Yield Of Perennial Grasses Research Articles

On the issue of forecasting crop yields for the purposes of adaptive landscape agriculture

Long-term monitoring (1998–2023) of the yield of clover-timothy grass stands of the first year of use was carried out in order to find patterns of influence of landscape environmental conditions on it in various agroclimatic conditions. The research was conducted within the moraine hill located at the Gubino VNIIMZ agro-testing site in the Tver region. Soil-forming rocks are two-membered deposits consisting of an upper layer composed of relatively light rocks, underlain by moraine bouldery loam. The grass stands were exploited without fertilizers in a single-cut mode on a field divided into 120 plots. Using regression analysis, the influence of landscape and soil environment factors was determined: relief, physical and agrochemical properties of soils on grass yield, as well as the dependence of the degree of this impact on climatic conditions. It was found that the yield of perennial grasses is most strongly influenced by various fractions of the granulometric composition of soils – from stones to dust (up to 16 % of its variability) and the altitude of the location (up to 38 %), since the thermal and water-air characteristics of soils and vegetation largely depend on them. Terrain characteristics such as steepness and curvature of the surface have a minor impact on grass yield (up to 12 %). The degree of influence of agro-landscape environmental factors on the growth of grasses is largely regulated by fluctuations in weather conditions. “Climate scenarios” of a specific factor – sets of weather parameters under which its effect on the production process of a crop is manifested – in the years of sowing and mowing, as a rule, do not differ fundamentally. Knowing the nature of the influence of climatic factors allows us to more accurately predict crop yields within an agricultural landscape and, thus, optimize the location of crops on the territory of a particular farm.

Small-sized unit for the restoration of herbage in mountain meadows and pastures

BACKGROUND: The results of RD for the laboratory prototype of the unit for grass seeds oversowing on mountain slopes, which can increase labor efficiency and mountain forage lands yield by 20-25%, are presented.
 AIMS: The developed laboratory prototype of a block module based on the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor for surface oversowing of grass seeds, providing with an accelerated increase in the yield of perennial grasses and soil resistance to water and wind erosion.
 METHODS: Technical expertise and testing of the unit and technology were carried out in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia Alania (Dargava basin, the base station of the Institute) at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level. The indicators of the test conditions and functional performance of the unit were determined according to the OST 10.5.1-2000 industry standard. Technical examination of the unit was carried out according to the OST 10.2.1-97. Surface sowing of grass seeds was carried out according to GOST 31345-2017. The subject of research included the technology of grass seeds oversowing, the design of the unit and working bodies: pendular sowing machines, seeding rates and method of sowing.
 METHODS: The laboratory prototype of the small-sized unit based on the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor for surface oversowing of grass seeds has been developed and manufactured. The block module is a hinged structure with a two-row arrangement of containers for grass seeds and with pendular sowing machines. In the design of the small-sized mountain unit, motion across the slope from top to bottom is performed with a shuttle method with rolling of the sown seeds by press wheels. The grass was oversown on a rarefied section of the northern slope with a slope angle of 1316 on the Sugsadtanrag terrain.
 CONCLUSIONS: The practical application of the small-sized unit based on the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor for surface oversowing of grass seeds with their subsequent pressing in areas in highland and piedmont areas ensures detaining of degradation processes of slope areas, accelerated increase in yield, quality and quantity of perennial grasses, improves soil resistance to water and wind erosion.

Experimental bases of crop productivity depending on agrotechnical conditions

As a result of the research, experimental data were obtained on the yield of cultivated crops depending on the type of crop rotation, fertilizer and treatment systems, and their mutual effect on improving ALSZ on the soils of the Vladimir high plain. The main types of fertilizer systems and their effect on the yield of grasses in crop rotation are described. Experimental data have been used to study the effect of various fertilizer systems on productivity, density, botanical composition, and yield of perennial grasses. It is proved that the yield parameters directly depend on the specific tillage system. The effect of fertilizer doses on the yield and productivity of perennial grasses for 2 years of use was revealed.

Block­Module for the Surface Application of Biologies to Mountain Meadows and Pastures

It was shown that the constant use of mountain meadows and pastures leads to soil depletion and deterioration. Liquid microorganisms-based biologies are considered to contribute to the soil fertility restoration. It has been revealed that there is a lack of serial samples of small-sized maneuverable machines for small contour areas, which could superficially apply solutions of biologies to mountain meadows and pastures.Research purpose To develop and manufacture a laboratory model of the unit for the mountainous area based on the Feng Shou 180 mini-tractor, which could reduce the slope areas degradation processes.Materials and methods A laboratory sample of the machine has been substantiated and developed. Its design is adapted to work with degraded soils in the mountains with a slope of cultivated areas up to 15 degrees. The technology was tested in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania at an altitude of 1540 meters above sea level. A technical examination of a laboratory sample of a block module for biologies surface application was carried out according to the adopted standards.Results and discussion A block-module has been developed for biologies surface application to mountain meadows and pastures. It was identified that the unit laboratory sample complies with the agrotechnical requirements and the terms of reference. The following necessary parameters were calculated: tank capacity is 300 liters, application rate is 0.109 liters per second, pipeline diameter is 12 millimeters. It was determined that the use of the block-module increased the yield of perennial grasses in the mountain zone by 15-20 percent in one year, made it possible to strengthen the turf, which will prevent the development of water and wind erosion in the future.

Ecological regimes of soils of the Novgorod region drained by open drainage

In the natural and climatic conditions of the Novgorod region, the ecological regimes of lands drained by various open drainage structures were studied: channels through 70 m (control), runoff hollows in combination with the strips of cultivation, reclamation, and closed drainage. During the operation (1992-2021) of open drainage structures, the agrochemical state of soils changed: the exchange acidity decreased; the humus content increased by 2-3 %, with the exception of a combination of hollows with a reclamation strip (a decrease of 1.5 %); the content of mobile phosphorus and potassium decreased. The formation of groundwater regimes and moisture reserves on drainage systems depends on meteorological conditions, which in the last 5 years have been very diverse: from slightly arid (2020, HTC = 1.1) to excessively moist (2017, HTC = 2.65). The systems of runoff hollows in combination with the reclamation strip provided the lowest groundwater level, while in an extremely wet year they did not rise into the arable horizon. The most favorable moisture regime of the root-inhabited soil layer in excessively humid 2017 and subsequent years was noted on systems of runoff hollows with closed drainage in combination with reclamation strips. During dry periods, which are usually June-July, a lack of moisture in the root layer of the soil was observed on experimental systems of runoff hollows in combination with cultivation and reclamation strips. The most acute moisture deficiency in these periods (0.45 full capacity) was noted on systems combining runoff hollows with cultivation strips. The most favorable soil moisture regime (0.65-0.85 full capacity) was in the combination of hollows with closed drainage and a reclamation strip. The formed new ecological regimes of the soils drained by the hollow-strip method had a significant impact on the hay yield of perennial grasses (Phleum pratense, Festuca pratensis). The increase in yield compared to the control averaged 0.3-0.6 t/ha over 5 years.

УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ПОВЫШЕНИЯ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ ЛУГОВ И ПАСТБИЩ ГОРНОЙ ЗОНЫ

Due to the lack of serial samples of small-sized maneuverable machines capable of the surface application of biological product solutions to degraded mountain meadows and pastures, the authors developed a laboratory sample of the block module based on the Fenshaw-180 minitractor and offered the technology of introducing biological products by the developed unit, specified the design of its working parts and units, taking into account agrotechnical requirements. At the next stage, they carried out commissioning and adjustment work, bench and field tests of the block module. For testing, a site typical of the soil-climatic zone was selected that meets the requirements of the technical assignment, technical specifications for manufacturing, and agrotechnical requirements for the prototype. Tuning and adjustment, bench and field tests of the block module were then carried out. For testing, a typical site for the soil-climatic zone was selected that meets the requirements of the technical assignment, technical specifications for manufacturing and agrotechnical requirements for a prototype. The technology was tested in the mountainous zone of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania (the Dargavs basin, the SKNIIGPSKh base) at an altitude of 1540 m above sea level with a southeastern exposure and a slope steepness of up to 15°. The laboratory sample of the unit complies with the agrotechnical requirements and the terms of reference. Surface application of biological preparations was carried out according to the application rates. Studies have established an increase in the yearly yield of perennial grasses by 15…20% and strengthening of the turf, which prevents the development of water and wind erosion in a mountain zone with degraded soils. The authors conclude that it is expedient to use the developed block-module in mountain meadows and pastures with a slope of up to 15°.

ЭКОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ ЛУГОВО-ЧЕРНОЗЕМНОЙ ПОЧВЫ ПРИ ДЛИТЕЛЬНОМ ОРОШЕНИИ

The research was carried out on an irrigated stationary crop rotation of the Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution “Omsk Agrarian Research Center” in the southern forest-steppe of Western Siberia. The aim of the research was to establish the direction and intensity of mobilization biological processes in case of long-term irrigation, their quantitative characteristics, as well as possible adverse changes of biological (ecological) properties of meadow – black soil. The microbial community performs the function of maintaining soil homeostasis, therefore it quickly responds to habitat changes. The intensity of soil mineralization and humus formation processes was determined by a combination of fertilization and irrigation factors. It was found that immobilization processes prevailed in the soil under crops. The highest coefficient of organic matter transformation, i.e. transformation increase of plant residues into organic matter, was noted when introducing nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers for barley crops. Application of mineral fertilizers promoted an increase of the number of the defined microorganisms, enhanced cellulose decomposition in the soil, potential capacity of soils to accumulate nitrate and enzyme activity, which ultimately increased the yield of cultivated crops. The yield of perennial grasses on a fertilized background was at the control level due to loss of legumes (goat’s rue) and predominance of bluegrass species (awnless brome). A strong correlation was obtained between the intensity of cellulose decomposition in the soil, nitrification capacity and crop yields (r = 0.67 ± 0.28 and 0.91 ± 0.16, respectively). Long-term irrigation of meadow-black soil did not have a negative impact on its ecological state, and usage of intensive cultivation technology of crops in crop rotation stimulated an increase of soil microorganisms and their activity.

The effect of mineral fertilizers and liming on the properties of sod-podzolic soils and the productivity of legume-grass mixture in the conditions of the Komi Republic

The research was carried out in 1998-2018 in the conditions of the Komi Republic. Under study was the effectiveness of single application (1983) of lime doses (1.0; 2.0; 2.5 h. a.) and the systematic use of mineral fertilizers (N60P75K75) against the background of lime effect in the cultivation of perennial grass mixtures (meadow clover, meadow timothy and cocksfoot). High efficiency was shown by liming at doses of 2.0 and 2.5 h. a., the effect remained for 35 years since their introduction to the soil. Thus, in 2018, the exchange acidity was 4.5-4.8 pHKCl (the initial 4.1-4.2 pHKCl). A similar decrease was observed in the hydrolytic acidity and the content of exchangeable aluminum in the soil. The amount of humus by 2018 increased to 1.7-1.8 % (the initial 1.4-1.5 %). The average yield of perennial grasses during soil liming at doses of 2.0 and 2.5 h .a. was 24.0-25.1 t/ha of green mass (5.3-5.5 t/ha of good quality dry matter), which is 52.8-59.8 % higher than the variant without fertilizers (15.7 green mass and 3.7 t/ha of dry matter). In the variant with the systematic use of NPK, the exchange acid content of the soil and the humus content remained at the initial level, the amount of the mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium increased to 198 and 121 mg/kg of soil (the initial 42 and 62 mg/kg). The average annual yield of grasses was 25.3 t/ha of green mass (5.4 t/ha dry matter) and was 61.1 and 45.9 % higher than the control. Against the background of the aftereffect of lime flour, the effect of NPK on soil properties was similar to the effect of non-fertilizing cultivation, with the exception of a significant increase in the availability of mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium – up to 254-288 and 148-166 mg/kg, respectively. A high yield of green mass of 28.1-30.7 t/ha (6.4-6.7 t/ha dry matter) was obtained, exceeding the control by 78.9-95.5 %. In these variants, grass mixture of high quality was obtained: the content of crude protein – 13.8-13.9 %; dry matter – 21.8-21.9 %; the content of total phosphorus – 0.92-0.94 %; potassium – 2.93-2.95 % and calcium – 0.79-0.81 %. The amount of nitrates in the feed did not exceed the MPC (147-149 mg/kg dry matter). Long-term studies on sod-podzolic poorly cultivated soil showed that the optimal method for the cultivation of long-term legume-cereal grass mixture was the use of lime flour (2.0 and 2.5 h .a.) and the annual use of N60P75K75.

Продуктивність сільськогосподарських культур залежно від рівня їх удобрення на дренованих органогенних ґрунтах

Goal. Experimentally determine an efficient set of micro fertilizers and regulators of growth and development of crops, which will increase their yields on drained organogenic soils in the floodplains of the humid zone. Methods. Field, laboratory-analytical, mathematical, and statistical. Results. The introduction of regulators of growth and development of plants and micro fertilizers had little effect on the nutrient regime of organic soil. They had a positive effect on the productivity of perennial grasses, cereals, and vegetables. The introduction of growth regulators on the background of N90P45K120 under perennial grasses provided an increase in yield on average over 5 years from drugs Biolan — 2.7 t/ha of dry weight, Radifarm — 2.4, Radostym — 2.1, Regoplant, Emistym C, Reakom, Humisol , Plantafol — 0.5–2.0 t/ha of dry weight. A high increase in grass yields was also due to the application of micro fertilizers on the background of N90P45K120 — 0.6–1.2 t/ha of dry weight. Application of micro fertilizers for grain crops on unfertilized areas provided an increase in the yield of winter rye on 0.7–0.9 t/ha, winter triticale — 0.8–0.9, spring triticale — 0.6-0.7, oat: filmed — 1,4–1.5, naked 0.6–0.8 t/ha, and with the introduction of P45K120 increase was 0.4, 0.7; 0.8; 0.4 and 0.6 t/ha of grain respectively. On average, over the years of research in unfertilized fields, the increase in the yield of carrots and beets from the application of Humisol and Reakom was 13.0-25.3% compared to areas without their addition. The introduction of growth regulators and micro fertilizers helped to improve the quality of the harvest. Conclusions. The application of growth regulators and microelements both on the background of applied macro nutrients and without them on drained organogenic soils provided an increase in the yield of perennial grasses, respectively on 1.1–2.7 and 0.6–1.2 t/ha and 1.3–2, 4 and 0.8–1.4 t/ha of dry mass. The increase in grain yield at the introduction of growth stimulants on the background of PK and without them was, respectively: winter rye — 0.4 and 0.5 t/ha; winter triticale — 0.7 and 0.8; spring triticale — 0.8 and 2.8; grain oats — 0.4 and 2.6 t/ha; naked oats 0.6 and 2.5 t/ha. The introduced growth regulators and microelements helped to improve the feed quality of perennial grasses.

Yields of perennial grasses growing in mixtures with annual species and the effect of perennials on total yields

Fifteen perennial grass cultivars were compared in cutting trials in the medium rainfall (about 700 mm/year) area of central New South Wales. The perennial grasses were shown to have different growth patterns. Siro 1146 phalaris (Phalaris aquatica x P. arundinacea), Brignoles cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) and Demeter fescue (Festuca arundinacea) had the highest dry matter yields in late spring and summer. The phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) cultivars Special Select, Sirosa, Sirocco and El Golea had the highest yields in autumn and winter, while Kangaroo Valley perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and the cocksfoot cultivars, Berber, Brignoles and Currie, yielded well in spring. When the total yields of pastures containing perennial grasses and annual species were compared with the total yields of annual species alone, it was found that the perennials generally did not increase yields when present at relatively low plant densities (5-20 plants/m2) and growing with a vigorous annual species component. When present at higher plant densities (over 20 plants/ m2) perennial grasses only increased total yields in autumn and winter when soil moisture was low and annual species did not grow well. The probable effects on animal production of including perennial grasses in pasture mixes are discussed and it is concluded that the perennials are most likely to be beneficial in late spring and summer when annuals become less palatable and have lower digestibility.

Drought Effects on a Semidesert Grassland Range

A vegetational survey on the Jornada Experimental Range in southern New Mexico, taken annually from 1941 through 1957, is the basis for a study of the effects of the great drought of 1951 through 1956. Both cover and yields were studied. Observations were stratified into seven classes based on a consideration of land form and soil characteristics. Seasonal and annual precipitation during the drought averaged 55% of the pre—drought average. The most severe drought years were 1951, 1953, and 1956. Both the cover and yield of Bouteloua eriopoda (Torr.) Torr., the dominant species on the upland sandy soils, were greatly reduced by drought. However, drought damage was much more severe on the deep than on shallow sands. When the impermeable caliche layer occurred at shallow depths, moisture relations during drought were apparently much better than when caliche occurred at greater depths. Another result of drought was the invasion of Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC. in areas where grass stands have been thinned by drought. Sporobolus spp. and Aristida spp., minor components of the climax, were more susceptible to drought damage than Bouteloua eriopoda. Yields of perennial grasses per unit cover were as great during the drought as prior to the drought. Both winter—spring and summer precipitation are important in preventing death losses of black grama. In arid areas it seems necessary to consider both cover and species composition in arriving at a potential for a site.

RESULTS OF LONG-TERM MONITORING PERENNIAL GRASSES PRODUCTIVENESS WITHIN AGROLANDSCAPE

In an era of environmental crisis, monitoring crop yields is of great importance. On this basis, it is possible to develop adaptive methods for land reclamation. The paper considers the results of statistical analysis of monitoring data on the yield of perennial grasses. The studies were conducted on an agroecological transect - a narrow field, 1300 m long, intersecting all the main microlandscape positions of a finite moraine hill. Determination of the productivity of grass stands and parameters of the landscape environment is carried out at sampling points that differ only in natural relation. They are regularly located along the transect at a distance of 40 m from each other. The studies were conducted in 1998 - 2017. For the analysis of climatic parameters, the data of the meteorological station of Tver were used. Processing of the data was carried out by the method of multiple regression based on the package STATGRAPHICS plus. For the agricultural landscape as a whole and its individual parts, multiple regression equations were obtained, describing the influence of parameters of landscape components and long-term fluctuations of agrometeorological indicators on hay yield. The patterns of adaptive reactions of plants to the variability of the properties of the natural environment and agro-climatic conditions within different parts of the finite-moraine ridge are revealed. It is shown that agro-climatic conditions and landscape features of the territory have a significant impact on the grass production process. The negative influence of weather conditions on grasses of the first year of life, as a rule, affects the yield of quite old grass stands. Features of the redistribution of heat and moisture in different parts of the agrolandscape determine the dependence of grass stands on soil waterlogging and inversion processes. It is recommended to carry out drainage within the entire moraine hill, however, at the upper elevations of the agrolandscape, systems of dual regulation of the water-air regime of soils should be applied.

Quantitative Study of Degeneration of Mixed Prairie

1. An extensive area of Mixed Prairie in the loess hills of central Nebraska was studied to ascertain the degree of degeneration that had resulted from long periods (60-70 years) of grazing. 2. The topography is mostly that of steeply rolling and hilly land. The soils, derived from loess, have A horizons varying from 6 to 20 inches in depth, carbonate accumulations in the thick B horizons, and C horizons of deep, mellow loess. Water from the 23.5 inches of precipitation penetrates the soil to 5 feet or more. 3. Ungrazed hilltops and upper slopes were covered mostly with short grasses. Ravines and ravine banks supported a post-climax vegetation of tall and mid grasses derived from True Prairie. Typical climax Mixed Prairie of taller grasses with an understory of short grasses occupied the long mid slopes. 4. Each-type of vegetation demarked different environments or pasture sites. Various degrees of deterioration of the vegetation in each site were revealed in four range-condition classes-excellent, good, fair, and poor. 5. In lowland the chief grasses which decreased under grazing were Andropogon gerardi and other tall grasses. In excellent range A. gerardi composed 58% of the perennial grasses, but decreased to 29%, and then to 3%, and finally in poor pasture to 1%. Conversely, short grasses (Bouteloua gracilis and Buchloe dactyloides) increased from 10 to 82% from excellent to fair pasture, and then decreased to 53% in poor range. Poa pratensis and Bouteloua curtipendula were other increasers. 6. Basal area of grasses increased with lowland range deterioration from 15% in excellent pasture to 51% in fair range, but it was only 21% in poor range. Organic mulch steadily decreased, as vegetation degenerated, from 8540 pounds per acre in excellent range to 634 pounds in poor pasture, and yield of perennial grasses from 2.44 tons per acre to only 0.27 ton. 7. On hillside sites Andropogon gerardi, Bouteloua curtipendula, and Poa pratensis all decreased from their respective 8, 10, and 3% composition of the vegetation to less than 1% in fair range. Bouteloua gracilis maintained a high percentage composition (50-75) throughout. Buchloe dactyloides increased from 5 to 45% in fair pasture and then decreased. 8. Basal area on hillsides increased from excellent pasture (27%) to fair range (43%) and then decreased to 18%. In the same sequence, yields of perennial grasses were 1.44, 1.33, 0.92, and 0.41 tons per acre. A yield of 5900 pounds per acre of mulch in excellent range decreased to 281 pounds in poor pasture. 9. On hilltop sites there were no tall and few mid grasses to decrease. The two short grasses composed 95% of the basal area in excellent pastures and 92% in poor ones. Here degeneration consisted largely of the fragmentation of the more or less continuous cover of excellent range to one with much bare interspace. 10. Basal area of grasses increased under grazing from 36 to 49% and then, in poor range, decreased to 20%. Mulch was reduced from 3980 pounds per acre to only 281 pounds in poor range. Yields of grasses were moderate in excellent and good range (about 1.28 tons per acre) but low (0.65 and 0.41 ton) in fair and poor range. 11. The same species of forbs often grew in different sites, but some were more or less confined to a single site. Each pasture type had a characteristic group of forbs which consistently decreased with degeneration of prairie, as Amorpha canescens, Lygodesmia juncea, and Ratibida columnaris. 12. Chief forbs that increased with deterioration of grassland were Vernonia baldwinii, Aster multiflorus, Ambrosia psilostachya, and Cirsium undulatum. Among forbs that invaded degenerated grassland were Verbena stricta, Grindelia squarrosa, and, in poor pastures, Helianthus annuus and many other weedy annuals. 13. Of 148 ranges examined, only 5% were in excellent condition, 18% were in good condition, fair ranges composed 49%, and distinctly poor ranges were 28% of the total.

A survey of the natural pastures of the Trangie District, New South Wales, with particular reference to the grazing factor.

The Trangie district has a rainfall of 1,750 points with a slight summer maximum, a high relative variability of rainfall, and high summer temperatures. Disclimax pasture communities produced by a range of sheep grazing intensities operative during the past 20-30 years are described. On light soils ungrazed pasture comprises a wide range of perennial grasses. Light grazing (1 sheep per 2 acres) gives increased dominance by Stipa fulcata. With successive increases in grazing pressure Chloris acicdaris and Stipa setacea become conspicuous in turn, only to be virtually replaced by Chloris trumata as grazing intensity reaches 1 sheep per 0.5 acre. On heavy soils Stipa aristiglumis is dominant under light grazing. With increased rate of stocking, first Sporobolus caroli and then Stipa setacea gain dominance. At the highest stocking rates all these species are largely replaced by Chloris truncata. Throughout the sere the number of species is far more restricted than on the light soils. The striking feature of these results is that though botanical composition of the perennial grass component on light and heavy soils respectively is vastly different under light grazing, it becomes similar under heavy grazing and almost identical under severe grazing. Degenerative changes common to pastures of both soil groups under increasing grazing pressure are the decline in density and basal area of the perennial grass component, the greater population of winter and summer annuals, and the declining contribution of perennial grasses to green forage production in the spring. The basis of these findings is firstly the measurement of basal area, density and yield of perennial grasses, and density and yield of annual species in pastures of varying stocking history, and secondly, the measurement of pasture composition in relation to increasing distance from watering points.