutritional value of plants. Chemical analysis of horse meat showed that the meat of foals of the Arctic zone (Momsky ulus) has a lower fat content. This allows you to get meat with a lower energy value, a suffi ciently high protein content and is a higher-quality product, which is probably due to the composition of the feed of this zone. Breeding of Yakut horses in the Arctic zone of Yakutia is more attractive from the point of view of the growth and development of young animals, obtaining better quality horse meat.

A Geospatial Modelling Approach to Assess the Capability of High-Country Stations in Delivering Ecosystem Services

The creation of more sustainable land use strategies is paramount to designing multifunctional agricultural landscapes that allow grasslands to continually deliver multiple ecosystem services. A mapping modelling approach would provide us with a tool for system diagnosis to better assess the value of a landscape and define place-based practices for designing more context-adjusted systems that are in synergy with the complexity of grasslands. To assess the potential capability of a high-country pastoral livestock production system in New Zealand in delivering ecosystem services, this work uses a geospatial model as a decision support tool to identify management practices that enhance grassland health. The model uses national, climatic, soil, and landcover data to assess the agricultural productivity, flood mitigation, C sequestration, erosion, and sediment delivery capacity of a case study high-country station in New Zealand. Model outcomes suggest that the station has the potential for increased agricultural productivity although varying spatially, a high flood mitigation capacity, a high capacity for C sequestration, a moderate risk of erosion, a capacity to reduce sediment delivery to streams, and overall, a low to moderate nitrogen and phosphorus accumulation. Output maps display a spatial visualisation of ecosystem services associated with the landscape topography, soil, and vegetation patterns that allow the identification of neglected areas and planning of best place-based management practices strategies to enhance the health of grasslands.

Study of the Influence of the Inclusion of Additives in the Food of Kаrakol Sheep on the Composition of Blood Plasma Proteins and Amino Acids

The productivity of natural pastures, which are the main source of food for Karakol sheep, and the botanical and chemical composition of food undergo serious changes under the influence of climatic and seasonal factors. The productivity of pastures undergoes significant changes in years with favorable, moderately favorable and unfavorable climatic conditions, respectively. In accordance with the seasons, the consumption of food by cold animals, the supply of nutrients to their body varies significantly. Due to the insufficient supply of nutrients to the animal's body in the autumn-winter and early spring months, wool productivity and live weight decrease, as well as the deterioration of reproduction characteristics are observed. When the Karakol deer are fed with natural plants without additional nutrients throughout the year, the digestive processes in the large stomach undergo serious changes depending on the seasons or the physical conditions of the food consumed. The amount of food consumed by the karakol in the natural pasture feed, the digestibility coefficient of the nutrients in their content changed according to the level of nutrition and the amount of nutrients in the ration according to the seasons of the year. The coefficient of digestibility of nutrients, depending on the physical state of nutrients, was observed to be high in spring and summer and lowest in autumn and winter. The addition of additional nutrients to replace the missing nutrients in the feed ration of sheep allows increasing the digestibility of the nutritional components of the ration.

Managing a mixed sward to maintain species and functional diversity

The intensification of animal production systems to meet the increasing demand for animal products may undermine environmental sustainability. One solution is to establish pastoral environments with diverse plant functional groups, promoting sustainable intensification by enhancing ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and soil health. However, maintaining the species diversity in such systems, particularly those with grasses and legumes, remains a challenge. Although using the critical leaf area index (LAI) and its corresponding height has proven useful in managing single-species stands, there is a need for further investigation of the criteria for managing more complex swards. This study aimed to identify the management strategies for coupling species diversity and forage production in mixed pastures containing grasses and legumes. The pastures included five species: Tifton 85 (Cynodon spp.), kikuyu grass (Cenchrus clandestinus), pintoi peanut (Arachis pintoi), white clover (Trifolium repens) and birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Two management heights (17 and 23 cm) and three nitrogen fertilizer rates (50, 150, and 250 kg ha−1) were combined in a randomized complete block design, with a factorial arrangement and three replicates per treatment. The pastures were subjected to intermittent grazing with a 40% defoliation severity, and the experimental period lasted for three warm seasons (November – April) from 2020 to 2022. Forage accumulation was similar for both management heights; however, shorter heights (17 cm) reduced species diversity and higher nitrogen rates increased forage production. Tifton-85 and kikuyu grasses dominated the canopy and coexisted in similar proportions across all treatments. However, higher nitrogen application rates decreased species diversity and dissimilarity in community traits. Our findings suggest that grazing pastures at shorter heights (17 cm) can be detrimental to canopy diversity, whereas managing mixed swards at a pre-grazing height close to the critical LAI (approximately 23 cm for a predominantly Tifton 85 and kikuyu grass mixture) can promote greater species diversity without compromising forage production. Additionally, our data suggest that functional diversity is enhanced when grasses experience suboptimal nitrogen nutrition indices (NNI no greater than 0.8). However, further research is required to fully understand this relationship.

Applied nucleation under high biodiversity silvopastoral system as an adaptive strategy against microclimate extremes in pasture areas.

This study aimed to assess the influence of the high biodiversity silvopastoral system (SPSnu) on the microclimate, pasture production, and pasture chemical composition. Microclimate variables and pasture production and chemical composition were measured in pared paddocks under SPSnu and treeless pasture (TLP) in a commercial farm during four seasons in Southern Brazil. SPSnu measurements were subdivided into two areas: around the nuclei (AN) and area inter-nuclei (IN). In the TLP paddocks, we plotted fictitious nuclei with the same areas and distributions of SPSnu, however without trees. For the microclimate measurements, these areas were noted when shaded or unshaded by the nuclei trees. In each season, the microclimate variables air temperature (AT, °C), relative humidity (RH, %), illuminance (Ilu, lux), wind speed (WS, m/s), and soil surface temperature (SST, °C) were measured. In addition, botanical composition (%), pasture production (kg/DM/ ha), and pasture chemical composition were evaluated. The SPSnu provided the lowest values of microclimate variables in all seasons (p < 0.05), except for the relative humidity. Winter had the highest thermal amplitude in the systems. The highest difference between SPSnu and TLP for AT (4.3°C) and SST (5.2°C) was measured during the hot seasons (spring and summer). In contrast, during cold seasons (autumn and winter) it observed highest thermal amplitude between SPSnu and TLP. Overall, the highest annual pasture production was observed in the SPSnu (p < 0.05). During the summer, the SPSnu areas showed the highest values of crude protein and dry matter (p < 0.05). During the winter, the TLP showed the lowest values (p < 0.05) of pasture production and dry matter. It was observed that SPSnu improved the microclimate at the pasture level, influencing pasture production and pasture chemical composition. The enhanced microclimate can partially mitigate some of the effects of climate change on pastoral agroecosystems, creating conditions for ecological rehabilitation of ecosystem processes and services. These conditions could be amplified to a biome level through a payment for ecosystem services program.

Influence of shade on productivity and nutritional value of Urochloa decumbens in silvopastoral systems using different spatial arrangements of eucalyptus cultivars

This study evaluated pasture productivity and nutritional characteristics of Urochloa decumbens in silvopastoral systems (SPS) with different eucalyptus cultivars and spatial arrangements providing differing levels of shade. SPS were arranged to provide 46 % shade (eucalyptus trees arranged in 2 double rows 2 m apart, with trees every 3 m in each row, and 20 m between double rows), 60 % shade (eucalyptus trees arranged in 2 double rows 2 m apart, with trees every 2 m in each row in double rows and 9 m between double rows) and 57 % shade (eucalyptus trees arranged in a single row, with trees every 2 m in the row and 9 m between rows) using eucalyptus cultivars ‘GG100’, ‘I144’ or ‘VM58’. Two full sun pastures treated as managed (soil pH correction and N, P and K fertilizer application) or non-managed (no correction or fertilizer application) were evaluated in addition to the 3 SPS arrangements. Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) was 1,439 μmol/m2/s in full sun compared with a mean of 715 μmol/m2/s under different SPS arrangements. Leaf area index of U. decumbens was 28 % higher in 46 % shade and lower in all shade arrangements compared with full sun managed pasture. The dry matter yield was 58 % lower in 46 % shade and 86 % lower in 60 % shade compared with full sun managed pasture. The crude protein content in SPS pastures was higher than in the full sun pastures, with higher values in 57 % and 60 % shade. SPS significantly reduced the PAR and forage yield. These results indicate that in systems where the main objective is animal production, spacing between tree rows greater than 20 m should be used to provide sufficient high-quality grass.

Enabling Regenerative Agriculture Using Remote Sensing and Machine Learning

The emergence of cloud computing, big data analytics, and machine learning has catalysed the use of remote sensing technologies to enable more timely management of sustainability indicators, given the uncertainty of future climate conditions. Here, we examine the potential of “regenerative agriculture”, as an adaptive grazing management strategy to minimise bare ground exposure while improving pasture productivity. High-intensity sheep grazing treatments were conducted in small fields (less than 1 ha) for short durations (typically less than 1 day). Paddocks were subsequently spelled to allow pasture biomass recovery (treatments comprising 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months), with each compared with controls characterised by lighter stocking rates for longer periods (2000 DSE/ha). Pastures were composed of wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia species), kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica), and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), and were destructively sampled to estimate total standing dry matter (TSDM), standing green biomass, standing dry biomass and trampled biomass. We invoked a machine learning model forced with Sentinel-2 imagery to quantify TSDM, standing green and dry biomass. Faced with La Nina conditions, regenerative grazing did not significantly impact pasture productivity, with all treatments showing similar TSDM, green biomass and recovery. However, regenerative treatments significantly impacted litterfall and trampled material, with high-intensity grazing treatments trampling more biomass, increasing litter, enhancing surface organic matter and decomposition rates thereof. Pasture digestibility and sward uniformity were greatest for treatments with minimal spelling (3 months), whereas both standing senescent and trampled material were greater for the 15-month spelling treatment. TSDM prognostics from machine learning were lower than measured TSDM, although predictions from the machine learning approach closely matched observed spatiotemporal variability within and across treatments. The root mean square error between the measured and modelled TSDM was 903 kg DM/ha, which was less than the variability measured in the field. We conclude that regenerative grazing with short recovery periods (3–6 months) was more conducive to increasing pasture production under high rainfall conditions, and we speculate that – in this environment - high-intensity grazing with 3-month spelling is likely to improve soil organic carbon through increased litterfall and trampling. Our study paves the way for using machine learning with satellite imagery to quantify pasture biomass at small scales, enabling the management of pastures within small fields from afar.

GROWTH CURVE OF A TROPICAL MIXED-GRASS PASTURE IN A HOT AND HUMID CLIMATE

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;Pasture growth rate (PGR, kg/ha/day) depends on climatic and management practices. However, studies on the influence of the environment on pasture production and productivity of dry matter are scarce in tropical, hot, and humid regions of México. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To estimate the pasture growth curve using time and climatic variables. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; We related, through nonlinear models, the accumulated growth of a pasture composed of native grasses mixed with exotic grasses, using time and the variables temperature and day length as independent variables, the latter integrated into a single variable called thermal photo units (PTU). We estimated the daily growth rates of five divisions; from these, the forage yields for ten days until completing 29 periods. The best-fit models had the largest coefficients of determination and the lowest Akaike’s information criterion. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; The model that best described the relationship between cumulative yield (Y) and cumulative growing days (X) was reciprocal-quadratic: y = x/(0.097535 – 0.0000881x + 0.0000006810x&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) with R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sub&gt;Adj,&lt;/sub&gt; of 0.9988 and an AIC&lt;sub&gt;C&lt;/sub&gt; of 222.6. The model that best described the relationship between the accumulated performance and the accumulated PTU was rational: y = (- 317.8 + 1.594x + 0.00001307x&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;)/(1 + 0.001059x + 0.00000001964x&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;), with R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sub&gt;Adjt&lt;/sub&gt;.=0.9985 and AIC&lt;sub&gt;C&lt;/sub&gt;=233.4. Likewise, a two-segment model showed a close fit. The logarithmic model described the first segment: y&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; = -2268 + 417.2*(ln(x)), when y&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; =1079.3e&lt;sup&gt;0.00003932X&lt;/sup&gt;, if x &amp;gt; 8415; with R&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;&lt;sub&gt;Adj.&lt;/sub&gt; = 0.9975 and AICc = 245.1. The value 8415 PTU was when the first derivative of both models coincided. &lt;strong&gt;Implications.&lt;/strong&gt; The information generated is useful because it allows grazing system adjustment concerning the correct stocking rate application and designing more efficient grazing rotations. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusions. &lt;/strong&gt;The conversion of growth rates to accumulated yield for ten-day periods produced a smooth curve that allowed fitting high-precision nonlinear models to predict forage accumulation from time and climatic variables.&lt;/p&gt;

Root aphid (Aploneura lentisci) population size on perennial ryegrass is determined by drought and endophyte strain

Climate change is anticipated to lead to an increase in the occurrence and intensity of drought and fluctuations in insect cycles that will challenge modern pasture systems. Feeding by root aphids such as Aploneura lentisci Pass. can be a significant challenge to pastures. These below-ground living aphids are commonly found in New Zealand and Australia, feeding year-round on the roots of graminaceous plants such as perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Some strains of the fungal endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii in perennial ryegrass can provide protection against root aphids and greater resilience under drought, contributing to higher persistency and growth than endophyte-free plants. However, the interaction between insect pressure and drought is not understood. This study examined the effect of drought on root aphid populations and plant performance in perennial ryegrass plants relative to endophyte status (±) and endophyte strain (AR37, NZCT) in a glasshouse experiment. Plants were cloned across the drought and well-watered treatments, and half of the plants were inoculated with root aphids, whilst half of the plants were treated with insecticide. Endophyte infection with strain NZCT and AR37 reduced root aphid numbers. Aphid populations were significantly higher in drought-stressed than in well-watered plants in both endophyte-infected and endophyte-free treatments. Under drought conditions, root aphid populations were increased 4-fold in NZCT and 8-fold in AR37 and endophyte-free plants in comparison with their well-watered counterparts. Root aphids reduced shoot dry weight by 16% in drought-exposed and 26% in well-watered plants in comparison with their insecticide-treated counterparts whilst reducing root biomass by 49%. Our results suggest that root aphids are likely able to exploit the higher availability of amino acids in the plant sap of drought-exposed plants. This study provides evidence that climate change-mediated impacts of root aphids could reduce production in perennial ryegrass-dominant pastures. However, field trials would be necessary to determine whether this effect is seen in situ, where numerous additional factors will be operating at the same time.

Nutrient Management for Optimizing Fodder Production of Sorghum – A Review

An area under cultivation of fodder crops has almost remained static (8.3 million ha) for the last 3 decades and area under permanent pastures has been declining over the years. Whereas, uncontrolled overgrazing reduced productivity of permanent pastures. Overgrazing also affect the soil bio-physic-chemical properties. The situation is further aggravated due to increasing human population and preferential need for food and growing commercial crops. In India, supply of forage has always been a limiting factor for enhancing livestock production. Demand of green and dry fodder continuously increasing as enhancing country’s livestock population. The gap in feed and forage supply, however, can effectively be reduced through integrated crop management practices with greater emphasis on nutrient management in forage crops. Application of nitrogen increases crude protein, digestible dry matter content and metabolic energy. Growth attributes with respect to plant height, stem diameter, Leaf Area Index (LAI) and number of basal node tillers increased with increase of phosphorus application levels. Application of micronutrients improves enzymatic activities and it leads to increase growth and yield of the fodder sorghum. Review regarding the use of adequate and optimum dose of nutrients especially nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients are of prime concern for the fodder sorghum crop in India. Keeping these points in view, the literature reviewed pertaining to the nitrogen, phosphorus and micronutrients in this crop to obtain higher biomass and good quality fodder production.

Can low input dairy systems be economically and environmentally sustainable? Results from a farmlet study.

A two-year dairy study was conducted under irrigation at Lincoln, Canterbury, comparing 1. Moderate stocking rate (MSR, 3.9 cows/ha; comparative stocking rate (CSR) of 89 kg live weight (LWT)/t DM (dry matter) offered; 150 kg nitrogen (N) fertiliser/ha/year; grain supplementation of 0.55 t DM/cow/year; wintering cows off- farm); or 2. Low stocking rate (LSR, 2.9 cows/ha; CSR of 91 kg LWT/t DM offered; grazing diverse pasture (Italian ryegrass, plantain, red- and white clover); 103 kg N fertiliser/ha/year; wintering cows on-farm). The Lincoln University Dairy Farm (LUDF; 3.4 cows/ha; CSR of 76 kg LWT/t DM offered; 169 kg N fertiliser/ha/year) was the benchmark. Milk yield, pasture production and quality data were modelled in FARMAX and OverseerFM to estimate financial and environmental performance of each farm. Performance was similar for MSR and LUDF. LSR gave the best environmental outcome across 2018/19 and 2019/20, leaching approximately 31% less N compared with MSR and LUDF. However, annual milk solids per ha were 28% less for LSR relative to MSR and LUDF. Correspondingly, the annual operating profit per ha was 35% less for LSR compared with LUDF. These financial losses can be mitigated in an LSR system if the farmer adopts more complex pasture management.

Profit, productivity, and eco-efficiency of using Caucasian clover/ grass pastures in hill country farms

The following study was conducted to establish whether significant amounts of Caucasian clover-based pastures in hill country farms can increase eco-efficiency and profitability. Published data were used to predict the production of Caucasian clover-based pastures, based on weather data and soil moisture deficit prediction, for four sheep and beef farms with low rainfall in the South Island. Scenarios with 10, 20 or 30% of the flat and rolling areas improved with Caucasian clover/grass pastures were compared to current systems based on resident white clover-based pastures. A staged approach, to utilise the extra high-quality feed produced, used a sequentially process to improve productivity by increasing lamb finishing, higher hogget liveweight, better ewe nutrition or more beef finishing, depending on initial efficiency metrics. Timeto maximum production using an annual establishment programme of 5% of the target areas in Caucasian clover/grass mixtures took 4 to 6.5 years (10% and 30% respectively). Adding Caucasian clover/grass increased pasture production by 5.5% while product/kg DM consumed increased by 12.8% and profitability by 22% when either sheep or beef production were used to capture the extra amount and quality of pasture. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were increased by only 6.3%, resulting in more efficient meat production.

Exploring farm level response to multiple drivers of change, a West Coast case study.

Developing resilient, profitable, and robust dairy farm businesses in response to multiple drivers of change (e.g., water quality regulations, a low carbon economy) is challenging. This study explored methods for working with dairy farmers and stakeholders from the West Coast of New Zealand to evaluate options for system change. Physical, financial, and environmental data from the study farms were analysed and benchmarked to provide farmers with information on how their financial and environmental performance compared with others. The most profitable farm had the lowest purchased nitrogen (N) surplus. However, high pasture production and utilisation resulted in higher methane emissions for this farm. FARMAX and OVERSEER models were used to apply principles of the top performing farm to two selected study farms.These study farms largely succeeded in reducing N surplus and methane emissions, but operating profit was reduced, suggesting a complete system rethink is needed including focusing on growing and harvesting more home-grown feed with less N input, and scrutiny of farm working expenses. This study showed that benchmarking, farmer participation and modelling has the potential to create a positive environment thatmotivates farmers to review their current performance, extract solutions from their local peers and partner with researchers.

Development of Lycium barbarum–Forage Intercropping Patterns

The intercropping patterns of protected cultivations have been widely used to increase productivity and sustainability in modern agriculture. However, there have been few studies of wolfberry intercropping cultivated by clean tillage. We introduced 10 forages into wolfberry cultivation through land productivity and an interspecific competitiveness analysis, and we screened out the appropriate intercropping modes to provide a scientific basis for wolfberry green cultivation and pasture production. The results showed that the wolfberry–forage intercropping land equivalent ratio (LER) of greenhouse and field tests increased from 29% to 59% and from 62% to 170%, respectively, when compared with the monoculture weighted mean, showing significant yield advantages (p &lt; 0.05), particularly in wolfberry–mangold, wolfberry–ryegrass, wolfberry–alfalfa, and wolfberry–clover. The aggressivity of interspecific competitiveness analysis showed that the forage introduction did not affect the dominant competitive position of wolfberry. In addition, wolfberry–forage intercropping could promote the monetary advantage index (MAI). Wolfberry–mangold, wolfberry–ryegrass, and wolfberry–alfalfa performed well, with MAI values of 827.63, 994.18, and 1918.57 for fruit and 2106.54, 1706.27, and 3103.13 for biomass, respectively. Finally, wolfberry–mangold, wolfberry–ryegrass, and wolfberry–alfalfa were screened out, which can form a new mode of wolfberry and forage production.

Native palms and trees mediate drought impacts on dry neotropical pastures

Abstract Dry forests are the most threatened biome across the global tropics. Despite their massive conversion into agricultural landscapes, local farmers often retain disperse trees and palms within grazing pastures. Understanding how on‐farm tree cover in the dry neotropics impacts the environmental and productive functions of pastures is key for biodiversity conservation and the development of climate‐resilient production systems. We studied tree composition of 23 dry cattle pastures in Yucatan, Mexico. We assessed the effects of palms, N2−fixing trees and non‐N2‐fixing trees on microsite environmental conditions, bare soil cover and the performance of grasses and woody plants in their understory during the dry and wet seasons of 2018 and 2019. We found that 45% of the total pool of tree species of the native dry forest is conserved in the pastures of Yucatan. Palms were the most abundant overstory functional group with a relative abundance of 45%, followed by N2‐fixing trees and non‐N2‐fixing trees with 33% and 22%. Palms and trees ameliorated the impact of seasonal drought on grasses but slowed down their recovery during the wet season. Palms had overall higher positive effects on grass greenness and height than N2‐fixing trees and non‐N2‐fixing trees and these effects were higher during the driest season. Palms decreased bare soil less than trees. Shrubs and tree seedlings tended to increase in the understory of all functional groups as the canopies of palms and trees became denser. Synthesis and applications. Climate warming and the alteration of precipitation regimes are expected to compromise pasture and cattle productivity worldwide. Our results show that fostering the maintenance of a diversity of native palms and trees has positive effects on the functioning of cattle pastures, especially during dry periods. A larger appreciation and understanding of the facilitative effects of remnant palms and trees on pastures during seasonal droughts may help developing more climate‐resilient livestock systems that maintain productivity during dry conditions while contributing also to tree biodiversity conservation.

Amazonian dark earths enhance the establishment of tree species in forest ecological restoration

IntroductionDeforestation of areas for agriculture and cattle breeding is the leading cause of ecological degradation and loss of biodiversity. The solution to mitigate these damages relies on techniques that improve soil health and the microbial quality of these degraded areas. Here, we demonstrate that the high nutrient and microbiological contents of Amazonian Dark Earths (ADE) can promote the development of trees used in ecological restoration projects.MethodsWe used degraded soil from crops as control and ADE from the Central Amazon to conduct the experiment, using 20% of ADE as inoculum in degraded agricultural soil. Our goal was to assess whether a small amount of ADE could promote changes that improve plant development similar to its growth under a 100%ADE. We simulated conversion from pasture to forest restoration area by planting U. brizantha in all pots. After 60 days, we removed it and planted Cecropia pachystachya, Peltophorum dubium, and Cedrela fissilis.ResultsOur results demonstrated that both 20%ADE and 100%ADE treatments increased pasture productivity and, consequently, soil carbon stock. Also, in these treatments, P. dubium and C. fissilis had better growth and development, with 20%ADE plants showing a performance similar to those planted in 100%ADE. Both 20%ADE and 100%ADE showed similar numbers of taxa, being significantly higher than in the control soil.DiscussionThe 20%ADE was sufficient to increase significantly the microbial richness in the soil, providing several beneficial microorganisms to all tree species such as Pedomicrobium, Candidatus Nitrososphaera, and members of Paenebacillaceae. Nevertheless, C. pachystachya, a common pioneer tree in the Amazonian Forest showed a small response even to 100%ADE with a corresponding lower taxa number than the other two species. In conclusion, we point out that microbial structure remains very similar among plants but dissimilar among treatments, highlighting the role of ADE as an enhancer of plant development and beneficial microbiota enrichment in the rhizosphere. The use of 20%ADE was sufficient to alter the microbial community. Therefore, we believe our data could contribute to speeding up forest restoration programs by adopting new biotechnological approaches for forest restoration ecology.

114 Evaluation of Assertions from Educational, Outreach and Engagement Programs in Pasture-Based Livestock Systems

Abstract Assertions about grazing management and grazing systems should be evaluated based on the scientific literature. Prior assumptions can limit our ability to achieve constructive dialogue regarding the merits of various stocking methods. These include the assumption that rotational stocking is inherently superior to continuous stocking, regardless of the nature of the overall grazing system, and the presumption that continuous stocking implies overgrazing. We revisited assertions about grazing management in general, but more specifically the choice of the stocking method, and considered their merit in the context of evidence from the literature, including a chapter titled Prescribed Grazing on Pasturelands from a National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) literature synthesis published in 2012. We framed those assertions in the form of questions. The questions were: a) Does choice of rotational stocking ensure well-managed pastures?, b) Does rotational stocking result in greater accumulation of soil carbon than continuous stocking?, c) Does rotational stocking increase pasture productivity and optimal stocking rate compared with continuous stocking?, d) Does forage nutritive value and individual animal performance increase in rotational versus continuous stocking?, and e) Do pastures “look better” in rotational versus continuous stocking?. The objectives were to consider whether these often-stated assertions about grazing management were supported, refuted, or simply not adequately assessed by the body of scientific evidence. It is important to recognize that choice of stocking method is only one element of grazing management and grazing management is only one element of a grazing system. Thus, stocking method is “one piece of a very large pie”. Additionally, stocking rate (grazing intensity) is a separate and independent grazing management choice from stocking method, such that both rotationally and continuously stocked pastures can be understocked, overstocked, or optimally stocked. It is unfortunate that choice of stocking method dominates discussions of improving grazing management to the expense of other issues, when in fact intensity of grazing has been shown conclusively to be the most important determinant of a wide array of soil, plant, animal, and ecosystem responses. We have observed that terminology such us regenerative grazing, holistic planned grazing, adaptative multipaddock grazing, management intensive grazing, high intensity low frequency grazing, and others, arise frequently and can dominate discussions in the realm of education, outreach and engagement programs in pasture-based livestock systems. These words/themes lack clear definition, and this lack of specificity may promote misconceptions, thus hindering the opportunity for critical thinking and ultimately the advancement and improvement of grazing systems. Educational efforts in pasture management should strive to remain relevant by focusing on experimental evidence. Local (i.e., state or county level) outreach and engagement programs are challenged with providing timely and specific information with implementable guidelines based on frequent observations at the landscape and farm levels.

105 Botanical composition, yield, horse preference, and forage and soil nutrient values of grass pastures treated with different soil amendments

Forage is the foundation of a horse's diet, therefore, pasture management is critical to improve horse health and pasture productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate botanical composition, horse preference, yield, and forage and soil nutrient values of pasture treated with horse manure, horse compost, commercial urea fertilizer, and a no amendment control. Researchers hypothesized soil amendments would increase soil nutrients and yield with minimal effects on botanical composition, preference and forage nutrient value. Replicated (n = 3) plots of established cool-season mixed grass pasture were 3 × 6 m and located in St. Paul, Minnesota. The soil was a Waukegan silt loam with a pH of 6.4 and 47 g kg–1 organic matter. Urea was applied based on initial soil test recommendations, 0.64 cm of compost was applied based on common recommendations, and manure was applied at a rate to represent horse manure deposition in May 2022. Sample collection and grazing periods occurred in May, June, July, August, and October 2022, each over a 2-d period. Botanical composition, average forage height and maturity, soil samples, forage samples, and forage yield were taken immediately before grazing. Horses were allowed to graze all plots for 4 h with preference visuallyassessed at 2- and 4 h post-grazing based on percent removal. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using PROC MIXED in SAS with significance set at P ≤ 0.05. Season-long yield ranged from 2,690 to 3,363 kg DM ha-1 and did not differ across treatments (P > 0.05). Botanical composition differed across treatments with the control having the most weeds (32%) and the least amount of grass (62%) while manure treatments resulted in the most bare ground (11%; P ≤ 0.05). The soil nutrients magnesium and phosphate were highest in compost-treated plots and nitrate-nitrogen and sodium were highest in manure-treated plots (P ≤ 0.05). Forage nutrient content did not differ across treatments (P > 0.05). Horses did not prefer pasture treated with manure and only 15 and 33% of forage was consumed after 2 and 4 h, respectively (P ≤ 0.001). All other treatments averaged 53 and 78% removal after 2 and 4 h, respectively. Based on differences observed in botanical composition and horse preference, commercial fertilizer and compost appear to be the most beneficial soil amendments for horse pastures.