Progress 02/18/09 to 02/17/14
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs are divided into nitrogen fixation by forage legumes, development of new cultivars, and forage management. Efforts to improve nitrogen fixation have been greenhouse studies to identify more effective rhizobia strains for ball clover and field studies to evaluate different Bacillus species coated on alfalfa seed to enhance nitrogen fixation. Improved cultivars of crimson clover, sweetclover, ball clover, subterranean clover and hop clover are being developed. Seed increases of hop clover and subterranean clover selections were made. Growth rate and morphology of advanced sweetclover selections were compared to commercially available standard cultivars. Variety trials of annual clovers and sweetclover, were carried out to evaluate germplasm from in- and out-of-state plant breeders. Forage management studies were a comparison of preinoculated and coated crimson clover seed to uncoated seed, seeding ratios of crimson clover to annual ryegrass, nitrogen fertilization of switchgrass for a bioenergy crop, and evaluation of warm- and cool-season annual legumes as a nitrogen source for switchgrass. Research results have been reported at the American Society of Agronomy, American Forage and Grassland Council, Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Short Course, and numerous county and multi-county producer programs. Presentations on benefits of grassland, forage growth and development, pasture establishment and planting equipment, and forage grazing systems were made at the Pasture Management Workshop for producers. Results were also reported in journal articles, proceedings of meetings and in popular press articles. PARTICIPANTS: Gerald Evers, Forage Physiologies, TexasA&M AgriLife Research Overton; Ray Smith and Lloyd Nelson, Plant Breeders, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Overton; Carolyn Young, Twain Butler, and Ruchi Singh, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma; Jim Muir, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Stephenville; Barry Lambert, Tarleton State University; Eda Reinot and Kurt Seeves, Becker Underwood - Ames, Iowa; Wink Alison, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Winnsboro, Louisiana; Jamie Foster, Texas A&M AgriLife Research Beeville; Russell Jessup, Texas A&M AgriLife Research College Station; Vanessa Corriher, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Overton TARGET AUDIENCES: Research findings are reported at regional, national, and international scientific meetings to keep other forage research and extension scientists updated. Presentations are made to producers in Texas and other states, at the annual Beef Cattle Short Course, county and multi-county meetings, and pasture tours. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A naturalized rhizobia strain that was isolated from a ball clover pasture in East Texas increased ball clover shoot and root weights three fold over the commercially available rhizobia strain at 2 months after planting. If the isolated strain continues to be superior, it will be made available to producers that will result in improved nitrogen fixation and growth of ball clover. Evaluation of Bacillus species on alfalfa for an international inoculant company identified several species that enhanced seedling growth and forage production from 10 to 20%. After 10 years of selection, seed increases, and field comparisons with standard cultivars, a new crimson clover cultivar that has a higher hard seed percentage and is about 2 weeks later maturing than available cultivars is being submitted to the Plant Review Committee for release. Seed was increased of a crimson clover selection for hard seed that maintained a darker green color during the growing season than other crimson clover plants. If the dark green trait is dominant, it could lead to a new crimson clover cultivar that could be utilized for landscaping as well as improved volunteer reseeding. Breeding and evaluation of a ball clover line originating from several plant introductions will be the first cultivar of ball clover selected for adaptation to the southeastern U.S. It has more uniform and morphology is about 2 weeks later maturing than common ball clover. The coating on preinoculated clover seed can account for 30 to 40% of the seed weight. Planted at the same recommended seeding rate, coated seed had a 25 to 33% lower seedling density. To obtain similar early forge production, these results indicate the coated seed rate should be increased about 30%. After evaluating crimson clover:annual ryegrass seeding ratios ranging from 1:4 to 5:4, a 1:2 ratio was optimum for forage production and a higher percentage of clover for nitrogen fixation. Ball clover germination studies suggest seeding should be delayed until late November under cooler temperatures instead of the recommended October clover planting date for thicker stands. Interseeding cool-season annual legumes in switchgrass has been more successful than interseeding warm-season annual legumes. Of the cool-season legumes, crimson clover has proven to be the most successful.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs are divided into nitrogen fixation by forage legumes, development of new cultivars, and forage management. Efforts to improve nitrogen fixation have been greenhouse studies to identify more effective rhizobia strains for ball clover. Improved cultivars of crimson clover, sweetclover, ball clover, subterranean clover and hop clover are being developed. Seed increases of hop clover and subterranean clover selections were made. Growth rate and morphology of advanced sweetclover selections were compared to commercially available standard cultivars. Variety trials of annual clovers, sweetclover, and cool-season perennial grasses were carried out to evaluate germplasm from in- and out-of-state plant breeders. Forage management studies were a comparison of preinoculated and coated crimson clover seed to uncoated seed, seeding ratios of crimson clover to annual ryegrass, nitrogen fertilization of switchgrass for a bioenergy crop, evaluation of warm- and cool-season annual legumes as a nitrogen source for switchgrass and comparison of early maturing and turf-type annual ryegrass cultivars for overseeding Texas roadways. Research results have been reported at the Southern Section-American Society of Agronomy, American Forage and Grassland Council, Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Short Course, and numerous county and multi-county producer programs. Presentations on benefits of grassland, forage growth and development, pasture establishment and planting equipment, and forage grazing systems were made at the Pasture Management Workshop for producers. Results were also reported in journal articles, proceedings of meetings and in popular press articles. PARTICIPANTS: Gerald Evers, Forage Physiologies, Texas AgriLife Research Overton; Ray Smith and Lloyd Nelson, Plant Breeders, Texas AgriLife Research Overton; Carolyn Young, Twain Butler, and Ruchi Singh, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma; Jim Muir, Texas AgriLife Research Stephenville; Barry Lambert, Tarleton State University; Wink Alison, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Winnsboro, Louisiana; Jamie Foster, Texas AgriLife Research Beeville; Russell Jessup, Texas AgriLife Research College Station; Vanessa Corriher, Texas AgriLife Extension Overton TARGET AUDIENCES: Research findings are reported at regional, national, and international scientific meetings to keep other forage research and extension scientists updated. Presentations are made to producers in Texas and other states, at the annual Beef Cattle Short Course, county and multi-county meetings, and pasture tours. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Naturalized rhizobia strains that were isolated from ball clover pastures in East Texas significantly increased ball clover shoot and root weights and shoot and root nitrogen concentrations over the commercially available rhizobia strains. If the isolated strain continues to be superior, it will be made available to producers that will result in improved nitrogen fixation and growth of ball clover. After 10 years of selection, seed increases, and field comparisons with standard cultivars, a new crimson clover cultivar that has a higher hard seed percentage and is about 2 weeks later maturing than available cultivars is being submitted to the Plant Review Committee for release. Seed was increased of a crimson clover selection for hard seed that maintained a darker green color during the growing season than other crimson clover plants. If the dark green trait is dominant, it could lead to a new crimson clover cultivar that could be utilized for landscaping as well as improved volunteer reseeding. Breeding and evaluation of a ball clover line originating from several plant introductions will be the first cultivar of ball clover selected for adaptation to the southeastern U.S. It has more uniform and morphology is about 2 weeks later maturing than common ball clover. The coating on preinoculated clover seed can account for 30 to 40% of the seed weight. Planted at the same recommended seeding rate, coated seed had a 25 to 33% lower seedling density. To obtain similar early forge production, these results indicate the coated seed rate should be increased about 30%. After evaluating crimson clover:annual ryegrass seeding ratios ranging from 1:4 to 5:4, a 1:2 ratio was optimum for forage production and a higher percentage of clover for nitrogen fixation. Crimson clover has proven to be the most successful legume for inter-seeding in switchgrass.
Publications
- Evers, G.W. and M.J. Parsons. 2011. Estimated N2-fixation of cool-season annual clovers by the difference method. Crop Sci. 51:2276-2283.
- Evers, G.W. 2011. The interaction of annual ryegrass and nitrogen on arrowleaf clover in the southeastern United States. Crop Sci. 51:1353-1360.
- Evers, G.W. 2011. Forage legumes: forage quality, fixed nitrogen, or both. Crop Sci. 51:403-409.
- White, J., G. Evers, J.P. Muir and B. Lambert. 2011. Cool-season legumes and grass mixtures overseeded in Tifton 85 harvested for biomass and forage. American Society of Agronomy Southern Regional Branch 2011 annual meetings, 6-8 February, Corpus Christi, TX. Paper 63501 on CD.
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Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs are divided into nitrogen fixation by forage legumes, development of new cultivars, and forage management. Efforts to improve nitrogen fixation have been greenhouse studies to identify more effective rhizobia strains for ball clover and field studies to evaluate different Bacillus species coated on alfalfa seed to enhance nitrogen fixation. Improved cultivars of crimson clover, sweetclover, ball clover, subterranean clover and hop clover are being developed. Seed increases of hop clover and subterranean clover selections were made. Growth rate and morphology of advanced sweetclover selections were compared to commercially available standard cultivars. Variety trials of annual clovers and sweetclover, were carried out to evaluate germplasm from in- and out-of-state plant breeders. Forage management studies were a comparison of preinoculated and coated crimson clover seed to uncoated seed, seeding ratios of crimson clover to annual ryegrass, nitrogen fertilization of switchgrass for a bioenergy crop, and evaluation of warm- and cool-season annual legumes as a nitrogen source for switchgrass. Research results have been reported at the American Society of Agronomy, American Forage and Grassland Council, Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Short Course, and numerous county and multi-county producer programs. Presentations on benefits of grassland, forage growth and development, pasture establishment and planting equipment, and forage grazing systems were made at the Pasture Management Workshop for producers. Results were also reported in journal articles, proceedings of meetings and in popular press articles. PARTICIPANTS: Gerald Evers, Forage Physiologies, Texas AgriLife Research Overton; Ray Smith and Lloyd Nelson, Plant Breeders, Texas AgriLife Research Overton; Carolyn Young, Twain Butler, and Ruchi Singh, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma; Jim Muir, Texas AgriLife Research Stephenville; Barry Lambert, Tarleton State University; Eda Reinot and Kurt Seeves, Becker Underwood -Ames, Iowa; Wink Alison, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Winnsboro, Louisiana; Jamie Foster, Texas AgriLife Research Beeville; Russell Jessup, Texas AgriLife Research College Station; Vanessa Corriher, Texas AgriLife Extension Overton TARGET AUDIENCES: Research findings are reported at regional, national, and international scientific meetings to keep other forage research and extension scientists updated. Presentations are made to producers in Texas and other states, at the annual Beef Cattle Short Course, county and multi-county meetings, and pasture tours. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: none
Impacts
A naturalized rhizobia strain that was isolated from a ball clover pasture in East Texas increased ball clover shoot and root weights three fold over the commercially available rhizobia strain at 2 months after planting. If the isolated strain continues to be superior, it will be made available to producers that will result in improved nitrogen fixation and growth of ball clover. Evaluation of Bacillus species on alfalfa for an international inoculant company identified several species that enhanced seedling growth and forage production from 10 to 20%. After 10 years of selection, seed increases, and field comparisons with standard cultivars, a new crimson clover cultivar that has a higher hard seed percentage and is about 2 weeks later maturing than available cultivars is being submitted to the Plant Review Committee for release. Seed was increased of a crimson clover selection for hard seed that maintained a darker green color during the growing season than other crimson clover plants. If the dark green trait is dominant, it could lead to a new crimson clover cultivar that could be utilized for landscaping as well as improved volunteer reseeding. Breeding and evaluation of a ball clover line originating from several plant introductions will be the first cultivar of ball clover selected for adaptation to the southeastern U.S. It has more uniform and morphology is about 2 weeks later maturing than common ball clover. The coating on preinoculated clover seed can account for 30 to 40% of the seed weight. Planted at the same recommended seeding rate, coated seed had a 25 to 33% lower seedling density. To obtain similar early forge production, these results indicate the coated seed rate should be increased about 30%. After evaluating crimson clover:annual ryegrass seeding ratios ranging from 1:4 to 5:4, a 1:2 ratio was optimum for forage production and a higher percentage of clover for nitrogen fixation. Ball clover germination studies suggest seeding should be delayed until late November under cooler temperatures instead of the recommended October clover planting date for thicker stands. Interseeding cool-season annual legumes in switchgrass has been more successful than interseeding warm-season annual legumes. Of the cool-season legumes, crimson clover has proven to be the most successful.
Publications
- Evers, G.W. and M.J. Parsons. 2010. Nitrogen partitioning in arrowleaf, crimson, rose, and subterranean clovers without and with defoliation. Crop Sci. 50:1562-1575.
- Evers, G.W. and M.J. Parsons. 2010. Temperature influence on seeded bermudagrass germination. The Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources 22:93-99. http://www.tarleton.edu/departments/txjanr/index.html
- Evers, G.W., V.A. Corriher and M.J. Parsons. 2010. Comparison of seeding rates and coating on seedling density, root length, root weight and shoot weight of crimson clover. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council [CD-ROM]. 21-23 June 2010, Springfield, MO.
- Evers, G.W., G.R. Smith, M.J. Parsons, R. Singh and C.A. Young. 2010. Searching for more efficient rhizobia strains for ball and rose clovers. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council [CD-ROM]. 21-23 June 2010, Springfield, MO.
- Evers, G.W. 2010. Texas herbage seed production in contrasting climates. Proc. 2010 International Herbage Seed Conferences [CD-ROM]. 11-13 April 2010, Dallas, TX.
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Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs are divided into nitrogen fixation by forage legumes, development of new cultivars, and forage management. Efforts to improve nitrogen fixation have been greenhouse studies to identify more effective rhizobia strains for ball clover and field studies to evaluate different Bacillus species coated on alfalfa seed to enhance nitrogen fixation. Improved cultivars of crimson clover, sweetclover, and ball clover are being developed. Seed increases of sweetclover and crimson clover selections were made. Growth rate and morphology of advanced sweetclover and ball clover selections were compared to commercially available standard cultivars. Variety trials of annual clovers, sweetclover, and red clover were carried out to evaluate germplasm from in- and out-of-state plant breeders. Forage management studies were comparison of preinoculated and coated crimson clover seed to uncoated seed, seeding ratios of crimson clover to annual ryegrass, nitrogen fertilization of switchgrass for a bioenergy crop, temperature requirements for optimum ball clover seed germination, and comparison of arrowleaf, ball, and crimson clovers for overseeding on bermudagrass and bahiagrass. Research results have been reported at the American Society of Agronomy, American Forage and Grassland Council, North American Alfalfa and Trifolium Conference, Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference, Texas A&M University Beef Cattle Short Course, Alabama Forage and Grassland Conference, Blackland Income Group, and numerous county and multi-county producer programs. A forage legume management workshop was presented at McNeese University in Lake Charles, Louisiana to Natural Resource Conservation Service employees and area producers. Presentations on benefits of grassland, forage growth and development, pasture establishment and planting equipment, and forage grazing systems were made at the Pasture and Management Workshop for producers. Results were also reported in journal articles, proceedings of meetings and in popular press articles. Joint publications on pasture management were published with the Forage Extension Specialist at this location. PARTICIPANTS: Gerald Evers, Forage Physiologies, Texas AgriLife Research Overton; Ray Smith and Lloyd Nelson, Plant Breeders, Texas AgriLife Research Overton; Carolyn Young, Twain Butler, and Ruchi Singh, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, Oklahoma; Jim Muir, Texas AgriLife Research Stephenville; Barry Lambert, Tarleton State University; Eda Reinot and Kurt Seeves, Becker Underwood Ames, Iowa; Wink Alison, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Winnsboro, Louisiana; Jamie Foster, Texas AgriLife Research Beeville; Russell Jessup, Texas AgriLife Research College Station; Vanessa Corriher, Texas AgriLife Extension Overton TARGET AUDIENCES: Research findings are reported at regional, national, and international scientific meetings to keep other forage research and extension scientists updated. Presentations are made to producers in Texas and other states, at the annual Beef Cattle Short Course, county and multi-county meetings, and pasture tours. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
A naturalized rhizobia strain that was isolated from a ball clover pasture in East Texas the previous year increased ball clover shoot and root weights three fold over the commercially available rhizobia strain at 2 months after planting. If the isolated strain continues to be superior after testing a second year it will be made available to producers that will result in improved nitrogen fixation and growth of ball clover. Evaluation of Bacillus species on alfalfa for an international inoculant company identified several species that enhanced seedling growth and forage production from 10 to 20%. The study will be repeated a second year to confirm this year's results. After 10 years of selection, seed increases, and field comparisons with standard cultivars, a new crimson clover cultivar that has a higher hard seed percentage and is about 2 weeks later maturing than available cultivars is being submitted to the Plant Review Committee for release. Seed increases were made of sweetclover selections with a multi-stem trait and low coumarin. The low coumarin concentration will prevent animal health problems and the multi-stem trait will result in higher forage quality and greater grazing tolerance than available sweetclover cultivars. Seed was collected from 5 plants in a seed increase of a crimson clover selection for hard seed that maintained a darker green color during the growing season than other crimson clover plants. If the dark green trait is dominant, it could lead to a new crimson clover cultivar that could be utilized for landscaping as well as improved volunteer reseeding. Growth and development comparisons between a winter hardy and common ball clovers showed they were equal. This will lead to release of a new cultivar that will have similar growth as common ball but with greater cold tolerance. The coating on preinoculated clover seed can account for 30 to 40% of the seed weight. Planted at the same recommended seeding rate, coated seed had a 25 to 33% lower seedling density. To obtain similar early forge production, these results indicate the coated seed rate should be increased about 30%. After evaluating crimson clover:annual ryegrass seeding ratios ranging from 1:4 to 5:4, a 1:2 ratio was optimum for forage production and a higher percentage of clover for nitrogen fixation. Arrowleaf, ball, and crimson clovers were slightly more productive when overseeded on Coastal bermudagrass than bahiagrass. Clover production increased from 20 to 30% when the grass sod was disked lightly before planting. Ball clover germination studies suggest seeding should be delayed until late November under cooler temperatures instead of the recommended October clover planting date for thicker stands. Under a 2 cut system, switchgrass responded to fertilizer increases up to 150 lb N/acre when grown as a bioenergy crop.
Publications
- Anderson, W.F., R.N. Gates, W.W. Hanna, A.R. Blount, P. Mislevy and G.W. Evers. 2009. Recurrent restricted phenotypic selection for improving stand establishment of bahiagrass. Crop Sci. 49:1322-1327.
- Evers, G.W., and M.J. Parsons. 2009. Temperature influence on seeded bermudagrass. Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources. (In press).
- Evers, G.W. 2009. Clover contributions to a warm-season perennial grass in the southeastern US. In Abstracts, 63rd Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference. [CD-ROM], Lexington, KY. 10-12 May 2009.
- Evers, G.W. 2009. Forage legumes: forge quality, fixed nitrogen, or both. In Abstracts, ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annu. Meet. [CD-ROM], 2009, Pittsburgh, PA. 1-4 Nov. 2009.
- Evers, G.W. 2009. Economic value of nitrogen fixation by white clover in a grazing system. In Abstracts, International congress on nitrogen fixation, [CD-ROM], 2009, Big Sky, MT. 14-19 June 2009.
- Evers, G.W. 2009. Bahiagrass: blessing or curse P. B15-B20. Proc. 45th Beef Cattle Short Course. College Station, TX. 3-5 Aug. 2009.
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Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field trials carried out were: 1. comparing seeded and vegetatively propagated bermudagrasses, 2. determining nitrogen contributions of clovers overseeded on bermudagrass and bahiagrass, 3. compared new selections of ball and crimson clovers with industry standards, 4. determined ball clover tolerance to 2,4-DB, 5. compare growth and development of three summer annual legumes, and 6 increased seed of selected sweetclover plants for expanded testing. Presentations on forage legumes were made at the annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course; symposium on dealing with high feed, fertilizer, and fuel cost; Texoma Pasture Conference in Ardmore, OK; and five multi-county programs. Organized and presented a 6 hr. symposium on forage legume varieties, establishment, management, and utilization in Louisiana for Natural Resource Conservation Service personnel and producers. Assisted in organizing and conducting two sessions of a pasture and grazing management school. Team member on teaching a graduate level forage physiolgy course at Texas A&M University. Coauthor on abstracts presented at the International grassland congress, American Forage and Grassland Council, American Society of Agronomy meeting, and the Southern Section of the American Society of Agronomy meetins. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators and Contacts: Plant breeders Ray Smith, Lloyd Nelson,Bill Anderson, and Charlie Rodgers. Plant physiologist Jim Muir, M.F.Rouquette, and D.P. Malinowski. Extension specialist V.A. Corriher, and L.A.Redman. All are in the Texas A&M System except Anderson who is USDA-ARS Tifton, GA and Rodgers who works for Ceries. T.J.Butler forage physiologist at Noble Foundation and C.A. Young microbiologist at Noble Foundation at Ardmore, OK. TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audience are organic and traditional farmers and ranchers. Also prodive information and assistance to county and state extension personnel and federial agencies such as Natural Resource Conservation Service. Presations at field days and tours at the county and multi-county level, Texas Beef Cattle Short Course, and annual pasture and management grazing schools. Research results are put on local web site and presented at producer and scientific meetings. Part of team that teaches graduate level forage physiology course at Texas A&M. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The focial point of the project is to demonstrate the benefits of incorporating forage legumes in pasture and farming systems and develop management practices to maximise legume growth and nitrogen fixation (transforming nitrogen gas from the air into compounds that can be used by plants). Forage legumes 1. extend the grazing season when overseeded on warm-season perennial grasses thereby reducing the winter feeding period; 2. fix from 75 to 200 lb of nitrogen/acre/year; 3. have higher nutritive vaue than grasses resulting in higher animal performance; 4 provide spring weed control; 5 provide food and habit for wildlife; and 6. have aesthetic value for pastures and roadsides because of showy flowers. Producers are using the information to make the shift away from commercial nitrogen fertilizer, which is manufactured from natural gas, to nitrogen from the atmosphere provided by legumes. Data from the project provide producers with information on identifing the best adapted species for their soils, planting methods that improve establishment and reduce the risk in getting a legume stand, management practices that enhance legume growth and nitrogen fixation, and how to manage livestock to maximise the benefits of growing legumes.
Publications
- Evers, G. W. and Yoana C. Newman. 2008. Arrowleaf, crimson, rose, and subterranean clover growth with and without defoliation in the southeastern USA. Agron. J. 100:221-230.
- Kiniry, J. R. and G. W. Evers. 2008. Radiation use efficiency of arrowleaf, crimson, rose, and subterranean clovers. Agron. J. 100:1155-1160.
- Evers, G.W. 2008. Are annual clovers ready for the nitrogen fertilizer crises? 20th North America Trifolium Conference. June 1-4, 2008. Dallas, Texas. www.naaic.org
- Evers, G.W. 2008. Arkansas forage legume program. March 3-4, 2008. Conway, Arkansas.
- Evers, G.W. 2008. Louisiana forage legume symposium. August 12, 2008. Delhi, Louisiana.
- Evers, G.W., W.F. Anderson, and D.J. Lang. 2008. Seeder bermudagrass evaluations across the southeastern USA. In 2008 Southern Section Agronomy Abstracts. www.agronomy.org. 3-5 February 2008. Dallas, TX.
- Evers, G.W. 2008. Forage systems to reduce the winter feeding period. Research Center Technical Report No. 2008-01, Overton Texas.
- Newman, Y.O., J. P. Muir, G. W. Evers, G.R. Smith, T.W. Neyland, and M. Gage. 2007. Overseeding cool-season annual ryegrass/legume mixtures on warm-season grasses. In 2007 Agronomy Abstracts. www.agronomy.org. 4-8 November 2007. New Orleans, LA.
- Evers, G. W., 2008. Economic benefits of overseeding warm-season perennial grasses with annual clovers. American Forage and Grassland Council. www.afgc.org. 26-31 January 2008. Louisville, KY.
- Muir, J.P., B.J. Lambert, T.J. Bulter, G.W. Evers, K.F. Bronson, L. Stanley-Stevens, and R.K. Wittie. 2008. Multiple-use grasslands: integrating forages, biofuel, and C/P sinks. Organizing Committee (eds.). p. 1032. Proc. Int. Grassland/Int. Rangeland Congress, Hohhot, China, 29 June-5 July. Ganghong People's Publishing House, Hohhot, China.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Field trials comparing new potential seeded bermudagrass lines with available seeded varieties and vegetatively propagated bermudagrass hybrids were continued for the second year. Tifton 85 was the most productive at 7 tons/acre. The seeded bermudagrass line SWI-810 was equal to Coastal and other vegetatively propagated varieties at 4 tons/acre. Overton crimson clover is a potential new variety that has a higher hard seed percentage than available varieties. A comparative growth study with Dixie crimson showed the Overton selection to be 10 days later maturing with greater root yield from late March to early May. Overton ball clover has been developed and is being evaluated as the first ball clover variety released in the U.S. Growth comparison studies with common ball clover showed the Overton selection is 2 weeks later maturing with twice the root system in April than common ball. In a cooperative effort to develop low-coumarin, fine-stem, annual white sweetclovers, the
outstanding line among 152 entries was selected for a seed increase next year and seed was increased of an early maturing selection. A field trial on establishing seeded bermudagrass indicated hulled vs unhulled seeded and coated vs uncoated seed was of minor importance. I was a cooperator on the release of TAMTBO annual ryegrass. I am an instructor for the annual pasture management and grazing school and presenter in the pasture session of the annual Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. Project results were presented at national, state, and area meetings to other forage scientists and extension specialists. Data to enhance forage and livestock production were presented at 10 county level meetings and field days and multi-county meetings at Waco, Brenham, and Nacogdoches and tours of field research at the Overton Center.
PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Ray Smith, legume breeder and Dr. Lloyd Nelson, annual ryegrass breeder are part of a joint effort to develop and release improved varieties of sweetclover, crimson clover, ball clover, and annual ryegrass. Seeded bermudagrass lines are being evaluated across the southeast US in a cooperative effort with Dr. David Lang at Mississippi State, MS and Dr. Bill Anderson, USDA-ARS at Tifton, GA. Dr. Jim Kiniry, USDA-ARS at Temple is utilizing project data to model environmental effects on annual clover growth. Clover response to plant nutrients is a cooperative effort with Dr. Vincent Haby. Companies supporting development of improved forage varieties are Seeds West, Inc., Turner Seed Co., Justin Seed Co., and Tropical Seeds (Division of Grupo Paplotia - Mexico).
TARGET AUDIENCES: Primary audience is forage researchers, forage extension specialists, and agricultural consultants such as County Agricultural Agents and Natural Resource Conservation Service employees. A secondary audience for some of the project results are forage and livestock producers.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: About 25% of the project will be devoted to using forage crops for bioenergy to compete for available grant funds.
Impacts
Bermudagrass field trials identified Tifton 85 bermudagrass as the most productive and best adapted variety for the Coastal Plain sandy soils in the southeast US. Forage production of SWI-810, a seeded germplasm was similar to vegetatively propagated varieties other than Tifton 85. Establishment costs of a seeded bermudagrass are about half that of a vegetatively propagated hybrid resulting in about $75/acre savings to livestock producers. The new Overton crimson variety has 60% hard seed vs available varieties with about 10% hard seed. The higher hard seed percentage will allow volunteer reseeding each autumn which will eliminate annual establishment costs of approximately $40/acre. The doubling of nitrogen fertilizer prices over the last 5 years due to increasing energy costs has increased producer interest in using forage legumes as an alternative nitrogen source for livestock and organic crop production. The updating of the forage legume management publication will
broaden producer knowledge in selecting the best adapted species, establishment and management practices, and maximize nitrogen fixation of atmospheric nitrogen.
Publications
- Kiniry, J. R., B. L. Burson, G. W. Evers, H. Sanchez, and C. Wade. 2007. Coastal bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and native range simulation at diverse sites in Texas: I. Derivation of plant parameters. Agron. J. 99:450-461.
- Nelson, L. R., J. Crowder, F. T. Turner, G. W. Evers, and F. M. Rouquette, Jr. 2007. Registration of TAMTBO annual ryegrass. J. of Plant Registrations. 1:127.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2007. Emergence and seedling weight of annual ryegrass when mixed with commercial fertilizer before planting. In: Abstracts of Technical Papers, 2007 Annual Meeting, S. Branch, ASA, 34th Mobile, AL. 4-6 Feb. 2007, Madison, WI. (www.agronomy.org)
- Evers, G. W., and G. R. Smith. 2007. New and future improved cool-season annual legumes from Texas. P. 116. 2007 American Forage and Grassland Council. 24-26 June 2007. State College, PA. Available at http://www.agronomy.org (posted 16 May 2007; verified 22 Dec. 2007).
- Smith, G. R., I. J. Pemberton, F. M. Rouquette, Jr., and G. W. Evers. 2007. Forage legumes for Texas and the Southern Region. In Proc. 61st Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference, Gainesville, FL. CD-ROM.
- Sheaffer, C. C., and G. W. Evers. 2007. Cool-season legumes for humid areas. p. 179-190. R. F. Barnes, C. J. Nelson, K. J. Moore, and M. Collins (ed.). Forages: The Science of Grassland Agriculture. Vol. 2. 6th Edition. Blackwell Publishing. Ames, IA.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Three potential seeded bermudagrass varieties developed from 146 half-sib families evaluated at Overton from 2002 to 2004 were planted this spring for comparison to other seeded bermudagrass blends and sterile hybrid bermudagrasses. Most seeded lines and blends are as productive as Coastal but not as productive as Tifton 85. In 2006 the three potential varieties established quicker than the other seeded entries but not as rapidly as the sprigged hybrids. New annual clover varieties are being developed in cooperation with Dr. Ray Smith, legume breeder at Overton. A crimson clover variety with a combination of high hard seed production and later maturity than other crimson varieties to match that of annual ryegrass has been selected. Only common ball clover is available to producers. A line has been selected that is two weeks later in maturity and more uniform than common ball. A breeding program to include fine-stem morphology, rust resistance, and low coumarin into
annual sweetclover was begun 6 years ago. Selections containing these traits but with varying maturities are in various stages of development from continued selection to seed increases. Field trials of all species for seed increases, comparison to standard varieties, and further selection were lost due to the 2006 drought. Persistence of tall fescue, a cool-season perennial, is dependent on entering dormancy in early summer until early fall. A growth chamber study was conducted to determine the influence of soil moisture and temperature on initiation of summer dormancy and survival of tall fescue germplasm ranging from summer active to obligatory summer dormancy. All tall fescue varieties continued to grow at the low temperature treatment of 15 C nights and 25 C days at 15, 45, and 90% soil moisture and did not enter summer dormancy. Plant growth increases as soil moisture increased. At the high temperature treatment of 25 C nights and 35 C days, Jesup (summer active) and AGRFA 125
(semi-dormant) died at 15% soil moisture. Flecha (highly summer dormant) when dormant at the 15% soil moisture level but resumed growth after the high temperature treatment. All varieties survived the high temperature treatment at the 45 and 90% soil moisture levels. Greenhouse inoculation trials were conducted to evaluate compounds to enhance nodulation and nitrogen fixation of forage legumes. Alfalfa seedlings with Nitrogen Gold inoculant always had higher values than Dormal and N-Hance inoculants for nodule number and mass and seedling shoot and root weights. Subtilex rate 2 with Dormal inoculant and subtilex rate 3 with N-Hance usually had higher values than the other subtilex rates. On red clover seedlings, Nitrogen Gold was superior to N-Hance and Dormal inoculants in terms of early nodulation and nodule mass. The Dormal treatments were generally lower than the N-Hance treatments and usually did not differ from the non-inoculated treatment except percent seedling with nodules.
For the most part, adding subtilex to Dormal or N-Hance had no influence on red clover nodulation and seedling weights.
Impacts
Forage variety development will result in more productive and better adapted varieties of seeded bermudagrass and annual clovers resulting in more economical forage production for livestock producers. Physiology studies will improve persistence of cool-season perennial grasses that will allow them to be grown in low rainfall areas where annual grasses are now grown.
Publications
- Leonard, A., V. A. Haby, G. W. Evers, and S. Feagley. 2006. Managing soil acidity to increase fixation of P applied as broiler litter. 2006 Agron. Abstracts. Nov. 12-16, 2006. Indianapolis, IN. www.asa-cssa-sssa.org/anmeet.
- Evers, G. W., and G. R. Smith. 2006. A new ball clover. 19th Trifolium Conf. July 16-19, 2006. St. Paul, Minnesota. www.naaic.org.
- Smith, G. R., I. J. Pemberton, F. M. Rouquette, Jr., and G. W. Evers. 2006. Progress in breeding forage legumes for disease resistance and adaptation to adverse environments in Texas and the US southern region. Proc. Australian New Zealand Plant Breeders Conf. Christchurch, NZ.
- Evers, G. W. 2006. Influence of season, nitrogen fertilizer, and maturity on yield, percent leaf, and percent protein of Gordo bluestem. Proc. Am. Forage and Grassland Council. March 11-13, 2006. San Antonio, Texas. CD-ROM.
- Parsons, M. J., and G. W. Evers. 2006. Influence of temperature on summer growth of tall fescue germplasm with varying levels of summer dormancy. Proc. Am. Forage and Grassland Council. March 11-13, 2006. San Antonio, Texas. CD-ROM.
- Vendramini, J., G. W. Evers, and L. Redmon. 2006. Annual winter pastures for East Texas. Soil and Crop Sciences 2006-05.
- Haby, V., G. Evers, S. Feagley, A. Leonard, M. Parsons, and D. Sanders. 2006. Response of Tifton 85 bermudagrass to soil pH and poultry litter in 2004. p. 7-8. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2006. Broiler litter as an alternative to commercial fertilizer. p. 57-58. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Smith, G. R., G. W. Evers, and W. R. Ocumpaugh. 2006. Improvement of rust resistance in sweetclover. p. 65-66. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Smith, G. R., and G. W. Evers. 2006. Improvement of annual sweetclover for Texas. p. 67-68. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W., G. R. Smith, and M. J. Parsons. 2006. Selection of a new ball clover variety. p. 71-72. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and W. R Ocumpaugh. 2006. Annual medic variety test at Overton 2004-2005. p. 73-74. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2006. Bahiagrass variety test, 2005. p. 79-80. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W. 2006. Seeded bermudagrasses and their establishment. p. 93-94. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2006. Influence of temperature on germination of hulled and unhulled bermudagrass seed. p. 95-96. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2006. Tall fescue persistence in East Texas. p. 97-98. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2006. Seedling development of alfalfa, sweetclover, and annual medic. p. 99-100. Research Center Technical Report No. 2006-01.
- Kiniry, J. R., B. L. Burson, G. W. Evers, H. Sanchez, and C. Wade. 2006. Coastal bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and native range simulation at diverse sites in Texas: I. Derivation of plant parameters. Agron. J. (Accepted).
- Evers, G. W., and G. R. Smith. 2006. Crimson clover seed production and volunteer reseeding at various grazing termination dates. Agron. J. 98:1410-1415.
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
Obtaining stands of seeded bermudagrass is difficult because there are no selective herbicides for controlling weeds. Gramoxone (plant desiccant without any residual effect) was applied at different times after planting common bermudagrass to control early emerging annual weeds and not harming the later emerging bermudagrass seedlings. Gramoxone applied 9 days after the first rainfall provided good weed control and the best bermudagrass stands. Studies on the influence of temperature on common bermudagrass seed were conducted to determine optimum planting temperatures. Bermudagrass seed germination increased as temperature increased up to day/night temperatures of 30/20C for hulled seed and 35/25C for unhulled seed. Hulled bermudagrass seed germinated more rapidly than unhulled seed. Understanding the climatic and plant physiological factors controlling summer dormancy in perennial temperate grasses is essential to expanding their use below the north latitude of 35
degrees. Growth chamber studies with tall fescue varieties under constant day length and adequate moisture indicate that temperature alone does not influence summer dormancy. A soil phosphorus index is used to determine the potential movement of phosphorus into near by surface water. A cooperative field trial with Dr. Vince Haby, soil scientist has shown that lowering the soil pH to 5.0 reduces the level of soluble phosphorus that can enter surface water without reducing the yield of Tifton 85 bermudagrass. A cooperative study with Lloyd Nelson, annual ryegrass breeder, was conducted to determine if annual ryegrass can be selected for early and late tillering. After three cycles of selection, there are 4 days difference between early and late tillering diploid ryegrass and 7 days difference between early and late tillering tetraploid ryegrass. Annual medics are dependable reseeding cool-season-annual legumes but have limited cold tolerance. In the first year of testing in northeast
Texas, annual medics suffered no cold damage and produce forage earlier than annual clovers. In a cooperative effort with Dr. Ray Smith, legume breeder, improved varieties of crimson clover (high hard seed), ball clover, and annual sweetclover (low coumarin, multi-stem) are being developed. Seed increases in Oregon and Central Texas of the three potential varieties will allow more extensive testing this year.
Impacts
Forage physiology studies will lead to improved establishment and management practices and persistence of cool-season perennial grasses. Development of improved legume varieties will help reduce the livestock producer's dependence on rising nitrogen fertilizer prices.
Publications
- Evers, G. W. 2005. A guide to overseeding warm-season perennial grasses with cool-season annuals. [Online]. Forage and Grazinglands. Available at www.plantmanagementnetwork.org/pub/fg/management (posted July 2005: verified September 22, 2005).
- Read, J. C., J. A. Reinert, G. W. Evers, W. R. Ocumpaugh, M. A. Sanderson, and A. A. Hopkins. 2005. Registration of 'Tejas 1' Texas bluegrass. Crop Sci. 45:2124-2125.
- Evers, G. W. 2005. Potential of seeded bermudagrasses. [CD-ROM computer file] Proc. of 58th and 59th Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conference.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2005. Bermudagrass seed germination at various temperatures. In 2005 Agron. Abstracts. Nov. 6-10, 2005. Salt Lake City, UT. www.asa.cssa.sssa.org/anmeet.
- Evers, G. W. 2005. Reducing soil phosphorus buildup from animal manure application. In Proc. State of the Science:Animal Manure and Waste Management. Jan. 5-7, 2005. San Antonio, Texas. www.cals.ncsu.edu/wastemgt/nat/center/sanantonio/proceeding.html.
- Smith, G. R. and G. W. Evers. 2005. Low coumarin annual sweetclover. p. 83. In Proc. XX International Grassland Congress: Offered papers. June 26 - July 1, 2005. Dublin, Ireland.
- Nelson, L. R., G. W. Evers, and M. J. Parsons. 2005. Selection for tillering in Lolium multiflorum L. in Texas USA. p. 129. In Proc. XX International Grassland Congress: Offered papers. June 26 - July 1, 2005. Dublin, Ireland.
- Redmon, L. A., G. M. Clary, J. J. Cleere, G. W. Evers, V. A. Haby, C. R. Long, L. R. Nelson, F. M. Rouquette, Jr., and G. R. Smith. 2005. Land stewardship for the 21st century: pasture and livestock management workshop for novices. p. 796. In Proc. XX International Grassland Congress: Offered papers. June 26 - July 1, 2005. Dublin, Ireland.
- Evers, G. W. 2005. Reducing soil phosphorus buildup from animal manure application. p. 722. In Proc. XX International Grassland Congress: Offered papers. June 26 - July 1, 2005. Dublin, Ireland.
- Redmon, L. A., J. J. Cleere, and G. W. Evers. 2005. Using stockpiled bermudagrass and ryegrass to reduce beef cattle winter feeding costs. In 2005 Agron. Abstracts. Nov. 6 - 10, 2005. Salt Lake City, UT. www.asa.cssa.sssa.org/anmeet.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
In a cooperative effort between the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Seeds West Inc., 165 seeded bermudagrass half-sib families were evaluated to identify germplasm that is as productive as hybrid bermudagrasses that must be established vegetatively. After 3 years, there were 24 seeded bermudagrass lines that were as productive (11,504 to 13,402 lb DM/acre) as Tifton 85 (12,135 lb DM/acre), the hybrid bermudagrass standard. Dr. Charlie Rodgers, plant breeder with Seeds West, will use this elite germplasm in crossing blocks in 2005 to produce seed for potential new seeded bermudagrass varieties. In a cooperative effort with Dr. Ray Smith, legume breeder at Overton, new varieties of crimson clover and annual white sweetclover are being developed. The new crimson variety is 2 weeks later maturing and has a higher percentage hard seed than other varieties that will improve reseeding. Seed has been sent to Louisiana and Oklahoma for testing and to Oregon for a
seed increase. The new annual sweetclover has lower coumarin content and a multi-stem morphology that will overcome animal health problems and improve digestibility. Rows of 146 selections were compared to Hubam at Thrall. Several lines were selected in cooperation with Turner and Justin Seed Companies for increase. The core collection of sweetclover was planted at Beeville to look for rust resistance. Rust resistance was observed in one line and will be used to add rust resistance to new annual white sweetclover varieties. A ball clover selection that is 2 weeks later maturing than common ball clover has been evaluated the last several years. Seed was sent to Louisiana and Oklahoma for testing and to Oregon for a seed increase. A cooperative study with Lloyd Nelson, annual ryegrass breeder at Overton, was conducted to determine if annual ryegrass can be selected for early tillering. After 3 years of selection, the first tiller emerges 14 to 16 days after planting in the early
tillering selection vs. 18 to 19 days in the late tillering selection in the diploid material. In the tetraploid material, the first tiller appears 14 to 16 days after planting in the early selection vs. 20 to 25 days for the late selection. Broiler litter rates of 1, 2, and 4 tons/acre were compared with 300lb/acre of 17-17-17, which is the current fertilizer practice, for establishing bermudagrass for mine land reclamation. Bermudagrass establishment was more rapid with 2 and 4 tons of broiler litter/acre than commercial fertilizer.
Impacts
Nitrogen fertilizer prices continue to increase because natural gas prices have increased. Ninety percent of the cost to produce a ton of anhydrous ammonia (82%) fertilizer is for natural gas. Research with alternative nitrogen sources such as legumes and animal manure will lower livestock producer input costs and conserve natural gas supplies for other needs.
Publications
- Smith, G. R., G. W. Evers, and I. J. Pemberton. 2004. New sweetclovers for Texas. p. 35-36. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Smith, G. R., G. W. Evers, and I. J. Pemberton. 2003. Breeding annual sweetclover for Texas. In: 2003 Agronomy Abstracts. November 2-6, 2003. Denver, CO.
- Evers, G. W. 2004. Using clovers to reduce soil phosphorus buildup when applying animal manure to pastures. In: 2003 Agronomy Abstracts. November 2-6, 2003. Denver, CO.
- Evers, G. W. 2004. Influence of nitrogen fertilizer on a Persian clover ryegrass mixture. In: 2004 Abstracts, 2004 Annual Meeting, South Branch ASA. June 27-29, 2004. Biloxi, MS. ASA, Madison WI.
- Evers, G. W., and B. L. Burson. 2004. Dallisgrass and other Paspalum species. p. 681-713. In: L. E. Moser, B. L. Burson, and L. E. Sollenberger (ed.). Warm-season (C4) grasses. Agron. No. 45. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
- Evers, G. W., N. B. Melson, M. J. Parsons, and T. J. Butler. 2004. Herbicide evaluations on establishment of Tifton 85 bermudagrass. p. 55-56. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Evers, G. W., N. B. Melson, M. J. Parsons, and D. M. Vietor. 2004. Nitrogen fertilizer rate and application time on growth of annual ryegrass. p. 7-8. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Evers, G. W., N. B. Melson, M. J. Parsons, and D. M. Vietor. 2004. Leaf, shoot, and root fractions of annual ryegrass influenced by nitrogen rate and season. p. 9-10. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Evers, G. W., N. B. Melson, M. J. Parsons, and D. M. Vietor. 2004. Nitrogen uptake and distribution in annual ryegrass. p. 11-12. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, N. B. Melson, and C. A. Rodgers. 2004. Selection of a seeded bermudagrass. p. 53-54. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and C. A. Rodgers. 2004. Developing a seeded bermudagrass comparable to Tifton 85. p. 290-294. In: Proc. 2004 American Forage and Grassland Council Meeting. June 13-15, 2004. Roanoke, VA.
- Evers, G. W., L. A. Redmon, and T. L. Provin. 2004. Comparison of bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and kikuyugrass as a standing hay crop. Crop Sci. 44:1370-1378.
- Evers, G. W., and G. R. Smith. 2004. Influence of latitude on flowering of sweetclover in Texas. Fifth International Herbage Seed Conf., November 23-26, 2003. Gatton, Australia. CD-ROM.
- Evers, G. W., and G. R. Smith. 2004. Comparing fine-stem sweetclover maturities in Texas. 2004 North American Trifolium Conf., July 18-21, 2004. Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
- Evers, G. W., G. R. Smith, M. J. Parsons, and N. B. Melson. 2004. Flowering of Emerald sweetclover in Texas. p. 37-38. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Melson, N. B., G. W. Evers, M. J. Parsons, and D. M. Vietor. 2004. Partitioning of nitrogen within annual ryegrass plants as influenced by nitrogen rate and season of application. p. 337. In: Proc. 2004 American Forage and Grassland Council Meeting. June 13-15, 2004. Roanoke, VA.
- Redmon, L. A., G. M. Clary, J. J. Cleere, G. W. Evers, V. A. Haby, C. R. Long, L. R. Nelson, R. D. Randel, F. M. Rouquette, Jr., and G. R. Smith. 2004. Pasture & livestock management workshop for novices. p. 113-114. Research Center Technical Report No. 2004-01.
- Redmon, Larry A., Greg M. Clary, Jason J. Cleere, Gerald W. Evers, Vincent A. Haby, Charles R. Long, Lloyd R. Nelson, Ron D. Randel, Monte Rouquette, Jr., Gerald R. Smith, and Todd L. Thrift. 2004. Pasture and Livestock Management Workshop for Novices: A new curriculum for a new clientele. J. Nat. Resour. Life Sci. Educ. 33:7-10.
- Redmon, L. A., and G. W. Evers. 2004. Comparison of seeded bermudagrasses. In: 2004 Abstracts, 2004 Annual Meeting, South Branch ASA. June 27-29, 2004. Biloxi, MS. ASA, Madison, WI.
- Rymph, S. J., K. J. Boote, P. Mislevy, G. W. Evers, and A. Irmak. 2003. Modification of CROPGRO to simulate growth and composition of perennial tropical grasses. In: 2003 Agronomy Abstracts. November 2-6, 2003. Denver, CO.
- Rymph, S. J., K. J. Boote, A. Irmak, P. Mislevy, and G. W. Evers. 2004. Adapting the CROPGRO model to predict growth and composition of tropical grasses: Developing physiological parameters. Soil Crop Sci. Soc. Florida Proc. Vol. 63 (in press).
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
In a cooperative effort between the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and Seeds West, 165 seeded bermudagrass lines are being evaluated to identify seeded bermudagrasses that are as productive as hybrid bermudagrasses that must be established vegetatively. In the second year of the 3 year study, there were 26 seeded bermudagrass lines that were as productive (12,800 to 15,600 lb DM/acre) as Tifton 85 (13,800 lb DM/acre), the hybrid bermudagrass standard. In a cooperative effort with Dr. Ray Smith, legume breeder at Overton, new varieties of crimson clover and annual white sweetclover are being developed. The new crimson variety is 2 weeks later maturing and has a higher percent hard seed than other varieties on the market. The higher hard seed level will improve natural reseeding and save annual reseeding costs for the producer. Seed has been sent to Alabama and Florida for testing and to Oregon for a seed increase. At one time, sweetclover was the main forage
legume for the central United States because of its excellent drought tolerance. Limitations were a high coumarin content that has led to animal health problems and a thick main stem that reduced digestibility and led to longer drying times when cut for hay. Crosses between a low coumarin biennial type and a multi-stem annual type have been made. Four maturities of the multi-stem type were evaluated at three locations at different latitudes in Texas. Maturity 7 (reaching 80% flower in April) was determined to be the best maturity for grazing and hay production. A ball clover selection has been made that is 2 weeks later maturing than common ball clover. A seed increase block has been planted and seed sent to Alabama and Florida for testing. A study in cooperation with Lloyd Nelson, annual ryegrass breeder at Overton, was initiated to determine if annual ryegrass can be selected for early tillering. Seed have been collected from early and late tillering diploid and tetraploid annual
ryegrasses. Nitrogen is the most limiting and expensive plant nutrient. A study looking at nitrogen rate and time of application on annual ryegrass development and growth was conducted to determine the most efficient nitrogen use. Tiller density responded up to 100 lb in autumn and winter and 50 lb in spring. Leaf weight, stem weight, and yield responded up to 100 lb in autumn, no response in winter, and up to 50 lb in spring. Root weight was the least responsive plant trait to nitrogen fertilizer showing a response to only 50 lb in autumn. Maximum yield occurred when 100 lb was applied in autumn and 50 lb in spring.
Impacts
Nitrogen fertilizer prices continue to increase as natural gas prices increase. Legumes do not require nitrogen fertilizer since they can remove nitrogen from the air. New improved forage legumes can eliminate or reduce the livestock producers dependence on nitrogen fertilizer. Determining the most efficient and cost effective use of nitrogen by grasses will benefit livestock producers.
Publications
- Evers, G. W. and Parsons, M. J. 2003. Soil type and moisture level influence on Alamo switchgrass emergence and seedling growth. Crop Sci. 43:288-294.
- Evers, G. W. 2003. Emergence and seedling growth of seven cool-season annual clovers as influenced by soil pH. J. Sustainable Agriculture. (in press).
- Evers, G. W. and Burson, B. L. 2003. Dallisgrass. In: L. Moser, L. Sollenburger, and B. L. Burson (ed.). Warm-season grasses. Agron. Monogr. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA. Madison, WI.
- Butler, T. J. and Evers, G. W. 2003. Effect of various herbicides on newly established bermudagrass. Forage Research in Texas 2003. CPR-5267. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu.
- Evers, G. W. 2003. Legume nitrogen fixation and transfer. p. 95-99. In: 2003 Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council. 26-30 April 2003. Lafayette, LA.
- Smith, G. R., Evers, G. W., and Pemberton, I. J. 2002. Breeding annual sweetclover for Texas. Agron. Abstracts [CD-ROM C06-smith807492]. ASA. Madison, WI.
- Redmon, L. A., Evers, G. W., Provin, T. L., and Parsons, M. J. 2003. Dry matter accumulation and nutritive value of bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and kikuyugrass following first frost. p. 6. Southern Branch American Society of Agronomy. Mobile, AL. 2-4 Feb. 2003. ASA. Madison, WI.
- Melson, N. B., Evers, G. W., and Parsons, M. J. 2003. Annual ryegrass development as influenced by nitrogen rate and season of application. p. 232. In: Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council. 27-29 April 2003. Lafayette, LA.
- Evers, G. W. and Smith, G. R. 2003. Influence of latitude on flowering of sweetclover in Texas. p. 74-78. In: Proc. Fifth International Herbage Seed Conf. 23-26 Nov. 2003. Gatton, Australia.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
One hundred and sixty-five bermudagrass lines were planted in spring to identify a seeded bermudagrass that is as productive as the hybrid bermudagrasses that must be established vegetatively because of infertile seed. Annual yields ranged from 3,900 to 10,280 lb/acre compared to 8,880 lb/acre for Tifton 85, the hybrid bermudagrass standard. Visual ratings of seed head production ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 with 0 being none and 5 being high seed head production. Brown leaf spot ratings ranged from 0.5 to 5.0 with 0 being no disease and 5 resulting in death of topgrowth. The study will continue for two more years to identify 5 to 10 elite lines for more extensive evaluation. In a cooperative effort with the legume breeder the following new cool-season annual legume varieties are being developed: a crimson clover that is later maturing with a high hard seed percentage; a sweetclover with a multi-fine stem crown and low coumarin level; a ball clover that is later maturing;
and a Persian clover with improved cold tolerance for the southeastern USA. Weaned fallow fawns were stocked on annual ryegrass at 12, 16, 20, and 24 head/acre. Average daily gain and gain/head decreased as stocking rate increased and ranged from 0.28 to 0.42 lb/head/day and from 31 to 48 lb/head, respectively. Gain/acre increased with stocking rate and ranged from 509 to 751 lb/acre. Weaned fallow fawns should be stocked at 12 head/acre in order to reach slaughter weight at a year of age. Fawns to be kept for breeding purposes could be stocked at 20 head/acre. Nitrogen utilization and its effect on plant growth and development of annual ryegrass was studied by applying 0, 50, 100, and 150 lb N/acre in autumn, winter, and spring. Maximum yield occurred at 50 lb N in autumn, 100 lb N in winter, and 50 lb N in spring. The only root weight response to N was at 50 lb N in autumn. Applying adequate N in autumn was more critical than in winter and spring.
Impacts
Development of improved forage varieties and management will increase livestock performance and/or decrease input costs that will lead to more profitable pasture systems. Grazing studies with non-native deer are providing basic information for venison production on forages adapted to the southeastern USA.
Publications
- Redmon, L. A., G. W. Evers, T. Provin, and M. J. Parsons. 2002. Nutritive value of fall- and winter-sampled standing bermudagrass and bahiagrass. In: Abstracts of Technical Papers. 2001 Annual Meeting, Southern Branch, ASA, Orlando, FL. Feb. 3-5, 2002. ASA, Madison, WI.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2002. Influence of temperature on switchgrass types. p. 147-151. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, July 14-17, 2002. Bloomington, MN.
- Evers, G. W. 2002. Environmental benefits of cool-season legumes. p. 8. Proc. Seventeenth Trifolium Conf. Apr. 10-12, 2002. Overton, TX.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and T. J. Butler. 2002. Phosphorus and potassium uptake when combining N fertilizer with broiler litter. p. 15-16. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and T. J. Butler. 2002. Reducing soil phosphorus buildup by combining nitrogen fertilizer with broiler litter. p. 17-18. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and T. J. Butler. 2002. Clover-bermudagrass production when fertilized with broiler litter and commercial nitrogen fertilizer. 19-20. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and T. J. Butler. 2002. Phosphorus and potassium uptake by crimson clover - bermudagrass fertilized with broiler litter and N fertilizer. p. 21-22. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., G. R. Smith, and T. G. Pritchett. 2002. Improved sweetclover varieties for central Texas. p. 27-28. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Smith, G. R., and G. W. Evers. 2002. Low coumarin sweetclover for Texas. p. 29-30. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Butler, T. J., and G. W. Evers. 2002. Growth and development of crimson clover. p. 18. Proc. Seventeenth Trifolium Conf. Apr. 10-12, 2002. Overton, TX.
- Niemeyer, T. P. 2002. Effects of APBPM on chick performance and effects of applying alkaline effluent as a soil amendment. M.S., Poultry Science, Texas A&M University.
- Evers, Gerald W., and Margaret J. Parsons. 2002. Comparison of seeded and vegetatively planted bermudagrasses. p. 41-42. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Redmon, L. A., G. W. Evers, M. J. Parsons, and T. L. Provin. 2002. Using stockpiled warm-season perennial grasses for fall and winter grazing in East Texas. p. 43-44. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, Gerald W., and Margaret J. Parsons. 2002. Soil type and moisture level influence on Alamo switchgrass emergence and seedling growth. p. 45-46. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2002. Influence of temperature on switchgrass emergence. p. 47-48. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., D. A. Neuendorff, M. J. Parsons, T. J. Butler, and R. D. Randel. 2002. Supplementation of bred does and does nursing fawns. p. 103-104. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., T. J. Butler, M. J. Parsons, D. A. Neuendorff, and R. D. Randel. 2002. Preference of summer annual forages by red deer. p. 111-112. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and T. J. Butler. 2002. Elk cow preference for annual summer forages. p. 113-114. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, and K. C. Candler. 2002. Comparison of cowpea, lablab, and hay type soybean growth and defoliation by deer. p. 115-116. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., M. J. Parsons, D. A. Neuendorff, T. J. Butler, and R. D. Randel. 2002. Effect of stocking rate on red deer fawns grazing annual ryegrass. p. 117-118. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, G. W., and M. J. Parsons. 2002. Influence of temperature on switchgrass types. p. 147-151. In: Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council. July 14-17, 2002. Bloomington, MN.
- Evers, G. W., T. J. Butler, and M. J. Parsons. 2002. Forage legume preference by non-native deer and elk. p. 21. Proc. Seventeenth Trifolium Conf. Apr. 10-12, 2002. Overton, TX.
- Evers, G. W. 2002. Ryegrass-bermudagrass production and nutrient uptake when combining nitrogen fertilizer with broiler littler. Agron. J. 94:905-910.
- Melson, N. B., G. W. Evers, and M. J. Parsons. 2002. Influence of nitrogen fertilization on fall and winter growth of annual ryegrass. p. 3-4. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
- Evers, Gerald W., Twain J. Butler, and Margaret J. Parsons. 2002. Yield response of annual ryegrass-Coastal bermudagrass to broiler litter plus N fertilizer. p. 13-14. TAMU-Overton Forage-Livestock Field Day Report. Research Center Technical Report No. 2002-1.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
Bermudagrasses established from seed have been compared to Coastal and Tifton 85 cultivars that are established from sprigs for yield and persistence for 5 years. In the fifth year, Tifton 85 continues to be the most productive entry with 8 tons/acre. Cheyenne was the most productive seeded variety with 6.5 ton/acre. Seven of the nine seeded varieties produced yields similar to Coastal bermudagrass. The fall growth was sampled monthly from October through February to access its value for meeting the nutritional requirements of a mature non-lactating beef cow. Initial crude protein in October was 13% and decreased to about 10% in February and acid detergent fiber was initially 30% and increased to 36% by February. These data support the proposal that the fall growth should be left in the field and grazed as a standing hay crop after frost instead of harvesting it as hay. Influence of soil type and moisture level on switchgrass establishment was investigated in the
greenhouse. Switchgrass seedlings planted in four soil types were watered every 3, 7, 10, 14 days. Switchgrass emergence rate and seedling growth were greater in sandier soils than clay soils if watered at least every 7 days. When water was applied every 14 days under summer temperatures, seedlings only survived in the clay soil which had the highest water holding capacity. Tibbee and AU Robin crimson clovers were sampled every two weeks during the growing season to obtain basic information on growth and development. During late fall and winter, plant height did not change but root length and leaves per plant increased. Beginning in late February, about 90 days after planting, there was an exponential increase in leaf number, and shoot height and weight. Primary branching began in late February and secondary branching in mid-March. Improved cultivars of three cool-season clover species are being developed. A crimson clover with later maturity matching annual ryegrass and a hard seed
percentage of greater than 60% is being developed for dependable reseeding that will eliminate the need for annual planting. An annual sweetclover is being developed that is fine-stemmed for improved forage quality and low in coumarin to avoid animal health problems. Seed availability is severely limiting the use of common ball clover. A ball clover cultivar is being developed from five lines selected from 78 plant introductions and crosses.
Impacts
Studies in this project will provide information to develop livestock pasture-systems that are productive, profitable, and environmentally sound. The deer studies are providing basic information on forages adapted to the southeast for farming non-native deer for venison production.
Publications
- Niemeyer, T. P., Burgess, R. P., Chavez, C., Russo, R. A., Carey, J. B., Parsons, M. J., and Evers, G. W. 2001. A low input method for preservation of on farm mortalities. Poultry Science Society of America. Atlanta, Georgia.
- Evers, G. W. 2000. Principles of forage legume management. Research Center Technical Report No. 2000-02. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G. W. 2001. Interaction of soil type and moisture level on switchgrass establishment. p. 0. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Charlotte, NC.
- Smith, G. R. and Evers, G. W. 2001. Development of low coumarin annual sweetclover. p. 0. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Charlotte, NC.
- Butler, T. J., Hussey, M. A., and Evers, G. W. 2001. Flowering in crimson clover as affected by planting date. p. 3. Southern Section Am. Soc. Agron. No. 28. 27-31 Jan. 2001. Ft. Worth, TX.
- Evers, G. W. 2001. Herbicide comparison for desiccation of dallisgrass-bermudagrass for overseeding ryegrass and smutgrass control. p. 5. Southern Section Am. Soc. Agron. No. 28. 27-31 Jan. 2001. Ft. Worth, TX.
- Redmon, L., Evers, G., Parsons, P., and Provin, T. 2001. Potential for winter grazing of stockpiled warm-season grasses in East Texas. p. 5. Southern Section Am. Soc. Agron. No. 28. 27-31 Jan. 2001. Ft. Worth, TX.
- Evers, G. W., Butler, T. J., Neuendorff, D. A., and Randel, R. D. 2001. Preference of summer annual forages by red deer. No. 116, p. 32. Am. Soc. Anim. Sci. Southern Section. 27-31 Jan. 2001. Ft. Worth, TX.
- Butler, T. J., Evers, G. W., Hussey, M. A., and Ringer, L. R. 2002. Rate of leaf appearance in crimson clover. Crop Sci. 42:(Jan-Feb issue).
- Evers, G. W. 2002. Herbicides for desiccation dallisgrass-bermudagrass pasture sod prior to overseeding with annual ryegrass. Weed Technology (In Press).
- Evers, G. W., and Smith, G. R. 2001. Selecting crimson clover for hard seed and late maturity. p. 557. Proc. XIX Inter. Grassland Cong. 11-21 February 2001. Sao Pedro, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
- Butler, T. J., Evers, G. W., Hussey, M. A., and Ringer, L. R. 2002. Flowering in crimson clover as affected by planting date. Crop Sci. 42:(Jan-Feb issue).
- Evers, G. W., Parsons, M. J., and Butler, T. J. 2001. Production of seeded and vegetatively planted bermudagrasses. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council. 22-25 April 2001.
- Evers, G. W. 2001. Enhancing phosphorus uptake by pastures fertilized with broiler litter. (In Press). Proc. International Symposium Addressing Animal Production and Environmental Issues. 3-5 Oct. 2001. Research Triange Park, NC.
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Bermudagrasses established from seed have been compared to cultivars established from sprigs for yield and persistence over four years. The average annual yield of Tifton 85, a vegetatively propagated variety, is 30% greater than the seeded varieties. Seeded bermudagrass varieties should only be planted on areas not suited for land preparation (cut over timberland, soil subject to erosion). Crimson clover is the main cool-season annual clover grown in the southeastern US but requires planting each autumn. A new cultivar is being developed for high hard seed percentage that will provide natural reseeding and eliminate annual seeding costs. The nine lines comprising the new variety have over 60% hard seed and are being evaluated in Oregon for seed production at this time. The relationship of growing degree days (temperature) and daylength on leaf appearance and flowering of early and late maturing crimson clovers has been investigated for three years. Flowering is
primarily controlled by daylength (about 12 hr) and to a lesser degree, by temperature. When late maturing Columbus crimson clover was planted after January 1, it failed to flower because of insufficient cold requirement. Rate of leaf appearance of both early and late maturing varieties was positively related to growing degree days using a quadratic model with R values ranging from 0.90 to 0.99. Farming non-native deer to produce venison, velvet antler, and breeding stock is an expanding agricultural enterprise in the US and especially Texas. Research at the deer farming unit at the Overton Center has identified cool- and warm-season annual forage preferred by deer. Of the warm-season forages, large-seeded legumes such as soybeans and cowpeas were defoliated first. The forage sorghums containing the BMR (brown mid-rib) character millet were not eaten. All cool-season annual grasses and legumes were defoliated in autumn and winter, but legumes were preferred in the spring.
Impacts
Studies in this project will provide information to develop livestock-pasture systems that are productive, profitable, and environmentally sound. The deer studies are providing basic information on forages adapted to the southeast for farming non-native deer for venison production.
Publications
- Evers, G. W., and Davidson, A. D. 2000. Effect of amisorb on nutrient uptake of Coastal bermudagrass. p. 59-60. In Research Center Technical Report 00-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G. W. 2000. Optimum soil pH for clover establishment. p. 73-74. In Research Center Technical Report 00-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G. W. 1999. Preference of summer annual forages by non-native deer. p. 147. In 1999 Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, 1999. Salt Lake City, UT.
- Nelson, L. R., and Evers, G. W. 1999. Influence of grazing termination date on annual ryegrass seed production and volunteer reseeding. p. 142. In 1999 Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, 1999. Salt Lake City, UT.
- Butler, T. J., Hussey, M. A., and Evers, G. W. 1999. Influence of planting date on rate of leaf appearance in crimson clover. p. 92. In 1999 Agronomy Abstract. ASA, Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, 1999. Salt Lake City, UT.
- Evers, G. W., and Nelson, L. R. 2000. Grazing termination date influence on annual ryegrass reseeding in the southeastern US. Crop Sci. 40(In Press).
- Evers, G. W. 2000. Traits and adaptability of annual clovers. p. 5-11. Proc. First National Clover Symposium. 6 August 2000, Jackson, MS.
- Evers, G.W., Neuendorff, D. A., Parsons, M. J., Butler, T. J., and Randel, R. D. 2000. Supplementation of bred does and does nursing fawns. Proc. 2000 Ann. Conf. North American Deer Farmers Assoc. 1-4 March 2000, Oklahoma City, OK.
- Randel, R. D., and Evers, G. W. 2000. Nutrition of farmed deer. p. 61-62. Proc. 2000 Ann. Conf. North American Deer Farmers Assoc. 1-4 March 2000, Oklahoma City, OK.
- Evers, G. W., and Butler, T. J. 2000. Influence of planting date on the growing season of the crimson clover varieties. p. 7. In Proc. Sixteenth Trifolium Conf., 20-22 June 2000. Pipestem, WV.
- Evers, G. W., and Butler, T. J. 2000. Switchgrass establishment on Coastal Plain Soil. p. 150-154. Proc. Am. Forage and Grassland Council 2000. 16-19 July 2000. Madison, WI.
- Evers, G. W., and Butler, T. J. 2000. Influence of planting date on the growing season of three crimson clover varieties. p. 33-34. In Research Center Technical Report 00-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G. W., Gabrysch, J. L., and Moran, J. M. 2000. Comparison of arrowleaf, crimson, rose, and subterranean clover accumulated growth in East Texas. p. 35-36. In Research Center Technical Report 00-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G. W., Parsons, M. J., and T. J. Butler. 2000. Seeded vs vegetatively planted bermudagrass. p. 43-44. In Research Center Technical Report 00-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G. W., Butler, T. J., and Parsons, M. J. 2000. Switchgrass establishment for pasture. p. 45-46. In Research Center Technical Report 00-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
In the third year of a trial comparing sprigged and seeded bermudagrass varieties, Tifton 85 was the most productive at 14,500 kg ha-1 dry matter. Texas Tough, a mixture of giant and common bermudagrass, was the highest yielding seeded entry. Establishment methods and management practices were evaluated to enhance switchgrass establishment. Seedling densities ranged from 0 to 39 m-2. Spring planting in a prepared seedbed resulted in higher seedling densities than autumn planting in a prepared seedbed or sodseeding in the spring. Drilling the seed always produced better stands than broadcasting. Rolling or packing before or after planting improved switchgrass stands. Seed was increased on ten crimson clover lines selected for hard seed and later maturity than varieties presently available. At this time they are being evaluated for seed production. Sixty-nine ball clover lines and plant introductions were evaluated for flower date and plant height. Five lines were
selected to produce a composite. Cafeteria style grazing studies with summer annual forages were carried out with red deer and elk. Red deer preferred soybeans followed by lablab, cowpea, brown midrib forage sorghum, and forage sorghum. Pearl millet and browntop millet were not grazed. Elk were not as selective as red deer. Soybeans, lablab, cowpea, brown midrib and regular forage sorghum were grazed first, then alyceclover, aeschenomene, phaseybean, and crabgrass. About 75% of the pearl millet and browntop millet was eaten by elk. Two groups of bred fallow does and red deer hinds were placed on Coastal bermudagrass pastures at 12 and 4.5 head/acre, respectively. One group of each species was fed with a 1 to 3 soybean meal:cracked corn supplement at 1% body weight per day. The supplemented red deer hinds only weaned a 56% fawn crop because of abortion, fawns born dead, or died shortly after birth. Supplementation did not affect fawn survival of fallow does. Feeding supplement did
prevent a decrease in body condition during the summer and slightly increased average daily gain of the fawns.
Impacts
Studies in this project will provide information to develop livestock-pasture systems that are productive, profitable, and environmentally sound. The deer studies are providing basic information on forages adapted to the southeast for farming non-native deer for venison production.
Publications
- Evers, G.W. 1999. Introduction to deer farming. pp. 1-3. In: Non-native deer farming symposium. 1999 Research Center Technical Report No. 99-1. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.
- Evers, G.W. 1999. Growing forages for deer. pp. 23-31. In: Non-native deer farming symposium. 1999 Research Center Technical Report No. 99-1. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.
- Evers, G.W. 1999. Seedling growth comparison of arrowleaf, crimson, rose, and subterranean clovers. Crop Sci. 39:433-440.
- Evers, G.W. 1999. Influence of AmiSorb on Coastal bermudagrass growth and nutrient uptake. J. Prod. Agric. 12:(In Press).
- Evers, G.W. 1999. Seed production of crimson clover in northeast Texas. pp. 18-22. Proc. Fourth International Herbage Seed Conf., 23-27 May, University of Perugia, Italy.
- Evers, G.W. 1999. Pasture systems for deer. pp. 32-39. In: Non-native deer farming symposium. 1999 Research Center Technical Report. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.
- Evers, G.W., and Smith, G.R. 1998. Clover planting guide. Overton Research Center Technical Report 98-3.
- Evers, G. W., and Davidson, A. D. 1999. Non-native deer preference for summer annual forages. 1999 Forage Research in Texas. CPR-5259. http://overton.tamu.edu/frt.
- Evers, G. W., and Davidson, A. D. 1999. Comparison of seeded and vegetatively propagated bermudagrass. 1999 Forage Research in Texas CPR-5259. http://overton.tamu.edu/frt.
- Evers, G. W., Davidson, A.D., and Higginbotham, B.J. 1999. Preference for summer annual forages by non-native deer. 1998-99 Widllife and Fisheries Science Department Report.
- Evers, G.W., Davidson, A.D., and Higginbotham, B.J. 1999. Grazing systems for weaned fallow fawns. Wildlife and Fisheries Science Department Report.
- Evers, G.W. 1999. Establishment, fertilization, and management of winter pastures. pp. 9-13. In: Texas Forage and Grassland Council Winter Pasture Short Course Proceedings. 27 Aug., Tyler, Texas.
- Evers, G. W. 1999. Legume inoculation, N2 -fixation, and nitrogen transer. pp. 22-25. In: Texas Forage and Grassland Council Winter Pasture Short Course Proceedings. 27 Aug., Tyler, Texas.
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Two years after planting, bermudagrass varieties established from seed have yields similar to Coastal bermudagrass but less than Tifton 85. Texas Tough bermudagrass has been the best seeded variety up to now. In clover variety testing, crimson clover was the most productive followed by berseem clover, red clover, subterranean clover, white clover, and annual medics. Weaned fallow fawns were stocked at 16 hd/acre on annual ryegrass pasture and grazed continuously, in a two pasture rotation, or a four-pasture rotation. Average daily gain was 0.445 lb for continuous grazing, 0.368 lb for the two-pasture rotation, and 0.369 lb for the four-pasture rotation. A cafeteria style grazing study of summer annual forages was conducted with mature fallow bucks. Order of preference was cowpea = soybean > lablab > aeschynomene = phasey bean = alyceclover > brown mid-rib forage sorghum > forage sorghum > Teafleaf II millet. A common bermudagrass pasture on a dairy in the Lake Fork
area with soil phosphorus levels in excess of 400 ppm at the 0 to 6 in. depth was overseeded with various cool-season annuals. Highest cool-season forage plus common bermudagrass yields were Elbon rye + 200 lb N - 18,825 lb DM/acre, Dixie crimson clover - 17,077 lb DM/acre, Hairy vetch - 16,990 lb/acre, and TAM 90 ryegrass + 200 lb N - 16,410 lb DM/acre. Phosphorus analysis of the harvested forage has not been completed at this time to calculate phosphorus removal. Volunteer stands of ryegrass and crimson clover cultivars decreased as grazing was extended the previous spring from late March to mid-May. Grazing annual ryegrass until the last week in April allowed for sufficient seed production for satisfactory reseeding. All crimson cultivars except Columbus can be grazed until mid-April for satisfactory reseeding. Columbus crimson can be grazed until mid-May without affecting seed production. However, volunteer stands of Columbus crimson clover were poor at all grazing termination
dates because of low hard seed production. Annual seed and establishment costs for annual ryegrass - crimson clover mixtures could be eliminated if the two species had a common maturity date and good reseeding potential. Maturity is 2 weeks earlier than annual ryegrass for most crimson cultivars and 2 weeks after annual ryegrass for Columbus crimson. Selections out of Chief crimson has extended maturity by about a week. This study will continue until the selected germplasm matures the same time as annual ryegrass. Amisorb is reported to enhance nutrient uptake of plants. Coastal bermudagrass production was not affected by amisorb when fertilized with commercial fertilizer or broiler litter over a 2 year period. In a one year amisorb rate and time of application study, 2 qt of amisorb applied in late April did cause a slight increase in May forage production. Results from these studies show that any forage production increase from amisorb is not economical.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Evers, G.W., Davidson, A.D., and Walters, B.J. 1998. Comparison of seeded bermudagrass and bahiagrass varieties during the establishment year. p. 61-62. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., Davidson, A.D., Randel, R.D., and Neuendorff, D.A. 1998. Influence of stocking rate on weaned fallow bucks grazing winter pasture. p. 73-74. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Randel, R.D., Neuendorff, D.A., Evers, G.W., and Webb, S.M. 1998. Body weight gains of weaned 1/4 Mesopotamian fallow, European fallow and axis bucks in dry lot, on rye-ryegrass pasture or on Coastal bermudagrass pasture. p. 75-76. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., Randel, R.D., Neuendorff, D.A., and Davidson, A.D. 1998. Coastal bermudagrass and Coastal bermudagrass-cowpea mixture for does nursing fawns. p. 77-78. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., Davidson, A.D., Neuendorff, D.A., and Randel, R.D. 1998. Preference of warm-season annual forage species by non-native deer. p. 79-80. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W. 1998. Comparison of broiler poultry litter and commercial fertilizer for Coastal bermudagrass production in southeastern US. J. Prod. Agric. 12:55-77.
- Evers, G.W., and Doctorian, D.S. 1998. Phosphorus removal by bermuda and ryegrass-bermuda fertilized with broiler litter. p. 169-174. Proceedings of Animal Production Systems and The Environment. July 19-22, 1998. Des Moines, Iowa.
- Evers, G.W., Davidson, A.D., and Doctorian, D.S. 1998. Influence of time of broiler litter application on production of ryegrass-bermudagrass pasture. p. 21-22. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., and Davidson, A.D. 1998. Comparison of crimson clover varieties in northeast Texas. p. 39-40. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., Smith, G.R., Davidson, A.D., and Gilbert, J. 1998. Managing crimson clover for reseeding. p. 53-54. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., Haby, V.A., Davidson, A.D., Davis, J.V., and Leonard, A.T. 1998. Comparison of alfalfa inoculant products. p. 55-56. Research Center Technical Report 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., and Smith, G.R. 1998. Clover planting guide. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-3.
- Evers, G.W., and Smith, G.R. 1998. Limitations and potentials of cool-season annual clovers. p. 1-5. Proc. 54th Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conf. Apr. 27-29, 1998. Lafayette, LA.
- Evers, G.W. 1998. Benefits of overseeding warm-season perennial grasses with cool-season annual legumes. p. 202-204. Proc. 44th Annual Beef Cattle Short Course. Aug. 3-5, 1998. College Station, TX.
- Evers, G.W. 1998. Establishing and managing clover-ryegrass pastures. p. 196-201. Proc. 44th Annual Beef Cattle Short Course. August 3-5, 1998. College Station, TX.
- Smith, G.R., Evers, G.W., and Randel, R.D. 1998. Summer forage legumes for non-native deer. p. 81-82. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Randel, R.D., Neuendorff, D.A., Webb, S.M., Evers, G.W., and Miller, R.K. 1998. Comparison of growth and carcass characteristics of yearling European fallow and axis bucks. p. 99-100. Research Center Technical Report No. 98-1. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- Evers, G.W., Randel, R.D., and Higginbotham, Billy. 1998. Pastures for non-native deer farming. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Annual Report.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
In a comparison of new hybrid bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) cultivars, Tifton 85 established quickly, was high yielding the first two years after planting and had high forage quality. After three years there was no difference in yield among cultivars except Grazer and World Feeder were lower. Texas bluegrass (Poa arachnifera Torr), a temperate perennial grass, was as productive as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) under good moisture but was more persistent under poor soil moisture. Comparison of crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) cultivars has shown that Columbus, a new release, matures 4 weeks later than other available cultivars which will expand the use of crimson clover in the southeastern US. When fall planting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) inoculating the seed with CelPril, HiStick or Seed Biotics products immediately before planting resulted in greater nodule numbers, seedling weight, dry matter yields and stand persistence than
buying preinoculated seed. Drilling rose clover (Trifolium hirtum All.) in an undisturbed or desiccated sod or broadcasting on a shallow disked sod resulted in the best seedling densities and yield. A seeding rate of 13 kg/ha was an acceptable compromise between seed cost and forage production. Using seeding rates of 17 to 51 kg/ha, drilling or broadcasting annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) on a lightly disked bermudagrass sod resulted in higher seedling densities and first harvest yields than drilling or broadcasting the seed on an undisturbed sod. First harvest yields between disked and undisturbed bermudagrass sod were similar if the seeding rate on the undisturbed sod was 11 kg/ha higher. Influence of soil pH ranging from 4.3 to 8.0 on nodulation and seedling growth of seven cool-season annual clovers was investigated in the greenhouse. Soil pH had the least effect on crimson clover. Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) and
brachycalcynium subspecies of subterranean clover grew better at pH 5.4 and higher. Arrowleaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi.), rose clover and the subterraneum subspecies of subterranean clover did well at a neutral or slightly acid soil pH. Coastal bermudagrass was disked lightly, sprayed with glyphosphate or untreated and then mowed to a 2.5 ot 10.0 cm ht before being overseeded with annual ryegrass, crimson clover or arrowleaf clover. Seedling density was greater in the disked plots and those mowed to a lower height. Yields were higher for all three species when bermudagrass was disked but only arrowleaf yields were influenced by mowing ht. Applying N in Dec. to a ryegrass-clover mixture resulted in the highest dry matter yield per kg N applied. Applying N in spring merely replaced high quality forage with lower quality ryegrass without increasing yield.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- HABY, V.A., ROUQUETTE, F.M., Jr., DAVIS, J.V., LEONARD, A.T., EVERS, G.W., HONS, F.M., and REEVES, SIM, Jr. 1997. Alfalfa production on acid, humid-region soils. p. 265-269. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Ft. Worth, Texas, 13-15 Apr. 1997.
- EVERS, G.W. 1997. Nitrogen distribution between shoots and roots of five cool-season annual legumes. Session 19, p. 23-24. Proc. XVIII International Grassland Congress. Winnipeg, Manitoba and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, 8-19 June 1997.
- READ, J.C, SANDERSON, M.A., EVERS, G.W., VOIGT, P.W., and REINERT, J.A. 1997. Forage production potential of Poa arachnifera Torr. in semiarid climates. Session 1, p. 3-4. Proc. XVIII International Grassland Congress. Winnipeg, Manitoba and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. 8-19 June 1997.
- EVERS, G.W., SMITH, G.R., and HOVELAND, C.S. 1997. Ecology and production of annual ryegrass. p. 29-43. IN: F.M. Rouquette, Jr. and L.R. Nelson (ed.) Production and management of Lolium for forage in the USA. CSSA Spec. Publ. 24. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
- HANNAWAY, D.B., EVERS, G.W., FALES, S.L., HALL, M.H., FRANSEN, S.C., BALL, D.M., JOHNSON, S.W., JACOB, I.H., CHANEY, MARTY, LANE, WOODY, and YOUNG, W.C., III. 1997. Perennial ryegrass for forage in the USA. p. 101-122. IN: F.M. Rouquette, Jr. and L. R. Nelson (ed.) Production and management of Lolium for forage in the USA. CSSA Spec. Publ. 24. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.
- EVERS, G.W. and DAVIDSON, A.D. 1997. Influence of autumn temperatures on annual ryegrass seedling growth. p. 63-68. IN: Forage Research in Texas - 1997. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR-5258.
- EVERS, G.W., DOCTORIAN, D.S., and DAVIDSON, A.D. 1997. Bermudagrass variety test at Overton - 1994. p. 12-17. IN: Forage Research in Texas - 1997. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR-5258.
- EVERS, G.W. 1997. Introduction to deer farming. p. 1-3. IN: Non-native deer farming symposium. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn., Research Center Technical Report No. 97-1.
- EVERS, G.W. 1997. Pastures for deer. p. 23-29. IN: Non-native deer farming symposium. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn., Research Center Technical Report No. 97-1.
- EVERS, G.W. 1997. Grazing systems. p. 30-34. IN: Non-native deer farming symposium. Texas Agric. Exp. St., Research Center Technical Report No. 97-1.
- EVERS, G.W., and HABY, V.A. 1997. Stand performance from preinoculated alfalfa seed planted in autumn in northeast Texas. p. 64-67. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Ft. Worth, Texas, 13-15 Apr. 1997.
- DAVIDSON, A.D., EVERS, G.W., RANDEL, R.D., and NEUENDORFF, D.A. 1997. Farming non-native deer on southern forages. p. 27-31. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Ft. Worth, Texas, 13-15 Apr. 1997.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Various inoculation treatments for autumn seeded alfalfa were compared on sandy Coastal Plain soils where alfalfa stands frequently fail. Alfalfa stands from preinoculated seed were similar to uninoculated seed which were poor with low seedling nodulation and nitrogen concentration. Seed inoculated before planting with HiStick, CelPril and Seed Biotics inoculant resulted in the best stands. Applying broiler litter at rates equivalent to 0, 100, 200 and 400 kg N ha-1 to Coastal bermudagrass produced yields of 3100, 5500, 7700 and 12,400 kg DM ha-1, respectively. Winter weed yields were in excess of 2000 kg DM ha-1. Overseeding bermudagrass with annual ryegrass reduced weed yields to 800 kg DM ha-1 or less and increased forage yields 2000 to 4000 kg DM ha-1. A stocking rate study with weaned fallow bucks on rye-annual ryegrass pastures produced average daily gains from 0.262 lb at 12 hd/acre to .153 lb at 24 hd/acre. Maximum gain per acre was at 20 hd/acre. However,
only the deer at the stocking rate of 12 hd/acre reached the target slaughter weight of 100 lb by the end of the rye-ryegrass grazing season in late May.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- OVERMAN, A.R., EVERS, G. W., and WILKINSON, S.R. 1995. Coupling of dry matter andnutrient accumulation of forage grasses. J. Plant Nutrition 18:2629-2642.
- GRICHAR, W.J., EVERS, G.W., BESLER, B. A., and JAKS, A.J. 1996. Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule L.) control and forage legume tolerance to selected postemergence herbicides. Crop Protection 15:55-62.
- EVERS, G.W. 1996. Overview of recycling nutrients from animal waste through forages. p. 59-64. Proc. 52nd Southern Pasture and Forage Crop Improvement Conf.
- EVERS, G.W. 1996. Pasture systems for farmed deer. p. 37-43. Proc. North American Deer Farmers Assoc.
- EVERS, G.W. 1996. Influence of N and K fertilizer or clover on nutrient uptake of pastures fertilized with poultry litter. p. 7- 10. Proc. Nutrient Cycling in Forage Systems.
- EVERS, G. W. 1996. Reseeding of crimson clover. p. 89-93. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council. 13-15 June 1996. Vancouver, British Columbia.
- EVERS, G. W., GREENE, L.W. Greene, and CAREY, J.B. 1996. Nutrient composition of broiler litter. p. 67-71. IN Beef Cattle Research in Texas 1995. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn.
- EVERS, G.W., SANDERSON, M.A., DOCTORIAN, D. S., and JONES, R.M. 1996. Efficient and safe utilization of animal waste on pasture. p. 0-0. IN Forage Res. in Texas-1996 (in press).
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Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95
Outputs
Broiler litter was applied at four rates equivalent to 0, 100, 200 and 400 kg N/ha to a Coastal bermudagrass and an annual ryegrass-Coastal bermudagrass pasture system. Yields of bermudagrass and ryegrass increased as broiler litter rate increased. Winter annual weeds were a major problem in the Coastal bermudagrass only system because of mineralization of organic nitrogen during the winter when bermudagrass is dormant. When applying animal waste to warm-season perennial grasses, it is critical to overseed with cool-season annuals to take up mineralized N that might leach into ground and surface water. Soil phosphorus levels build up in pastures that are only fertilized with poultry litter. The addition of commercial nitrogen and potassium fertilizer with broiler litter or including a legume were evaluated for removing excess phosphorus from an annual ryegrass-bermudagrass pasture system fertilized with 6 tons/acre broiler litter. The most phosphorus was removed when
crimson clover was grown with the ryegrass (77.9 kg/ha) and when 500 kg N and 335 kg K2O/ha were applied (78.7 kg/ha). Pasture systems are being developed for exotic deer production because of the growing demand for venison. Weaned Fallow bucks placed on annual ryegrass pasture in December reached slaughter weight in May when stocked at 12, 16 and 20 hd/acre.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- MORAN, J.M., EVERS, G.W. and GABRYSCH, J.L. 1995. Nitrogen accumulation in the top growth of cool-season annual forage legumes. p. 70-76. IN Forage Research in
- Texas, 1994. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR-5252.
- EVERS, G.W., BADE, D.H. and REEVES, S.A., Jr. 1995. Annual winter pasture-establishment, management and utilization. Texas A&M University MP-1769.
- EVERS, G.W., DOCTORIAN, D.S., NEUENDORFF, D.A. and RANDEL, R.D. 1995. Pasture s.
- EVERS, G.W. 1995. Methods of rose clover establishment in bermudagrass sod. J. G Prod. Agric. 8:366-368. l
- EVERS, G.W., GABRYSCH, J.L. and MORAN, J.M. 1995. Use of poultry litter as fertilizer on Coastal bermudagrass pasture. p. 133-138. IN Forage Research in G
- Texas, 1994. Tex. Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR- 5252. 3
- EVERS, G.W., SMITH, P.T., BLACKERBY, S.D. and DOCTORIAN, D.S. 1995. Comparison . of crimson clover varieties in northeast Texas. p. 1-6. IN Forage Research in
- Texas, 1994. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR-5252.
- EVERS, G.W., GABRYSCH, J.L. and MORAN, J.M. 1995. Performance of bermudagrass varieties in northeast Texas. p. 37-44. IN Forage Research in Texas, 1994. Tex. Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR-5252.
- DOCTORIAN, D.S., EVERS, G.W., MORAN, J.M. and DAVIDSON, A.D. 1995. Comparison of inoculation treatments for rose clover. p. 65-69. IN Forage Research in Texas, 1994. Texas Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR-5252.
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Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94
Outputs
Research on profitable and environmentally sound, sustainable pasture systems for East Texas is focused on mixtures of reseeding cool-season annuals and warm-season perennial grasses. After 3 years, annual yields of Brazos, Coastal, Tifton 78, Tifton 44, Tifton 85, and Jiggs bermudagrass were similar at 15.7, Mg/ha dry matter. Worldfeeder and Grazor bermudagrass produced 13.5 and 11.2 Mg/ha, respectively. Seedling densities of overseeded crimson clover and annual ryegrass were enhanced by a short (2.5 cm) vs tall (10 cm) bermudagrass sod and by a light disking vs non-disking. The 2.5 cm sod and light disking management practices improved early forage production of crimson clover every year but only one in three years for ryegrass. Grazing studies with varying grazing termination dates indicate that livestock should be removed the second week in April for most crimson cultivars and the 4th week in April for most annual ryegrass cultivars to produce sufficient seed for
satisfactory reseeding the following autumn. Natural reseeding of cool-season annual forages would eliminate the cost of seed and planting each year. Screening of new crimson clover germplasm has identified Columbus crimson as flowering about 3 weeks later than cultivars presently available. Maturity of this cultivar matches that of most annual ryegrass cultivars and therefore could be managed as a reseeding crimson-ryegrass mixture.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/93 to 12/30/93
Outputs
The most efficient application of N fertilizer on arrowleaf, crimson, and rose clovers mixed with annual ryegrass was in December or January. Applying N after clover-ryegrass emergence improved early ryegrass production. There was no benefit to applying N after February if good clover stands were present. Broadcasting 13 kg ha(superscript -1) of rose clover seed on a lightly disked sod resulted in the best seedling density and forage production. Seeding rates of 7-9 kg ha(superscript -1) are satisfactory if maximizing forage production during the establishment year is not critical. Drilling or broadcasting annual ryegrass seed on a lightly disked sod resulted in higher seedling densities and early forage production than on an undisturbed sod. Increasing seeding rate from 17 to 50 kg ha(superscript -1) increased seedling density 3 fold and early forage production 2 fold. A short (< 3-cm) warm-season perennial grass sod enhanced arrowleaf clover, crimson clover, and
annual ryegrass stands and early forage production over a 10-cm sod height. A light disking further enhanced arrowleaf clover stands and early forage production. However, spring recovery of the bermudagrass was reduced by the short sod height and light disking. A single spring application of 4 and 8 tons of poultry litter on Coastal bermudagrass produced 10% more forage than splitting the poultry litter rate in a spring and summer application.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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Progress 01/01/92 to 12/30/92
Outputs
Low input pasture management practices have been evaluated that would contributeto develop a year long pasture system for East Texas. HiStick inoculation technique is a two-step process which was as effective as Pelinoc inoculation technique, a four-step process, on nodulation and growth of annual clovers. A 2.5-cm ht bermudagrass sod in autumn increased early forage production of arrowleaf and crimson clover 50% above that planted in a 10-cm tall sod. Disking bermudagrass sod lightly in autumn resulted in better annual ryegrass stands and earlier forage production than planting on undisturbed soil. An annual ryegrass or clover cover crop provided effective spring weed control for warm-season perennial grass hay meadows which would eliminate the need for a herbicide. The most effective N fertilization program for a clover-ryegrass mixture overseeded on bermudagrass sod was 50-60 kg ha 4-wk after emergence and again about Feb 1. April 15 was the optimum date to
terminate grazing of annual ryegrass for good volunteer stands the following autumn. Application of 9 or 18 Mg ha of poultry litter at the beginning of the bermudagrass growing season produced 10% more than if split in two equal applications.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- OVERMAN, A.R. and EVERS, G.W. 1992. Estimation of yield and nitrogen removal by bermudagrass and bahiagrass. Trans. Am. Soc. Agric. Engin. 35:207-210.
- NELSON, L.R., ROUQUETTE JR, F.M. and EVERS, G.W. 1992. Registration of TAM 90 annual ryegrass. Crop Sci. 32:828.
- OVERMAN, A.R., WILKINSON, S.R. and EVERS, G.W. 1992. Yield response of bermudagrass and bahiagrass to applied nitrogen and overseeded clover. Agron. J. (in-press).
- NELSON, L.R., EVERS, G.W., WARD, S. and CROWDER, J. 1992. Annual ryegrass forage variety tests at Overton and Angleton for 1989-90. IN Forage Research in
- Texas 1992. Tex. Agric. Exp. Stn. CPR-(in-press).
- NELSON, L.R., ROUQUETTE JR, F.M. and EVERS, G.W. 1992. TAM 90 annual ryegrass. p. 29-30. IN Overton Research Center Technical Report 92-1. Tex. Agric. Exp. Stn.
- EVERS, G.W. 1992. Preferred soil types for legume species. p. 49-50. IN Overton Research Center Technical Report 92-1. Tex. Agric. Exp. Stn.
- EVERS, G.W., HABY, V.A., MORAN, J.M. and GABRYSCH, J.L. 1992. Influence of nitrogen fertilizer on arrowleaf clover seedling growth. p. 55-56. IN Overton Research Center Technical Report 92-1. Tex. Agric. Exp. Stn.
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