Wet Pasture Research Articles

Effects of trampling of a wet dairy pasture soil on soil porosity and on mitigation of nitrous oxide emissions by a nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide

AbstractUrine patches in dairy pastures are major sources of nitrous oxide (N2O). Wet winters result in compaction damage to pastures because of animal trampling. The nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide (DCD), is effective at reducing N2O emissions from urine patches. Here, we assessed the extent of damage to the physical quality of the soil by trampling and whether this influenced the ability of DCD to mitigate N2O emissions. A field experiment was conducted where a sandy loam soil was trampled by a mechanical hoof just before urine and DCD application. Trampling reduced air permeability and pore continuity, but this had no effect on bulk density. Urine appeared to have contributed to pore collapse and blockage. Trampling increased average cumulative N2O emissions from 1.74 to 4.66% of urine‐N applied. This effect was attributed to increased water‐filled pore space, aggregate destruction and suppression of grass growth. DCD was highly effective in reducing N2O emissions, with the N2O emission factor of the urine‐N being decreased by 58–63%. Trampling did not significantly affect the effectiveness of DCD in reducing N2O emissions.

Impacts of climate, host and landscape factors on Culicoides species in Scotland

Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) vector a wide variety of internationally important arboviral pathogens of livestock and represent a widespread biting nuisance. This study investigated the influence of landscape, host and remotely-sensed climate factors on local abundance of livestock-associated species in Scotland, within a hierarchical generalized linear model framework. The Culicoides obsoletus group and the Culicoides pulicaris group accounted for 56% and 41%, respectively, of adult females trapped. Culicoides impunctatus Goetghebuer and C. pulicaris s.s. Linnaeus were the most abundant and widespread species in the C. pulicaris group (accounting for 29% and 10%, respectively, of females trapped). Abundance models performed well for C. impunctatus, Culicoides deltus Edwards and Culicoides punctatus Meigen (adjusted R(2) : 0.59-0.70), but not for C. pulicaris s.s. (adjusted R(2) : 0.36) and the C. obsoletus group (adjusted R(2) : 0.08). Local-scale abundance patterns were best explained by models combining host, landscape and climate factors. The abundance of C. impunctatus was negatively associated with cattle density, but positively associated with pasture cover, consistent with this species' preference in the larval stage for lightly grazed, wet rush pasture. Predicted abundances of this species varied widely among farms even over short distances (less than a few km). Modelling approaches that may facilitate the more accurate prediction of local abundance patterns for a wider range of Culicoides species are discussed.

CHANGE OF COMPOSITION AND DIVERSITY OF SPECIES AND GRASSLAND MANAGEMENT BETWEEN DIFFERENT GRAZING INTENSITY IN PANNONIAN DRY AND WET GRASSLANDS

Investigations were carried out in wet and dry pasture. Coenological recordings were taken in three zones. The first zone (“A”) located 0-50 m near the stable, second zone (“B”) located 50-150 m from the stable, while the third zone (“C”) located farther than 150 m. We have carried out analyses of ecological and environmental factors and life form types. Based on our results for both dry and wet grasslands, quadrates of “A” zone were well isolated from the rest of the zones. Overgrazing, which involves considerable trampling, vanishes differences among vegetations, thereby promotes weed and disturbance tolerant rich vegetation. The lowest species number and diversity could be found here. Due to the nitrogen enrichment due to the constant presence of livestock, drier and less heat demanding habitat developed in the “A” zones, according to the environmental indicators. Because of the change in management, conservation and diversity values of “C” zone increased, however, according to nature protection values it underperformed compared to “B” zone. According to the sample area, wet grasslands from the sandy areas of Kiskunsag, preserve nature protection values and grass composition better moving away from stables, due to less grazing pressure. Drier backgrounds tolerate stronger grazing pressure.

The status and importance of crude protein and macro minerals in native pastures growing on Vertisols of the central highlands of Ethiopia

The effects of pasture management, season and soil nutrient status on crude protein (CP) and macro mineral concentration of native pasture was studied in the Vertisol areas of the central Ethiopian highland. Soil and herbage samples from 18 continuously grazed (CG) and 12 seasonally grazed (SG) pasture sites were analyzed for N, P, Ca, Mg, K and Na. Soil and dry season CG pasture samples were collected in January and February 2001 (dry season: November-February), while wet season CG and SG pasture samples were collected during September 2001 (wet season: April-October). The Potassium concentration (2.55%) of mixed herbage samples from SG pasture exceeded the K values (1.80%) from CG pasture (P<0.01). Significant (P<0.01) differences of CP and macro minerals concentrations were noted among forage species. The mean CP and K concentrations of herbage from CG pasture were higher (P<0.01) during the wet than during the dry season (5.97 and 1.80% vs. 3.18 and 0.79%), while the opposite was true for Ca (0.49% vs. 0.61%) (P<0.05). Regarding soil macro minerals and the corresponding herbage macro mineral concentrations, significant (P<0.05) but inconsistent correlations were found for Ca, P, Mg and Na. The results suggest that pasture management, season and to some extend soil nutrient status, can affect herbage CP and macro mineral composition. The levels of CP in CG pasture and that of P and Na in both CG and SG pastures may fall below the requirements of grazing livestock. Resting at critical stages of the growth cycle of the forage species encouraged the recovery of desirable species. For this reason resting of pasture can contribute significantly to the quality of the native pastures of the Vertisols of the central Ethiopian highlands and should be encouraged.

Suspected bog asphodel (Narthecium ossifragum) toxicity in cattle in North Wales

IN North Wales, environmental schemes such as Tir Cynnal and Tir Gofal have been successful in encouraging the reduction of grazing pressure on hill pastures, to increase the ecological biodiversity...

Identification of Creeping Foxtail Germplasm with High Dry Matter Yield and Nutritive Value

ABSTRACTWhile creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus Poir.) is widely grown in wet meadows and pastures throughout temperate regions of the United States and world, only the cultivars ‘Garrison’ and ‘Retain’ have been developed in the United States. These cultivars represent a narrow genetic base and substantial improvement of creeping foxtail may be realized by incorporating additional germplasm resources into a cultivar development program. The study described herein compared the agronomic and nutritive value of 47 creeping foxtail accessions to that of Garrison and Retain in a field study conducted over two production years at a site near Richmond, UT. The effect of accessions was separated into the component due to the region of origin and the component due to the accession per se. Differences were limited among region of origin, although significant differences occurred for dry matter yield and in vitro true digestibility. The U.S. cultivars had the numerically highest dry matter yield (116 g plot−1) and the Mongolian accessions (945 g kg−1) had higher in vitro true digestibility than the other regions. Differences among the individual accessions occurred for all traits except rhizome spread. A group of seven accessions from Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and Turkey exhibited high dry matter yield and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. These accessions could be combined with the cultivar Garrison to develop a broad base population for further creeping foxtail improvement and cultivar development.

Use of maize silage to improve pasture persistence in dairy farm systems: a review

Maize is a drought tolerant crop that produces high dry matter yields. Growing maize silage as part of a pasture renewal programme can help improve pasture persistence by reducing the level of weeds, insect pests and carryover ryegrass seed. Feeding maize silage to dairy cows results in pasture substitution. This decreases grazing pressure and can be used to manipulate farm pasture cover levels reducing overgrazing. The combination of maize silage and a well-designed stand-off pad with feeding bins allows farmers to keep cows off wet pastures reducing pugging damage and subsequent losses in pasture production without compromising milk production or animal welfare. Maize hybrid selection is critical to ensure timely regrassing. Crop simulation models such as CERES-maize may be useful to determine the best maize hybrid maturity x planting date combinations required to maximise silage yield and meet desired silage harvest and regrassing dates. Best-practice maize silage management including seed bed preparation, weed control and insecticide-treated maize seed will help farmers achieve high yields of silage and assist in the subsequent establishment of high yielding and persistent pastures. Keywords: pasture persistence, maize silage, feed pad

Aufzuchtshabitate für Auerhühner – ein Experiment mit Haushuhnküken | Capercaillie chick habitat – an experiment with barn fowl chicks

Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) populations in Switzerland declined seriously in the past decades. The national capercaillie action plan defines actions to improve forest structure and composition in order to further the populations of the largest grouse species. These habitat measures should focus on improving summer habitat for hens with chicks, because winter habitats are available in good quality and quantity. However, our knowledge on reproduction habitats in alpine conditions is limited. In this study, we investigated microclimatic conditions, i.e. plant wetness, and movement ability of barn fowl chicks in seven characteristic field layer types in the northern Swiss Lower Alps. In the experiment on movement ability, we worked with barn fowl instead of capercaillie chicks for methodological reasons. In the bilberry-dominated vegetation, we measured a significantly lower quantity of water than in the vegetation types without bilberry. In the movement experiment, we found no significant differences between the vegetation types. As a qualitative result, we observed that the chicks moved easily even in high (&amp;gt; 30 cm) and close bilberry vegetation. Our results suggest that bilberry-dominated vegetation provides better conditions for grouse chicks than wet meadows and pastures, because less water adheres to the bilberry plants. Thus, the chicks get less wet in bilberry vegetation, which probably has a positive influence on the survival of the chicks. Even tall and dense vegetation seems not to impede the movement of the chicks. The results of our experiment may not be directly transferable to the demands of capercaillie chicks. Nevertheless, our study provides further evidence for the importance of bilberry as capercaillie chick habitat, especially in regions with high precipitations.

LA DIVERSITÉ FLORISTIQUE DES PELOUSES HUMIDES D’ALTITUDE: CAS DE QUELQUES SITES DU HAUT ATLAS MAROCAIN

Résumé. Dans le Haut Atlas, les pelouses humides et pozzines constituent des pâturages assez convoités. Leur flore se caractérise par une grande richesse spécifique: 165 taxons inventoriés dans la zone d’étude (plateau de l’Oukaimeden, plateau de Tichka et l’amont de la haute vallée d’Ait Mizane) avec un taux d’endémisme estimé à 30,3% et un degré de rareté qui atteint 31%. Dans un contexte dominé par l’élément méditerranéen, la flore de ces pelouses est très enrichie de souches septentrionales 15,7%, repoussées vers nos latitudes méridionales lors des dernières glaciations. Ces zones humides vulnérables de par leur structure, fonctionnement écologique et état de conservation, se trouvent très touchées par les changements climatiques et les mutations environnementales récentes. Summary. In the High Atlas mountains, the wet grasslands and pozzines constitute a highly coveted pastoral resource. Its flora is characterized by a great specific richness: 165 taxa are recorded in the study area (Oukaimeden plateau, Tichka plateau and the upstream of the Ait Mizane high valley) and schow a rate of endemism estimated at 30.3% and a degree of rarity reaching 31%. In a Mediterranean context, the wet grasslands flora is supplemented with plants of northern origin 15.7%, pushed towards the extreme southern latitudes during the last glaciations. These wet pastures, highly sensitive by their structure, ecological functions and their conservation state, are very affected by the climatic changes and the global environmental changes.

Concentrações e fluxos de nutrientes no gotejo e escorrimento do tronco de Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl

The effect of the ash-tree (Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl) crown on characteristics of throughfall and stemflowsolutions was assessed in wet pastures located in north eastern Portugal. The amounts de gross rainfall, throughfall and stemflow were measured continuously and samples were periodically collected to determine pH, dissolved organic C (DOC) and N (DON), and nutrients. The annual fluxes of DOC, DON, Cl, K, Na, Ca, Mg and P in gross rainfall were, respectively, 3.93, 0.92, 0.20, 0.06, 1.81, 2.40, 1.11, 1.16, 0.29 and 0.06 g m-2, while those regarding throughfall were 4.42, 0.20, 1.82, 1.82, 0.31, 0.54, 0.62 and 0.20 g m-2; the flux of N-NH4+ was nil and that of N-NO-3 was negative (-0.03 g m-2). The fluxes in relation with stemflow were small if expressed on a tree crown projection area basis, but can be much greater if the actual area affected is considered. The amounts and distribution of nutrients turned to the soil by throughfall and stemflow may lead to soil chemical characteristics differentiation beneath tree crowns.

Effects of raised water levels on wet grassland plant communities

AbstractQuestions: What are the effects of raised water levels on wet grassland plant communities and dynamics? To what extent do time since raised water levels, vegetation management and water regime influence community composition?Location: Pevensey Levels, southeast England, UK.Methods: Plant communities and hydrology were monitored during 2001‐03 within 23 wet grassland meadows and pastures where water levels had been raised for nature conservation at different times over 21 years. Community variations were examined using species abundance and ecological traits.Results: Water regime, measured as duration of flooding, groundwater level and soil moisture was significantly related to plant community variation. Communities were divided into grasslands where inundation was shallow (≤8 cm) and relatively short (≤3 months) and sites where deeper flooding was prolonged (≥5 months), supporting a variety of wetland vegetation. With increasing wetness, sites were characterised by more bare ground and wetland plants such as sedges, helophytes and hydrophytes, and species with a stress‐tolerating competitive strategy. All sites showed considerable annual dynamics, especially those with substantially raised water levels. There were no significant relationships between time since water levels were raised and plant community composition. Grassland management exerted a limited influence upon vegetation compared to water regime.Conclusions: Grassland plant communities are responsive to raised water levels and have potential for a rapid transition to wetland vegetation, irrespective of grazing or cutting management. Creation or restoration of wet grasslands by (re)wetting is feasible but challenging due to the high dynamism of wetland plant communities and the need for substantially raised water levels and prolonged flooding to produce significant community changes.

Recent dynamics of the wet pastures at Oukaimeden plateau (High Atlas mountains, Morroco)

Wetlands are a very important universal heritage; in the Moroccan High Atlas mountains the geomorphology and the slopes evolution determine the existence of the numerous projecting ledges of pozzines on plateaus and oozing. This is particularly the case in Oukaimeden site located at 75 km south of Marrakesh. These wet grasslands have been developed on small surface areas supported by soils water accumulation; and close to the sources and on some banks constitute wetlands of high floristic richness, which makes them very coveted pastures by local populations. These wet pastures are highly sensitive to climatic factors. Recent climatic changes, the anthropic and pastoral pressures and the global environmental changes, affect these zones at the level of their structure (areas, soil characteristics…) and their ecological functions. In the Oukaimeden plateau, the use of aerial photography made it possible to carry out a detailed follow up of the hydraulic adjustments (dam construction in the 1970s) as well as the setting up of new adjustments (tracks, paths, drain channel) on the structure and functioning of these grasslands.

Total Fatty Acids in Murrah Buffaloes Milk on Commercial Farms in Brazil

The objective of this trial was to document the total fatty acids in Murrah buffaloes milk on commercial farms in Brazil. Data from forty lactating Murrah-crossbred buffaloes were collected on five commercial farms located at Sarapui and Pilar do Sul, Sao Paulo-Brazil. A field survey was done from April to November 2002. In four farms, buffaloes were fed with wet brewers grains (primary concentrate). Only one farm (Farm 4) offered pasture and corn silage. Monthly milk samples were collected and stored at -20ºC until analyzed for fatty acid composition. The fatty acids with the highest percentage in total milk fat were C16:0; C18:1c9; C18:0 and C14:0. The average content observed in C16:0 varied from 25.4 to 32.5%. Farm 4 (pasture plus corn silage) showed a higher C16:0 value (32.5%). C18:1c9 varied from 20.6 to 25.1%, C14:0 varied from 5.9 to 8.9 % and CLA content (C18:2c9t11) varied from 1.0 to 1.8%. Farm 3 presented higher average of C18:1c9 (25.1%) and C18:2c9t11 (1.8%), and lower average of C14:0 (6.0%). Likewise, unsaturated fatty acids, C18:1c9 and C18:2c9t11 were higher on Farm 3. Probably, these results can be due to high CLA intakes derived from wet brewers grain and pasture. Long chain fatty acids varied from 34.2% (Farm 4) to 48.8% (Farm 3). In general, diets based on pasture and corn silage increased the levels of medium chain fatty acids in Murrah buffaloes milk.

The effect of gallop training on hoof angle in Thoroughbred racehorses

The economic impact of soundness problems in racehorses is very high and low hoof angle at the toe has been associated with a lack of soundness. However, it is not clear what environmental and management factors might contribute to a low hoof angle. To investigate the hypothesis that the hooves of racehorses become flatter when in gallop training, as well as to determine factors contributing to this trend. Weekly hoof measurements were taken with a hoof gauge from 45 Thoroughbred racehorses; 4 Thoroughbred show horses kept in consistent conditions and shod by the same farrier as some of the racehorses; and 6 unshod free-ranging horses. A further 15 horses were measured twice in one day to determine the repeatability of the method. Repeatability coefficients were 0.31 degrees for the left hoof and 0.37 degrees for the right. Racehorses in training showed a significant decrease in hoof angle over time while free ranging horses and show horses did not. Free-ranging horses had a significantly lower angle in winter (wet) compared with summer (dry) in both left (P = 0.040) and right (P = 0.017). Show horses had no significant change in hoof angle. Racehorses that had a period of rest during the experiment (n = 11) showed a decrease in hoof angle during training and an increase over their rest period for both hooves (P = 0.005 for the left hoof, P = 0.0009 for the right). Training for fast exercise in Thoroughbred racehorses is associated with a reduction in hoof angle and wet pasture conditions may also be associated with a reduced hoof angle in free-ranging horses. Gallop exercise has a potentially large effect on hoof angle and therefore, a change in angle should be expected to occur in racehorses starting fast exercise work. Hence management of horses with abnormally low hoof angles may require an adaptation to their training regime in order to minimise this effect.

Introduction Of Anthephora Species To The Tropical Rain Forest: Implications For Grazing Propagation And Breeding Of The Species

Three species of Anthephora of derived savanna origin were introduced into the tropical rain forest environment and their adaptability to the region was determined through morphological and seed yield studies. The three species, A. ampulacea (file grass), A. nigritana and an induced autotetraploid of A. ampulaca designated as A. ampulacea (4x) maintained, to a large extent their biological description, but a more luxuriant growth was recorded compared to reports from the areas of origin. Leaf measurements (length and with), leaf and tiller numbers were greater than twice the values reported in literature at 50% heading. This implies that the species exhibit phenoplasticity. Seed production was however low in all three species and the seeds when produced were to a large extent sterile. Grasses of the genus Anthephora can therefore be used as both wet and dry season pasture in southern Nigeria. The problem of sterile seed can be overcome by breeding the species for seed production in the savanna region of the country where the grass is indigenous and seed production is not hampered, while growing it in the rain forest region purely for pasture and hay-making. Key words: Breeding, Anthephora ampulaca 2x, A. nigritana 4x, A. ampulacea 4x, phenoplastic, pasture. (Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2002 8(2): 175-180)

Influence of Environmental Factors and Sheep Grazing on an Andean Grassland

Chronic overgrazing in the central Andes alters vegetation and may cause erosion and loss of productivity, but quantitative studies are lacking. We measured the relative influence of environmental factors and sheep grazing on local plant species composition, diversity, and soil organic matter in a remote site in northwestern Argentina. Using redundancy analysis, we found that environmental variables explained 22% of variation in species composition between sites, while grazing-related variables explained 24% of variation. The complete model, incorporating all significant variables, explained 33% of variation. Aspect, season of grazing (wet vs. dry) combined with total vegetative cover, and soil type formed the basis for the first 3 ordination axes. Unpalatable or toxic species and very low-growing species were significantly more abundant on heavily grazed sites compared to relatively protected sites. Stocking rate in wet season pastures was negatively correlated with total cover, forage volume, soil organic matter, and species richness. Season of grazing had a more dramatic effect on total cover, forage volume, species diversity and soil organic matter, which were all significantly lower in wet season pastures compared to dry season pastures. Season of grazing and aspect interacted strongly: wet season pastures on north aspects appear more susceptible to degradation and changes in species composition than south-facing sites. Our results suggest that protecting pastures during the summer rainy season may be an important complement to traditional management efforts to reduce stocking rates.

Phytosociology and conservation of Carex hordeistichos Vill. in the Lorraine region (France)

Carex hordeistichos is a peri-Mediterranean species, which is rare over all its distribution range. In Lorraine (France), where the field investigations were conducted, as in other Western European areas, it is present only in secondary habitats, constituted of heavily trampled wet pastures and vehicle tracks on clayed soils. All plant communities with Carex hordeistichos described from Western European areas can be linked to the Carici hordeistichi-Trifolietum fragiferi association, classified in the Agropyro-Rumicion wet pasture alliance. The conservation of this threatened ruderal plant requires the maintenance of a high disturbance level through grazing, trampling and soil packing.

The use of phytosociological data in conservation assessment: a case study of lowland grasslands in mid Wales

Quantified vegetation data from remnant stands of neutral and acidic dry grasslands and wet pastures in lowland Brecknock, mid Wales, are presented. Following a preliminary and comprehensive habitat inventory, detailed plant community survey was carried out at a total of 114 sites, and the survey results were used as a basis for nature conservation assessment. A systematic site selection procedure is followed, based on that used to select Sites of Special Scientific Interest, to identify priority sites for conservation. Critical analysis and evaluation based largely on fine-scale phytosociological data are undertaken to identify a representative network of grasslands meriting priority conservation attention. Sites are assessed for individual vegetation types, grassland mosaics and uncommon plant species; size, naturalness and rarity are the main attributes employed for comparative site evaluation. Unimproved grasslands have become much reduced since the 1930s, and particular consideration is given to uncommon communities, including Centaureo–Cynosuretum and Cirsio–Molinietum, and associated populations of scarce and declining species. Overall, 31 sites are considered to warrant priority conservation measures. The exiguous extent and isolation of some forms of lowland grassland point to the need for urgent protection and also habitat restoration and expansion. The benefits of tailoring agricultural extensification measures to reflect local environmental variation, and of localising resources for habitat reconstruction in the vicinity of remnant aggregations of unimproved grasslands, are briefly considered.

Edaphic relationships among Cirsio‐Molinietum and related wet grassland communities in lowland Wales

Abstract. Soil properties are characterized for a range of the Molinietalia vegetation types in lowland Wales. In this oceanic region there is overlap in the distribution of various forms of wet pasture dominated by Molinia caerulea and Juncus acutiflorus. There is subtle and continuous variation in species composition among four communities investigated; this has been analysed by Detrended Correspondence Analysis and partitioned between subcommunities recognized in Rodwell (1991). Canonical Variates Analysis indicated that the main differences in soil conditions between the vegetation classes are related to gradients in base‐status; apparent variation in soil fertility may also be significant and requires further investigation. In general, Molinia‐Cirsium dissectum fen‐meadow soils have higher pH, higher Ca‐levels, greater base saturation and lower acidity than Molinia‐Potentilla erecta wet grasslands; those of Juncus‐Galium palustre rush‐pasture and Molinia‐Crepis paludosa mire had relatively high levels of inorganic N. The findings are discussed with reference to ecological and phytosociological relationships, and also in the context of nature conservation.

Notice to Contributors

Vegetation composition and tree regeneration were compared between grazing exclosures and unfenced areas of an hillside alder ( Alnus glutinosa ) woodland, at Coedydd Aber, North Wales. Sheep and ponies have had unrestricted access to the unfenced woodland throughout the 20 years since the exclosures were erected. The exclosures had a well developed field layer with significantly higher cover of plant litter, dead wood, bryophytes and woodland species; the unfenced woodland had a sparse field layer and significantly higher cover of bare soil, grasses and wet pasture species. These changes appear to be a consequence of the removal of both herbivory and physical disturbance caused by large herbivores. Tree regeneration from seed was virtually absent from the unfenced areas, and no alder regeneration was recorded in the woodland study plots. The exclosures contained high densities of young ash ( Fraxinus excelsior ), and it is possible that, in the long term, ash will replace alder as the dominant tree in these stands.