Source: TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY submitted to
LEGUMES FOR A CHANGING WORLD: FORAGES, RANGELAND, GRASSLAND RESTORATION, BIOENERGY AND LOW-INPUT CROPPING SYSTEMS
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0187269
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
TEX08811
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Apr 1, 2013
Project End Date
Oct 10, 2012
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Muir, J.
Recipient Organization
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
750 AGRONOMY RD STE 2701
COLLEGE STATION,TX 77843-0001
Performing Department
Stephenville-TAMU Agr Res Cntr
Non Technical Summary
Legumes have always been important components of agricultural systems where their contributions are myriad. They provide humans food (pulses and vegetables), forage for ruminants, ecosystem plant diversity, fuels (wood or cellulosic bioenergy), cover crops, green manure, and many other essential services. Cultivated forages and rangelands are important components of agricultural production in north-central Texas and similar low-rainfall regions of the southeastern USA. Forages are utilized for traditional animal husbandry such as wildlife, cattle production, small ruminant feed, dairy silage, or commercialization of hay and silage. In operations catering to urban centers, the uses are less traditional, including natural ecosystems restoration, wildlife habitat and feed and even ornamental gardening. Forage species are also used to address environmental concerns such as soil bioremediation, soil conservation, green manures, renewable biofuels and landscape restoration. Current growth areas for legumes in north-central Texas include low-input forage systems, soil conservation, right-of-way restoration, ruminant nutrition and health, locally grown dairy forage, and wildlife. In addition, growth potential exists for expanded use of cultivated forages in biomass (bioenergy) as well as soil conservation and phytoremediation (riparian buffers and fallow cropland). The inexorable attrition of row-cropping in the Cross Timbers, caused by soil exhaustion and inappropriate climate, may also contribute to increased pasture and forage acreage in the near future. As the cost of nitrogen fertilizer and fuels continue to rise, the use of legumes as self-regenerating, inexpensive sources of nitrogen in crop rotations and as green manures becomes more attractive. This research program at Stephenville will focus on the multiple uses of herbaceous, brushy and arboreal legumes through a diverse program. The common thread will be increased inclusion of legumes. Legumes make ecological and environmental sense for pasture, rangeland or roadside revegetation, soil conservation, ruminant nutrition, or natural ecosystems regeneration in north-central Texas. This is not an easy prospect in a culture that is not accustomed to managing for legumes and in a climate that has both hot dry summer conditions and freezing winters. Land managers, even when they care, are not always sure which introduced or native species to plant and how to manage those pastures and rangelands. Identifying adapted species for multiple uses, whether native, naturalized or introduced germplasm, and understanding the physiological adaptations that will enhance their success in production systems is imperative to their increased use, these tasks are not easy when grasses are far more aggressive and persistent than legumes. Knowledge arising from the Stephenville research program will provide north-central Texas and similar regions around the globe with as many answers to these questions as possible.
Animal Health Component
20%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2041610107015%
2041649107025%
2051610107010%
2051649107015%
2130799107010%
1210799107015%
3133820107010%
Knowledge Area
313 - Internal Parasites in Animals; 204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 205 - Plant Management Systems; 213 - Weeds Affecting Plants; 121 - Management of Range Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
3820 - Goats, meat, and mohair; 0799 - Rangelands and grasslands, general; 1610 - Pasture; 1649 - Forage legumes, general/other;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;
Goals / Objectives
1. Identify ecological adaptations and develop management guidelines for native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Native legumes will be primarily warm-season species with good adaptation to local conditions. Research will focus on anti-quality factors, establishment techniques and management that enhance persistence. These include Strophostyles, Acacia, Desmanthus and Desmodium genera. The introduction of legumes from similar climatic regions of the world will focus on adaptability to local climate, edaphic conditions, pests/diseases, and production systems. These include mostly perennial cool-season grasses, annual cool-season legumes, and warm-season legumes. 2. Develop forage systems that provide forage for the dairy, beef, wildlife and goat industries and production of biofuel. Develop cool- and warm-season forage systems incorporating legumes that provide maximum quality forage for lactating dairy cows. Develop cool- and warm-season perennial or self-reseeding forage systems that provide maximum quality and quantity of forage for beef, goats and wildlife through the integration of leguminous germplasm. 3. Identify herbaceous legumes high in condensed tannins and evaluate their potential for bypass protein and gastro-intestinal nematode suppression in goats. Collection and agronomic characterization of native, naturalized and introduced leguminous germplasm for condensed tannins. Determine physiological conditions that enhance condensed tannin content in legumes. Develop legumes that can be commercialized for protein bypass and gastro-intestinal nematode suppression in goats.
Project Methods
The common thread binding all objectives will be the development of legumes for multiple uses in the region. The research will be local but with wider applicability. Objective 1. (Identify legumes with forage and seed yield.) The focus will be on warm-season forage legume evaluation. Seeds of promising species will be collected from rangeland, grasslands, woodland, pasture and roadside areas. These will be tested for required scarification and germination potential. They will then go through a series of evaluations, along with promising introduced species, to test for adaptation to different soils, need for specific Rhizobium inoculation, productivity and tolerance to shade, grass competition and defoliation. Plot samples will be characterized, in the laboratory, for nutritive value (fiber, N, in sacco disappearance, etc.) as well as anti-quality (lignin, CT etc.) factors. The most promising entries will then be tested in paddocks for palatability and animal gains (quality) under grazing/browsing of the appropriate herbivores. Entries that survive all these stages and can produce marketable seed will then be tested on-farm and, if successful, germplasm disseminated to producers, extension agents and seed companies for wider utilization. The focus will broaden from the current work with Texas native Strophostyles, Acacia, Desmanthus and Desmodium genera. Objective 2. (Develop grass-legume management systems.) Legume-based pasture systems for dairy, beef, goats and white-tailed deer will focus on complementing the low quality range and grass pasture forages that currently predominate. Foci will be establishment, yields, seed production, reseeding capability and persistence under low-input systems. Native and introduced warm-season legumes will be studied for their potential in range reseeding, prairie restoration as well as animal husbandry. Genera with potential include Strophostyles, Acacia, Lespedeza, Desmanthus and Desmodium species. Introduced legumes will be aimed at wildlife food plots, hay production and domesticated animal husbandry. Grasses will focus on low-input natives such as switchgrass, bluestems, and others, both on their own as well as in legume/grass mixtures for cellulosic bioenergy production. Again, establishment, yields throughout the season (especially late summer), persistence and competitiveness with grasses will be the selection criteria. Objective 3. (Fully harness legume condensed tannins.) Warm-season legumes, mostly native but possibly also introduced, that are high in CT have been identified. The following species are already being characterized: Acacia angustissima var hirta, Desmanthus leptolobus, Desmodium paniculatum, and Lespedeza stuevei. Growing conditions and phenotypic characteristics that foster increased CT will be studied. The interaction of CT and rumen micro-flora, especially with regards to digestion and rumen methane emissions, will be examined. The effect of leguminous CT on GIN populations and the fecal ecosystem will be of particular interest in both domesticated and native ruminants.

Progress 10/11/06 to 10/10/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forage research. Desmodium paniculatum (panicled tick-clover), a native perennial Texas herbaceous legume, is ready for release. After testing across Texas and Louisiana in comparison to other native herbaceous legumes and after comparing it to other accessions of of panicled tick-clover, it appears that release is justified. Trials of the use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in cooperation with The Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) and funded by private alternative energy companies was submitted for publication. Objective 2. Biomass for energy feedstock. A statewide research effort focusing on the use of legumes as both the primary source of biofuel feedstocks as well as indirectly enhancing the cultivation of biofuel feedstock grasses by improving soil fertility continued continues into its 4th year. The sustainable use of native grasses supplied with nitrogen from native legumes has been a focus. Publication of trials evaluating cool-season biodiesel seed crops proceeds, focusing on over-seeding into warm-season grass and legume pastures in an effort to generate two sources of revenues from cultivated lands. Objective 3. Condensed tannin (CT) research has expanded from ruminant endoparasites to ectoparasites, namely suppression of house fly populations in manure of ruminants fed forages containing CT. One publication has resulted and another has been submitted. Condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin continue to be a primary focus of a forage program that addresses issues for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. The use of condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin as natural anthelmentics to suppress goat gastro-intestinal parasites continues, focusing primarily on comparing Desmodium paniculatum to the introduced and already proven Lespedeza striata and zero-CT alfalfa. PARTICIPANTS: Partner Organizations: Natural Resource Conservation Services Plant Material Centers at Knox City, Nagadoches, and Kingsville TX; Texas AgriLife Extension; Texas A&M University Soil and Crop Sciences as well as Animal Science Departments; Tarleton State University Agronomy and Animal Science Departments, TX; Fort Valley State University; University of Florida; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agraria, Argentina; Texas A&M University Kingsville, TX; The Noble Foundation, Ardmore OK; Louisiana State Agricultural Experiment Station, Homer. Collaborators: Dr. Barry Lambert, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Donald McGahan, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Beran, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas AgriLife Extension; John Lloyd-Reilly, NRCS-PMC; Dr. Gary Rea, NRCS-PMC; Rob Ziehr, NRCS; Dr. Roger Wittie, Tarleton State University; Dr. David Kattes, Tarleton State University; Dr. Poncho Orgtega, Kingsville A&M University; Dr. Jose Dubeux, Universidade Rural Federal de Pernambuco Brazil; Dr. Maria Silveira, University of Florida; Forrest Smith, Texas A&M Kingsville; Dr. Jeff Brady, geneticist, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Twain Butler, forage agronomist, The Noble Foundation. Graduate student training: Rebecca Hackney, Tarleton State University; Michael Carl Bullinger, Tarleton State University; Ray Noah, Tarleton State University; Josh White, Tarleton State University; Harley Naumann, Texas A&M; Cassie Shoenthal, Tarleton State University; Shelby Armstron, Tarleton State University; Tia Johnson, Tarleton State University; Alan Deubler, Tarleton State University; Stacey Bandoni, Tarleton State University; Rachel Alphin, Tarleton State University; Suzika Pagan, Texas A&M; Andrew Foot, Tarleton State University; Adrianna Riojas, Tarleton State University; Michell Reinhard, Tarleton State University; Angela Lee, Tarleton State Univeristy; Nichole Cherry, Tarleton State University; Landon Darilek, Tarleton State University; Dawn Pawelek, Tarleton State University; Jodi Patterson, Tarleton State University; Anilkumar Samonahally, Tarleton State University. TARGET AUDIENCES: Peri-urban landowners; cattle ranchers; goat producers; wildlife/game farmers; prairie restoration managers; native plant seed producers; international researchers, university professors and graduate students; Texas State government agencies such as Parks and Wildlife and Department of Transportation. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Sustainable ruminant production must depend on marginal lands and fewer inputs as pressure to utilize land and fossil fuels for crop production increases. Agriculture, environmental entities and government agencies are interested in using legumes, especially native species, as both a protein source for ruminant production systems as well as a natural, non-fossil fuel dependent sources of fertilizer, biofuel feedstock and IPM suppression of gastro-intestinal parasites and pest flies have become of greater interest to agriculture. The use of legumes as green manures, sustainable protein sources, methane emission suppression, or gastro-intestinal parasite suppression is increasingly important.

Publications

  • King, J.N., J.P. Muir, and T.D. Davis. 2012. Ukulima Farm Experiment Station: Advancing African agricultural research, extension, and education. Abstr. 2nd All Africa Horticulture Congress Horticulture for Humanity, p. 183.
  • Adams, R., J.P. Muir, T. Whitney, and B. Taylor. 2012. Differences in chemical composition between browsed and non-browsed Juniper ashei Buch. Trees. Biochemical Systematics and Ecology 46:73-78.
  • Allphin, R.A., B.D. Lambert, T.D. Whitney, and J.P. Muir. 2012. Effect of dried distillers grains on goat ruminal in situ nutrient disappearance from alfalfa and cottonseed. Livestock for Rural Development 24 (10). http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd24/10/allp24179.htm
  • Guretzky, J.A., T.J. Butler and J.P. Muir. 2012. Adaptation of annual forage legumes in the southern Great Plains. Great Plains Research 22:35-43.
  • Siqueira da Silva, H.M., J.C. Batista Dubeux Jr., M.V. Ferreira dos Santos, M. de Andrade Lira, M. de Andrade Lira Jr. and J.P. Muir. 2012. Signal grass litter decomposition rate increases with inclusion of calopo. Crop Science 52:1416-1423.
  • Noah, R.L., J. P. Muir, Jeffrey A. Brady, Roger D. Wittie, David H. Kattes, William D. Pitman, Gary L. Rea, and Melinda R. Brakie. 2012. Prairie acacia, panicled tick-clover, and herbaceous mimosa herbage, nitrogen and seed yields, and regional adaptation. Agron. J. 104:265-270.
  • Deubler, A., D. McGahan, and J.P. Muir. 2012. Efficacy of soil extracting solutions for assessing potential phosphorus loss from a dairy waste application field soil in north-central Texas. Communications Soil Science and Plant Analysis 43:1202-1215. Boggs, L.L., J.P. Muir, and J.W. Dunn. 2012. Greenbriar suppression with goat mob grazing. Livestock Research for Rural Development 24 (05). http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd24/5/bogg24089.htm
  • Noah, R.L., J.P. Muir, Jeffrey A. Brady, Roger D. Wittie, David H. Kattes, William D. Pitman, Gary L. Rea, and Melinda R. Brakie. 2012. Genotypic and phenotypic variability in three prairie acacia accessions. Crop Science 52:951-959.
  • Naumann, H.D., L. O. Tedeschi, J. P. Muir, B. D. Lambert, D. K. Andrade Silva, M. A. Fonseca. 2012. Condensed tannin concentration of two lespedeza species and its effect on in vitro methane and total gas production. 257-3. American Society of Agronomy, 21-24 October, Cincinnati, OH. http://scisoc.confex.com/scisoc/2012am/webprogram/Paper71784.html
  • Naumann, H., Tedeschi, L. O., Muir, J. P., Lambert, B. D., Andrade Silva, D. K., Fonseca, M. A. 2012. Does total condensed tannin concentration predict rumen methane production in vitro (E-Suppl ed., vol. 90). Stephenville: Journal of Animal Science. http://m.jtmtg.org/PresDetail.aspxview=sci&selectby=daytime&dt=7/18/ 2012&ap=AM&sespage=1&sessionID=5378&prespage=1&presID=52403&prestype= abs
  • McEwin, A., Wambui, C., Muir, J. P., Githiori, J., Lambert, B. D. 2012. In vitro organic matter and nitrogen disappearance of Kenyan browse using rumen from goats ingesting grass versus browse (E-Suppl ed., vol. 90). Stephenville: Journal of Animal Science.
  • Cherry, N., Bullinger, M., Lambert, B. D., Muir, J. P., Whitney, T. R. 2012. Panicled tickclover, a native herbaceous legume, suppresses internal parasites without negative effects on kid performance. (E-Suppl ed., vol. 90). Stephenville: Journal of Animal Science.
  • Armstrong, S., Lambert, B. D., Whitney, T. R., Muir, J. P., McEwin, A. 2012. The anthelmintic effect of Juniper and Tifton 85 on the infective larval stage of Haemonchus contortus in an in vitro system. (E-Suppl ed., vol. 90). Stephenville: Journal of Animal Science.
  • Whitney, T., Walker, J. W., Stewart, W. C., Ansley, R. J., Lambert, B. D., Cibils, A. F., Scott, C. B., Johnson, J. L., Bader, T., Winters, W., Tedeschi, L. O., Carstens, G. E., Muir, J. P. 2012. Wood to Feed: Diversifying income opportunities by increasing the livestock feeding value of woody plant species (E-Suppl ed., vol. 90). Stephenville: Journal of Animal Science.


Progress 04/01/13 to 10/10/12

Outputs
Target Audience:- Dairy Industry in north-central Texas - Texas Department of Transportation - Native seed companies: Turner Seed, Breckenridge TX & Pogue Seed - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Department of Energy - Texas & Oklahoma landowners interested in restoring native prairie species - Peri-urban landowners - Cattle Ranchers - Goat producers Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? - Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Sufficient data exists to release germplasm of native Texas warm-season legumes Acacia angustissima, Lespedeza stuevei, and Desmodium paniculatum, Strophostyles leiosperma and S. helvula for commercial use. Seed production and persistence are the primary research interests although nutritive value is also of interest. Research on introduced summer legumes is focused on releasing an Arachis glabrata accession named Latitude 34 for use as a perennial hay crop. The use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum, in cooperation with the Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) and funded by private alternative energy companies continues. - Biomass for energy feedstock. This effort focuses the use of annual legumes over-seeded onto established switchgrass, both for soil nutrient enhancement as well as winter ground cover. The addition of phosphorus of dairy-manure origin is being looked at with over-seeded winter annual legumes that provide N and organic matter to soil supporting switchgrass. In addition, the possible use of Arundo donax, giant reed, in south Texas was initiated in cooperation with a private bioenergy company. The conversion of Cynodon dactylon from forage to biofuel feedstock production was also examined. Objective 3. Condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin have become the main focus of a forage program that addresses issues for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Pen and laboratory trials looking at the digestibility and condensed tannin impacts of native legumes on caprine and bovine ruminant systems continues. Environmental applications are also considered, especially as they relate to ruminant manure. The use of both leguminous and grass forages for phytoremediation of soils high in phosphorus of dairy manure origin continues, focusing on-dairy trials. - Data collection on several native perennial Texas herbaceous legumes continues, with Desmodium paniculatum first on the list for cultivar release. Seed from various locations around the country were collected for side-by-side comparison with the Stephenville panicled tick-clover accession. Field trials of the use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in cooperation with The Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) and funded by private alternative energy companies was completed. - With grant support from the Texas Department of Agriculture, a statewide effort focuses the use of legumes as both the primary source of biofuel feedstocks as well as indirectly enhancing the cultivation of biofuel feedstock grasses by improving soil fertility. Where possible, the sustainable use of native grasses supplied with nitrogen from native legumes has been a focus. The use of cool-season annual legumes overseeded onto established Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) and Cynodon dactylon (bermudagrass), both for soil nutrient enhancement as well as winter ground cover continues. Initial agronomic evaluation of cool-season biodiesel seed crops was started, focusing on over-seeding into warm-season grass and legume pastures in an effort to generate two sources of revenues from cultivated lands. Objective 3. Condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin continue to be a primary focus of a forage program that addresses issues for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. The use of condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin as natural anthelmentics to suppress goat gastro-intestinal parasites continues, focusing primarily on comparing Desmodium paniculatum to the introduced and already proven Lespedeza striata and zero- CT alfalfa. Environmental applications are also considered, especially as they relate to ruminant manure organic matter in soils as well as housefly larvae suppression, with the recruitment of a graduate student at Tarleton State University.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Butler, T. J., and J. P. Muir. 2012. Perspective on Forage Legume Systems for the Tallgrass and Mixed-Grass Prairies of the Southern Great Plains of Texas and Oklahoma. Crop Sci. 52:1971-1979. doi:10.2135/cropsci2011.12.0674


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forage research. Data collection on several native perennial Texas herbaceous legumes continues, with Desmodium paniculatum first on the list for cultivar release. Plants from various locations around the country were compared side-by-side with the Stephenville panicled tick-clover accession. Trials of the use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in cooperation with The Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) and funded by private alternative energy companies was submitted for publication. Objective 2. Biomass for energy feedstock. With continued financial support from the Texas Department of Agriculture, a statewide research effort focusing on the use of legumes as both the primary source of biofuel feedstocks as well as indirectly enhancing the cultivation of biofuel feedstock grasses by improving soil fertility continued. Where possible, the sustainable use of native grasses supplied with nitrogen from native legumes has been a focus. The use of cool-season annual legumes over-seeded onto established Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) and Cynodon dactylon (bermudagrass), both for soil nutrient enhancement as well as winter ground cover continues. Agronomic evaluation of cool-season biodiesel seed crops continued, focusing on over-seeding into warm-season grass and legume pastures in an effort to generate two sources of revenues from cultivated lands. Objective 3. Condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin continue to be a primary focus of a forage program that addresses issues for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. The use of condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin as natural anthelmentics to suppress goat gastro-intestinal parasites continues, focusing primarily on comparing Desmodium paniculatum to the introduced and already proven Lespedeza striata and zero-CT alfalfa. Environmental applications are also considered, especially as they relate to ruminant manure organic matter in soils as well as housefly larvae suppression, with the recruitment of a graduate student at Tarleton State University. PARTICIPANTS: Participants: James P. Muir, PI. Organized project and coordinated individuals participating. Partner Organizations: Natural Resource Conservation Services Plant Material Centers at Knox City, Nagadoches, and Kingsville TX; Texas AgriLife Extension; Texas A&M University Soil and Crop Sciences as well as Animal Science Departments; Tarleton State University Agronomy and Animal Science Departments, TX; Fort Valley State University; University of Florida; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agraria, Argentina; Texas A&M University Kingsville, TX; The Noble Foundation, Ardmore OK. Collaborators: Dr. Barry Lambert, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Donald McGahan, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Beran, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas AgriLife Extension; John Lloyd-Reilly, NRCS-PMC; Dr. Gary Rea, NRCS-PMC; Rob Ziehr, NRCS; Dr. Roger Wittie, Tarleton State University; Dr. David Kattes, Tarleton State University; Dr. Poncho Orgtega, Kingsville A&M University; Dr. Jose Dubeux, Universidade Rural Federal de Pernambuco Brazil; Dr. Maria Silveira, University of Florida; Forrest Smith, Texas A&M Kingsville; Dr. Jeff Brady, geneticist, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Twain Butler, forage agronomist, The Noble Foundation. Graduate student training: Rebecca Hackney, Tarleton State University; Michael Carl Bullinger, Tarleton State University; Ray Noah, Tarleton State University; Josh White, Tarleton State University, Harley Naumann, Texas A&M; Visiting scientists: Dr. Jose Dubeux, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: peri-urban landowners; cattle ranchers; goat producers; wildlife/game farmers; prairie restoration managers; native plant seed producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Agriculture, environmental entities and government agencies are interested in using legumes, especially native species, as both a protein source for ruminant production systems as well as a natural, non-fossil fuel dependent sources of fertilizer, biofuel feedstock and IPM suppression of gastro-intestinal parasites and pest flies have become of greater interest to agriculture. The use of legumes as green manures, sustainable protein sources, methane emission suppression, or gastro-intestinal parasite suppression is increasingly important.

Publications

  • Interrante, S.M., T.J. Butler, M.A. Islam, A.L. Maas, W.F. Anderson, and J.P Muir. 2011. Establishment and dry matter yield of rhizoma peanut genotypes. Crop Science 51:2256-2261.
  • Foote, A. P., Lambert, B. D., Brady, J. A., Muir, J. P. 2011. Phosphate transporter expression in dairy cattle. J. Dairy Sci. 94:1913-1916.
  • Lee, Angela, J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert, J. Lloyd-Rielley, T.R. Whitney. 2011. Evolution of the nutritive value of five native perennial North American grasses during establishment. Crop Science 51:1334-1341.
  • Muir, J.P., W.D. Pitman, and J.L. Foster. 2011. Sustainable, low-input warm-season pasture grass-legume mixes: mission (nearly) impossible Grass and Forage Science 66:301-452.
  • Littlefield, K.A., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert and J.K. Tomberlin. 2011. Condensed tannins inhibit house fly (Diptera: Muscidae) development in livestock manure. J. Environmental Entomology 40:1572-1576.
  • Littlefield, K.A., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert and J. Mueller. 2011. Correlation of condensed tannin and crude protein concentrations to reported whitetail browse preference in Texas vegetation. Texas J. Agric. & Natural Res. http://www.tarleton.edu/Departments/txjanr/Volumes/Vol%2024%20-%20201 1/TblofCont_Vol24.html
  • Tedeschi, L. O., T. R. Callaway, J. P. Muir, and R. Anderson. 2011. Potential environmental benefits of feed additives and other strategies for ruminant production. Braz. J. Anim. Sci. 40:291-309.
  • Dubeux Junior, J.C. B., J.P. Muir, M. V. Ferreira dos Santos, J.M. B. Vendramini, A.C. L. De Mello, and M. De Andrade Lira. 2011. Improving grassland productivity in the face of economic, social, and environmental challenges. R. Bras. Zootec. 40:280-290.
  • Pimentel, P, F. Vilela, D.W.Nguluve, J.P. Muir, and A. Jose. 2011. Supplementary feeding increases live weight gain of Angoni cattle during the dry season in Mozambique. Livestock Research for Rural Development 23:2011 http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd23/6/pime23124.htm
  • Muir, J.P. 2011. The multi-faceted role of condensed tannins in the goat ecosystem. Small Ruminant Research 98:115-120.
  • Muir, J.P. and J.R. Bow. 2011. Yield dynamics of Tifton 85 over-seeded with cool season annual forages. Agron. J. 103:1019-1025.
  • Whitney, T.R., A.E. Lee, D.R. Klein, C.B. Scott, T.M. Craig, and J.P. Muir. 2011. A modified in vitro larvae migration inhibition assay using rumen fluid to evaluate Haemonchus contortus viability. Veterinary Parasitology 176:217-225.
  • Riojas, A., B.M. Lambert, J.P. Muir, and A. Thompson. 2011. Phosphorus disappearance as measured using the nylon bag technique in steers changes with grass maturity. J. Anim. Physiology & Animal Nutrition 95:267-272.
  • Lopez-Garcia, J.A., W.R. Ocumpaugh, J.A. Ortega-Santos, J. Lloyd-Reilly, and J.P. Muir. 2011. Bristlegrass seed yield response to nitrogen fertilizer and environment. Crop Sci. 51:361-369.
  • Muir, J.P. 2011. The tao of forage science: innovate or perish. Proc. 65th Southern Pasture & Forage Crop Improvement Conference. Aiken, SC 17-18 May, 2011.
  • Weindorf, D., J.P. Muir and C.Landero-Sanchez. 2011. Organic composts and manufactured fertilizers: economics and ecology. In W. B. Campbell and S. Lopez Ortiz (eds) Integrating agriculture, conservation and ecotourism: Examples from the field. Issues in agroecology:present status and future prospectus 1. Springer, Dordrecht.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Data collection on several native perennial Texas herbaceous legumes continues, with Desmodium paniculatum first on the list for cultivar release. Seed from various locations around the country were collected for side-by-side comparison with the Stephenville panicled tick-clover accession. Field trials of the use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in cooperation with The Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) and funded by private alternative energy companies was completed. Objective 2. Biomass for energy feedstock. With grant support from the Texas Department of Agriculture, a statewide effort focuses the use of legumes as both the primary source of biofuel feedstocks as well as indirectly enhancing the cultivation of biofuel feedstock grasses by improving soil fertility. Where possible, the sustainable use of native grasses supplied with nitrogen from native legumes has been a focus. The use of cool-season annual legumes over-seeded onto established Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) and Cynodon dactylon (bermudagrass), both for soil nutrient enhancement as well as winter ground cover continues. Initial agronomic evaluation of cool-season biodiesel seed crops was started, focusing on over-seeding into warm-season grass and legume pastures in an effort to generate two sources of revenues from cultivated lands. Objective 3. Condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin continue to be a primary focus of a forage program that addresses issues for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. The use of condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin as natural anthelmentics to suppress goat gastro-intestinal parasites continues, focusing primarily on comparing Desmodium paniculatum to the introduced and already proven Lespedeza striata and zero-CT alfalfa. Environmental applications are also considered, especially as they relate to ruminant manure organic matter in soils as well as housefly larvae suppression, with the recruitment of a graduate student at Tarleton State University. PARTICIPANTS: Participants: James P. Muir, PI. Organized project and coordinated individuals participating. Partner Organizations: Natural Resource Conservation Services Plant Material Centers at Knox City, Nagadoches, and Kingsville TX; Texas AgriLife Extension; Texas A&M University Soil and Crop Sciences as well as Animal Science Departments; Tarleton State University Agronomy and Animal Science Departments, TX; Fort Valley State University; University of Florida; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agraria, Argentina; Texas A&M University Kingsville, TX; The Noble Foundation, Ardmore OK. Collaborators: Dr. Barry Lambert, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Donald McGahan, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Beran, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas AgriLife Extension; John Lloyd-Reilly, NRCS-PMC; Dr. Gary Rea, NRCS-PMC; Rob Ziehr, NRCS; Dr. Roger Wittie, Tarleton State University; Dr. David Kattes, Tarleton State University; Dr. Poncho Orgtega, Kingsville A&M University; Dr. Jose Dubeux, Universidade Rural Federal de Pernambuco Brazil; Dr. Maria Silveira, University of Florida; Forrest Smith, Texas A&M Kingsville. Graduate student training: Rebecca Hackney, Tarleton State University; Michael Carl Bullinger, Tarleton State University; Ray Noah, Tarleton State University; Josh White, Tarleton State University; Visiting scientists: Dr. Jose Dubeux, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: peri-urban landowners; cattle ranchers; goat producers; wildlife/game farmers; prairie restoration managers; native plant seed producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Agricultural producers and the general public are increasingly interested in using legumes, especially native species, as both a protein source for ruminant production systems as well as a natural, non-fossil fuel dependent sources of fertilizer, biofuel feedstock and IPM suppression of gastro-intestinal parasites and pest flies have become of greater interest to agriculture. The use of legumes as green manures, sustainable protein sources, methane emission suppression, or gastro-intestinal parasite suppression is increasingly important.

Publications

  • Acero, A., J.P. Muir, and R.M. Wolfe. 2010. Nutritional composition and condensed tannin concentration changes as leaves become litter in nine trees and vines. J. Sci. Food Agic. 90:2582-2585.
  • Dittus, D. and J.P. Muir. 2010. Scarification of native Texas legume seeds. Native Plants Journal 11:5-10.
  • Cherry, N.M., B.D. Lambert, and J.P. Muir. Ruminal and total tract phosphorus release from feedstuffs in cattle measured using the mobile nylon bag technique. 2010. J. Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 94:665-669.
  • Bow, J.R., and J.P. Muir. 2010. Dynamics of feeding Cynodon Dactylon cv. Tifton hay of varying maturities to wether goats. Small Ruminant Research 93:198-201.
  • Muir, J.P., McFarland, M., T.J. Butler, T.J. Helton. 2010. Manure compost timing and rate influence Bermudagrass yield and nutrient concentrations. Crop Sci. 50:2133-2139.
  • Jones, P.D., B. Rude, J.P. Muir, S. Demarais, B.K. Strickland, and S.L. Edwards. 2010. Condensed tannins effect on white-tailed deer forage digestibility in Mississippi. J. Wildlife Management 74:707-713.
  • Weiss, S.A., J.P. Muir, R.W. Godfrey. 2010. Coral vine consumption by Saint Croix hair lambs. Livestock Research for Rural Development. 22:1-6. http://www.lrrd.org/lrrd22/5/weis22097.htm
  • Butler, T.J., and Muir, J.P. 2010. Registration of Rio Rojo wildbean (Strophostyles leiosperma). J. Plant Registrations 4:103-105.
  • Muir, J.P., T.J. Butler, W.D. Ocumpaugh, and C.M. Simpson. 2010. Registration of Latitude 34 perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata var. glabrata). J. Plant Registrations 4:106-109.
  • Whitney, T.R., and J.P. Muir. 2010. Juniperus pinchotii Sudw. (redberry juniper) as a roughage source in lamb feedlot rations: I. performance and serum NEFA, urea N, and IGF-1 concentrations. J. Anim. Sci. J. Anim. Sci. 88:1492-1502.
  • Pagan-Riestra, S., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert, L. Tedeschi, and L. Redmon. 2010. Phosphorus and other nutrient disappearance from plants containing condensed tannins using the nylon bag technique. Anim. Feed Science & Technology 156:19-25.
  • Muir, J.P., B.D. Lambert, A. Greenwood, A. Lee, and A. Riojas. 2010. Comparing repeated forage bermudagrass harvest data to single, accumulated bioenergy feedstock harvests. Bioresource Technology 101:200-206.
  • Rea, G., J. Douglas, R. Ziehr, and J.P. Muir. 2010. Growth and forage quality of warm season grasses during the growing season in west-central Texas. Texas Plant Conservation Conference, 2010.
  • Prasad, G. N.L. Poweleit, G.R. Shah, T.P. Schuck, J.P. Muir, and E.K. James. 2010. Nodulation of United States Native Mimosoid Legumes by Sinorhizobium medicae Isolated from Texas Soil. Proc. 21st North American Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation, June 13-18, 2010, Columbia Missouri.
  • Lee. A.E., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert, JL Reilley, and T.R. Whitney. 2010. Nutritive value of North American grasses during establishment. In: ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2010 Joint Annual Meeting; July 12-16; Denver CO. p. 88 Abstract 156.
  • Deubler, L.A., D. McGahan, R.M. Wittie, and J.P. Muir. 2010. Efficacy of soil extracting solutions for assessing potential phosphorus loss from a dairy waste application field soil. 140-44. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Long Beach, CA, Oct. 1- Nov. 4. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • White, J., J.P. Muir and J.R. Bow. 2010. Phosphorus and nitrogen yields from Tifton 85 fields over-seeded in cool-season annual forages. 82-1. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Long Beach, CA, Oct. 1- Nov. 4. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Bow, J.R., and J.P. Muir. 2010. Seeding rates for native perennial herbaceous legumes for forage production in the southern Great Plains. 293-3. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Long Beach, CA, Oct. 1- Nov. 4. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Weiss, S., and J.P. Muir. 2010. Sunn hemp as a feed for St. Croix White lambs. Proceedings Caribbean Food Crops Society 44th Annual Meeting, Dominican Republic.
  • Muir, J.P. 2010. Sustainable, low-input warm season grass-legume mixes: mission (nearly) impossible pp 1-19. Proc. 64th Southern Pasture & Forage Crop Improvement Conference. Oklahoma City, OK 10-11 May, 2010.
  • Muir, J.P. 2010. The multiple roles of condensed tannins in the goat environment. Proc. XV International Goat Research Congress. Recife, Brazil 18-23 September, 2010.


Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. The native Texas warm-season annual legume Strophostyles leiosperma (smooth-seeded wildbean; PI 658217) has been released as Rio Rojo for potential commercial use in Texas and Oklahoma. A commercial seed production and distribution partner is being sought. The introduced summer perennial legume Arachis glabrata (perennial peanut of rhizoma peanut; PI 658497) was also released under the name Latitude 34 for use as a perennial hay crop or wildlife feed. Data collection on several other native perennial Texas herbaceous legumes continues on Desmanthus spp., Desmodium spp., and Lespedeza spp. The use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) in cooperation with The Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) and funded by private alternative energy companies continues. Objective 2. Biomass for energy feedstock. This effort focuses the use of legumes as both the primary source of biofuel feedstocks as well as indirectly enhancing the cultivation of biofuel feedstock grasses by improving soil fertility. The use of annual legumes over-seeded onto established Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) and Cynodon dactylon (bermudagrass), both for soil nutrient enhancement as well as winter ground cover continues. Objective 3. Condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin continue to be a primary focus of a forage program that addresses issues for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. The use of condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin as natural anthelmentics to suppress small ruminant gastro-intestinal parasites has also been initiated, focusing primarily on comparing Desmodium paniculatum to the introduced and already proven Lespedeza striata. Environmental applications are also considered, especially as they relate to ruminant manure organic matter in soils as well as housefly larvae suppression. PARTICIPANTS: Participants: James P. Muir, PI. Organized project and coordinated individuals participating. Partner Organizations: Natural Resource Conservation Services Plant Material Centers at Knox City, Nagadoches, and Kingsville; Texas AgriLife Extension; Texas A&M University Soil and Crop Sciences as well as Animal Science Departments; Tarleton State University Agronomy and Animal Science Departments; Fort Valley State University, University of Florida; Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agraria, Argentina. Collaborators: Dr. Barry Lambert, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Donald McGahan, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Beran, Texas AgriLife Research; Dr. Larry Redmon, Texas AgriLife Extension; John Lloyd-Reilly, NRCS-PMC; Dr. Gary Rea, NRCS-PMC; Rob Ziehr, NRCS; Dr. Roger Wittie, Tarleton State University; Dr. David Kattes, Tarleton State University; Dr. Poncho Orgtega, Kingsville A&M University; Dr. Jose Dubeux, Universidade Rural Federal de Pernambuco Brazil; Dr. Maria Silveira, University of Florida. Graduate student training: Marissa Condren, Tarleton State University; Rebecca Hackney, Tarleton State University; Jessica Slater, Tarleton State University; Michael Carl Bullinger, Tarleton State University; Ray Noah, Tarleton State University; Josh White, Tarleton State University; Stacey Bandoni, Tarleton State University; Rachel Alphin, Tarleton State University; Suzika Pagan, Texas A&M University; Andrew Foote, Tarleton State University; Visiting scientists: Dr. Jose Dubeux, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target Audiences: peri-urban landowners; cattle ranchers; goat producers; wildlife/game farmers; prairie restoration managers; native plant seed producers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
The wide use of legumes, especially native species, as both a protein source for ruminant production systems as well as a natural, non-fossil fuel dependent sources of fertilizer, biofuel feedstock and IPM suppression of gastro-intestinal parasites and pest flies have become of greater interest to agriculture. Integration into biofuel feedstock grass systems is particularly valuable. Dairies are likewise interested in alternatives to fly suppression that involve condensed tannins in IPM and organic systems.

Publications

  • Whitley, N.C., J.E. Miller, J.M. Burke, D. Cazac, D.J. O Brein, L. Dykes, and J.P. Muir. 2009. Effect of high tannin grain sorghum on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats. Small Ruminant Research 87:105-107.
  • Pagan-Riestra, S., R. Wolfe, T. Terrill, and J.P. Muir. 2009. Effect of drying method and assay methodology on detergent fiber analysis in plants containing condensed tannins. Animal Feed Science and Technology 154:119-124.
  • Muir, J.P., and J.R. Bow. 2009. Nutritive values and yields of cool season forages grown on high-phosphorus soil. Agron. J. 101:764-768.
  • Somenahally, A., D.C. Weindorf, L. Darilek, J.P. Muir, R. Wittie, and C. Thompson. 2009. Spatial variability of soil test phosphorus in three manure amended dairy soils in north central Texas. J. of Soil and Water Cons. 64:89-97.
  • Foster, J., J.P. Muir, W.C. Ellis, B.L. Lambert. 2009. Nutritive evaluation of two legumes (Strophostyles spp.) supplemented to goats fed a high quality coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay diet. Texas J. Agric. Nat. Resources 21:73-81.
  • Butler, T.J., D.C. Weindorf, K.J. Han, and J.P. Muir. 2009. Dairy manure compost quality affects corn silage production and soil properties. Compost Science & Utilization 17:18-24.
  • Muir, J.P. and D. McGahan. 2009. Maximizing forage production and manure-phosphorus recycling from year-round forage production systems on dairies. Proc. XIX Reunion Internacional Sobre Produccion de Carne y Leche en Climas Calidos. Ejido Nuevo Leon, Valle de Mexicali, Baja California, 12 August 2009.
  • Ganjegunte, G., R. Braun, Y. Wu, and J.P. Muir. 2009. Evaluating the feasibility of treated urban wastewater (Type II) irrigation on bioenergy crop production in west Texas. 340-1. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Pittsburgh, PN, Nov. 1-5. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Noah, R., J.P. Muir, R. Wittie, and D. Kattes. 2009. Evaluation of prairie acacia, panicled tickclover, and herbaceous mimosa at Stephenville Texas. 80-5. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Pittsburgh, PN, Nov. 1-5. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Pagan-Riestra, S., J.P. Muir, and B.D. Lambert. 2009. Effect of polyethelene:condensed tannin ratios on in vitro fermentation of warm-season herbaceous legumes. 299-3. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Pittsburgh, PN, Nov. 1-5. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Bow, J.R. and J.P. Muir. 2009. Cool season annual forages reduce Tifton 85 and Coastal Bermudagrass.81-3. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Pittsburgh, PN, Nov. 1-5. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Cherry, N., A.V. Riojas, B.D. Lambert, and J.P. Muir. 2009. Phosphorus availability in bovines varies with forgae species and maturity. p 67. Proc. 2009 Texas Animal Manure Management Issues Conference, Austin 29-30 September, 2009.
  • Hackney, R.B., M.A. Minkely, D.H. Kattes, J.P. Muir, and B.D. Lambert. 2009. Manure and litter as a nutrient source for coastal bermudagrass production in the cross timbers region of Texas. P. 91. Proc. 2009 Texas Animal Manure Management Issues Conference, Austin 29-30 September, 2009.
  • Bow, J.R. and J.P. Muir. 2009. Extracting additional manure soil phosphorus from bermudagrass pastures by over-seeding cool-season annual forages. p. 93. Proc. 2009 Texas Animal Manure Management Issues Conference, Austin 29-30 September, 2009.
  • Interrante, S.M., T.J. Butler, A.L. Maas, and J.P. Muir. 2009. Evaluation of rhizoma peanut germplasm in north Texas and southern Oklahoma. Proc. American Forage and Grasslands Council Vol. 18. June 21-24 2009, Grand Rapids MI. CD.
  • Huo, C., T.J. Butler, J.P. Muir. 2009. Effects of over-seeding legumes or rye compared to nitrogen fertilizer on switchgrass yields. Proc. American Forage and Grasslands Council Vol. 18. June 21-24 2009, Grand Rapids MI. CD.
  • Pagan-Riestra, S., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert, L.O. Tedeschi, and L. Redmon. 2009. Phosphorus and other nutrient disappearance from plants containing condensed tannins using the mobile nylon bag technique. In: ADSA-CSAS-ASAS 2009 Joint Annual Meeting; 2009 July 12-16; Montreal, Quebec, Canada. p. 88 Abstract 156.
  • Boggs, L.M., J.P. Muir, and J.W. Dunn. 2009. Got weeds Get goats!! Program 10, Western Society of Weed Scientists Annual Meeting, 10-12 March, 2009, Albuquerque NM. Online at http://www.wsweedscience.org/
  • Pagan-Riestra, S., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert. 2009. Effect of polyethylene glycol on in vitro fermentation of warm season herbaceous legumes containing condensed tannins. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Baltimore, MA, Nov. 1-5. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Jones, P. D., B. Rude, J. P. Muir, S. Demarais, B. K. Strickland, and S. L. Edwards. 2009. Condensed tannins and deer forage quality in Mississippi. Thirty-second Annual Southeastern Deer Study Group Meeting, Roanoke, Virginia, USA. 22 to 24 February 2009.
  • Terrill, T.H, W.R. Getz, S.L. Dzimianski, W.F. Whitehead, B. Singh, and J.P. Muir. 2009. Effect of repeated or one-time grazing of kudzu by sheep and goats in central Georgia. 6 pp. Proc. 18th Annual Meeting of the American Forage and Grassland Council, June 21-24, Grand Rapids MI. AFGC, on CD.
  • Muir, J.P., T.H. Terrill, E. Valencia, S. Weiss, K. Littlefield, P.D. Jones, J. Mosjidis, and R.M. Wolfe. 2009. A wide range in forage legume condensed tannin in the southeastern USA shows promise in ruminant protein and parasite management. 11 pp. Proc. 18th Annual Meeting of the American Forage and Grassland Council, June 21-24, Grand Rapids MI. AFGC, on CD.
  • Muir, J.P., T.H. Terrill, E. Valencia, S. Weiss, K. Littlefield, P.D. Jones, J. Mosjidis, and R.M. Wolfe. 2009. A wide range in forage condensed tannin in the Caribbean Basin shows promise in ruminant protein and parasite management. Proceedings XXVII Caribbean Food Crops Society Meeting. July 12-18, St. Kitts.


Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Sufficient data exists to release germplasm of native Texas warm-season legumes Acacia angustissima, Lespedeza stuevei, and Desmodium paniculatum, Strophostyles leiosperma and S. helvula for commercial use. Seed production and persistence are the primary research interests although nutritive value is also of interest. Research on introduced summer legumes is focused on releasing an Arachis glabrata accession named Latitude 34 for use as a perennial hay crop. The use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum, in cooperation with the Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) and funded by private alternative energy companies continues. Objective 2. Biomass for energy feedstock. This effort focuses the use of annual legumes over-seeded onto established switchgrass, both for soil nutrient enhancement as well as winter ground cover. The addition of phosphorus of dairy-manure origin is being looked at with over-seeded winter annual legumes that provide N and organic matter to soil supporting switchgrass. In addition, the possible use of Arundo donax, giant reed, in south Texas was initiated in cooperation with a private bioenergy company. The conversion of Cynodon dactylon from forage to biofuel feedstock production was also examined. Objective 3. Condensed tannins of native Texas legume origin have become the main focus of a forage program that addresses issues for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Pen and laboratory trials looking at the digestibility and condensed tannin impacts of native legumes on caprine and bovine ruminant systems continues. Environmental applications are also considered, especially as they relate to ruminant manure. The use of both leguminous and grass forages for phytoremediation of soils high in phosphorus of dairy manure origin continues, focusing on-dairy trials. PARTICIPANTS: NRCS Plant Materials Centers at Kingsville and Knox City, TX Tarleton State University, Stephenville TX The Noble Foundation, Ardmore OK Texas AgriLife Research Texas AgriLife Extension Fort Valley State University USDA-ARS Hope AR University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez PR University of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix USVI Trained 6 graduate students from Tarleton State University, Texas A&M University and University of Puerto Rico. TARGET AUDIENCES: Dairy Industry in north-central Texas Texas Department of Transportation Native seed companies: Turner Seed, Breckenridge TX & Pogue Seed, Beeville TX Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Department of Energy Texas & Oklahoma landowners interested in restoring native prairie species PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Legumes as both a protein source for ruminant production systems as well as a natural, non-fossil fuel dependent source of fertilizer have become of greater interest to agriculture as the rising price of industrial fertilizers match rising fuel costs. Integration into biofuel feedstock grass systems is particularly valuable. Dairies are likewise interested, with the additional benefit of cultivated forage systems that increase dairy waste phosphorus recycling within their production units. This should decrease surface water phosphorus runoff as well as improve public relations with water-users downstream. Interest in the conservation of native leguminous warm-season legumes and naturalized cool-season legumes germplasm, namely its collection, commercial development, and inclusion in CRP, roadside or native prairie restoration efforts is on the increase. Partners include the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Transportation, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Tarleton State University.

Publications

  • Butler, T.J., M. Anowarul Islam, and J.P. Muir. 2008. Establishing cool-season perennial grasses into former annual grass pastures in the southern Great Plains. Forage and Grazinglands. doi:10.1094/FG-2008-0911-01-RS.
  • Bow, J.R., J.P. Muir, D. Weindorf, R.E. Rossiere and T.J. Butler. 2008. Competition between over-seeded cool season winter annual legumes and established switchgrass fertilized with dairy compost. Crop Sci. 48:1621-1628.
  • Helton, T.J., T.J. Butler, M.L. McFarLand, F.M. Hons, S. Mukhtar, and J.P. Muir. 2008. Effects of dairy manure compost and supplemental inorganic fertilizer on coastal bermudagrass. Agron. J. 100:924-930.
  • Gonzalez-Valenzuela, E.A., J.M. Avila-Curiel, J.A. Ortega-Santos, M.A. Gonzalez-Padron, and J.P. Muir. 2008. Harvest interval changes kenaf forage yield and nutritive value under dry tropical conditions of Mexico. Agron. J. 100:938-941.
  • Muir, J.P., T.J. Butler, R. Wolfe, and J.R. Bow. 2008. Harvest techniques change annual warm-season legume forage yield and nutritive value. Agron. J. 100:765-770.
  • Wolfe, R.M., T.H. Terrill, and J.P. Muir. 2008. Drying method and origin of standard affect condensed tannin (CT) concentrations in perennial herbaceous legumes using simplified butanol-HCL CT analysis. J. Sci. Food Agric. 88:1060-1067.
  • Pawelek, D., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert, and R. Wittie. 2008. In sacco rumen degradability of condensed tannins, fiber, and nitrogen from herbaceous native Texas legumes in goats. Animal Feed Science & Technology 140:225-240.
  • Muir, J.P., J.R. Bow, W. Rodriguez, and J.M. Patterson. 2008. Defoliation of Panicled tick-clover, Tweedys tick-clover and Tall bush-clover: II. Herbage Nutritive Value and Condensed Tannin Concentrations. Agron. J. 100:1635-1639.
  • Muir, J.P., and J.R. Bow. 2008. Defoliation of Panicled tick-clover, Tweedys tick-clover and Tall bush-clover: I. Winter survival and yields of herbage and seed. Agron J. 100:1631-1634.
  • Han, K.J., T.J. Butler, J.P. Muir, L. Lastly, and D.C. Weindorf. 2008. Dairy manure compost effects on corn silage production and soil properties. Agron. J. 100:1541-1545.
  • Pagan-Riestra, S., J.P. Muir, and R.M. Wolfe. 2008. Changes in acid detergent fiber in three native Texas legumes of varying condensed tannin concentrations as affected by drying method. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Houston, TX, Oct. 5-9. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Lee, A.E., and J.P. Muir. 2008. Changes in condensed tannin concentration of native Texas legumes as a result of clipping height. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Houston, TX, Oct. 5-9. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Acero, R.A., J.P. Muir, and R.M. Wolfe. 2008. Nutritional composition and condensed tannin concentration of leaves and litter of nine Texas trees and vines. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Houston, TX, Oct. 5-9. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Lee, A. E., A. V. Riojas, B. D. Lambert, and J. P. Muir. 2008. Forage management affects bermudagrass Forage yield and nutritive value. ASAS National Meeting. July 2008. Indianapolis, IN.
  • Cherry, N.M., B. D. Lambert, and J. P. Muir. 2008. Use of the mobile nylon bag method to determine phosphorus disappearance in common dairy cattle ration ingredients. ASAS National Meeting. July 2008. Indianapolis, IN.
  • Reinhard, M.S., B. D. Lambert, J. P. Muir, and R. Harp. 2008. Effects of protein and energy supplementation on in situ disappearance of low-quality Coastal Bermudagrass hay in goats. ASAS National Meeting. July 2008. Indianapolis, IN.
  • Boggs, L., J.P. Muir and J.W. Dunn. 2008. Got weeds? Get Goats. Southern SARE annual conference.
  • Lambert, B.D., N. Cherry and J.P. Muir. 2008. Dietary phosphorus availability in ruminants varies by plant species. Proc. 2008 National Water Conference, 3-7 February, Sparks NV. http://www.usawaterquality./orgconferences/2008/abstracts/Lambert08.p df
  • Muir, J.P., B. Lambert, D.Weindorf, M.Yu, R. Wittie and S. Mukhtar. 2008. Tightening the phosphorus cycles on CAFO dairies in north-central Texas. Proc. 2008 National Water Conference, 3-7 February, Sparks NV. http://www.usawaterquality.org/conferences/2008/abstracts/Muir08.pdf
  • Muir, J.P., T.J.Butler, W.D. Pitman, J. Lloyd-Reilley, P. Maywald, and R.T. Cragar. 2008. Going native with herbaceous legumes for rangeland, pasture and prairie restoration. Organizing Committee (eds.). P. 449. Proc. Int. Grassland/Int. Rangeland Congress, Hohhot, China, 29 June-5 July. Ganghong Peoples Publishing House, Hohhot, China.
  • Muir, J.P., B.J. Lambert, T.J. Bulter, G.W. Evers, K.F. Bronson, L. Stanley-Stevens, and R.D. 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 Peoples Publishing House, Hohhot, China.
  • Muir, J.P. 2008. Are cultivated forages sustainable for goat production in sub-humid and semi-arid climates? Proc. 9th International Conference on Goats, Queretero Mexico, 31 August -5 September, 2008.


Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. The project continues to study and develop native Texas warm-season legumes Acacia angustissima, Lespedeza stuevei, and Desmodium paniculatum, Strophostyles leiosperma and S. helvula for eventual release to the commercial market. Seed production and persistence are the primary research interests although nutritive value is also of interest. Research on introduced summer legumes focuses Arachis glabrata accessions from Dr. Charles Simpson's germplasm collection for use as a perennial hay crop. The use of over-seeded annual medics, clovers and vetches of Mediterranean origin as a green manure for Panicum virgatum, in cooperation with Dr. Twain Butler at the Noble Foundation (Oklahoma) was also initiated. Objective 2. Switchgrass for biomass. This effort focuses the use of annual legumes over-seeded onto established switchgrass, both for soil nutrient enhancement as well as winter ground cover. The addition of phosphorus of dairy-manure origin is being looked at with over-seeded winter annual legumes that provide N and organic matter to soil supporting switchgrass. Objective 3. Forage for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Pen and laboratory trials looking at the digestibility and condensed tannin impacts of native legumes on caprine and bovine ruminant systems continues. The use of both leguminous and grass forages for phytoremediation of soils high in phosphorus of dairy manure origin continues, focusing on-dairy trials. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Twain Butler, The Noble Foundation, Oklahoma. Dr. Elide Valencia, University of Puerto Rico. Dr. Tom Terrill, Fort Valley State, Georgia. Dr. Jim Miller, Louisiana State University. Dr. Joan Burke, USDA-ARS Arkansas. Stuart Weiss, Univerisity of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Ray Cragar, Natural Resource Conservation Service. John O'Reilley, Natural Resource Conservation Service. Dr. Jose Arroquay, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion Agricola, Argentina. Amanda Acero, Colombia. Mike Miller, Texas Parks and Wildlife. TARGET AUDIENCES: Texas Dairy Association. Erath County cattle and goat producers. Commanche County cattle and goat producers. American Society of Animal Science. American Society of Agronomy.

Impacts
As the rising price of industrial fertilizers match rising fuel costs, cattle, goat, horse, and biomass producers have shown a resurgent interest in renewable sources of nitrogen. Legumes are ideally suited for this purpose. Dairies are likewise interested, with the additional benefit of cultivated forage systems that increase dairy waste phosphorus recycling within their production units. This should decrease surface water phosphorus runoff as well as improve public relations with water-users downstream. Interest in the conservation of native leguminous warm-season legumes and naturalized cool-season legumes germplasm, namely its collection, commercial development, and inclusion in CRP, roadside or native prairie restoration efforts is on the increase. Partners include the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Transportation, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and Tarleton State University.

Publications

  • Packard, C.E., J.P. Muir, R.D. Wittie, and R.M. Harp. 2007. Peanut stover and bermudagrass hay for wethers on summer hardwood range in north central Texas. Sheep & Goat Research Journal 22:7-14.
  • Foster, J.L., J.P. Muir, and B.D. Lambert and D. Pawelek. 2007. In situ and in vitro degradation of native warm-season legumes and alfalfa in goats and steers fed sorghum-sudan basal diet. Anim. Feed Tech. 133:228-239.
  • Butler, T.J., J.P. Muir, and T.L. Provin. 2007. Phosphorus fertilization of annual ryegrass and comparison of soil phosphorus extractants. J. Plant Nutr. 30:9-20.
  • Muir, James P., Twain J. Butler, and G. Ray Smith. 2007. Annual legumes for the Cross Timbers of Texas and Oklahoma. Forage Research in Texas.
  • Bow, J.R, and J.P. Muir. 2007. Overseeding with cool-season annual forages reduces early spring bermudagrass regrowth. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, New Orleans, LA, Nov. 4-8. Agronomy Abstracts (271-561 on CD).
  • Butler, T.J., J.P. Muir, A.M. Islam, and J.R. Bow. 2007. Harvest technique and timing affects rhizoma peanut forage yield and nutritive value. Agron. J. 99:1559-1563.
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., J.P. Muir, T.J. Butler, and R.L. Reed. 2007. Registration of Devine Little Burr Medic. J. Plant Reg. 1:31-32.
  • Newman, J.C., J.P. Muir, and G. Evers. 2007. Overseeding cool-season annual ryegrass/legume mixtures on warm-season grasses. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, New Orleans, LA, Nov. 4-8. Agronomy Abstracts (141-4 on CD).
  • Muir, J.P., J.R. Bow, and J. White. 2007. Yield and nutritive value of native Texas legumes Desmodium paniculatum, D. glutinosum, and Lespedeza stuevei. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, New Orleans, LA, Nov. 4-8. Agronomy Abstracts (249-18 on CD).
  • Valentin, K.A.H., B.R. Min, E. Valencia, A. Rodriguez, J.E. Miller, and J.P. Muir. 2007. In vitro larval activity and in vivo gastro-intestinal parasite infestation in goats grazing tropical legumes. American Society Animal Science National Meetings, San Antonio, TX July 8-12.J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):595.
  • Pagan-Riestra, S.R., J.P. Muir, K.A. Littlefield, and S. A. Weiss. 2007. Comparing wether kids on summer cultivated pasture and mesquite rangeland with and without maize grain supplement. American Society Animal Science National Meetings, San Antonio, TX July 8-12. J. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):W119.
  • Patterson, J., B.D. Lambert, and J.P. Muir. 2007. Protein and/or energy supplementation does not change forage digestibility in growing meat goat kids. American Society Animal Science National Meetings, San Antonio, TX July 8-12. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):M127.
  • Wolfe, R., T. Terrill, and J.P. Muir. 2007. Season and drying method effects on condensed tannin levels in perennial herbaceous legumes. American Society Animal Science National Meetings, San Antonio, TX July 8-12. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):T146.
  • Pawelek, D.L., J.P. Muir, B.D. Lambert, and R.D. Wittie. 2007. In sacco rumen disappearance of condensed tannins, fiber, and nitrogen from herbaceous native Texas legumes in goats. American Society Animal Science National Meetings, San Antonio, TX July 8-12. Anim. Sci. 85 (Suppl. 1):T145.
  • Valencia, E., M. de Lourdes, and J.P. Muir. 2007. Browsing goat effects on control of invasive tropical weed species in Puerto Rico. Caribbean Food Crops Society 43rd Annual Meeting, San Jose, Costa Rica.
  • Muir, J.P., E. Valencia, R. Wolfe, T.T. Terrill. 2007. The role of tropical legume condensed tannins in the ruminant:forage interface. Caribbean Food Crops Society 43rd Annual Meeting, San Jose, Costa Rica.
  • Wolfe, R.M., T.H. Terrill, and J.P. Muir. 2007. Fiber analysis of browse species varying in condensed tannin content. Vol. 16 on CD. AFGC.
  • Muir, J.P., E. Valencia, R. Wolfe, B. Lambert, L. Tedeschi, and T. Terrill. 2007. The role of tropical legume condensed tannins in the ruminant environment. Proceedings XXV Caribbean Food Crops Society Meeting. September 16-21, San Jose, Costa Rica.
  • Muir, J.P., E. Valencia, S. Weiss, and T. Terrill. 2007. Small ruminants for biological control of invasive vegetation. Proceedings XXIV Caribbean Food Crops Society Meeting. July 9-14, San Juan Puerto Rico.
  • Newman, Y.C., B.D. Lambert and J.P. Muir. 2007. Defining forage quality: nutritive value of southern forages. Texas Cooperative Extension, College Station, TX L-5481.
  • Reinhard, M., A.P. Foote, J.P. Muir, and B.D. Lambert. 2007. In Situ Disappearance of Coastal Bermudagrass Hay in Goats. TAMU System Research Symposium. November, 2007. Stephenville, TX.
  • Lee, A.E., A.V. Riojas, B.D. Lambert, J.P. Muir. 2007. Forage Management Affects Bermudagrass Forage Yield and Nutritive Value. TAMU System Student Research Symposium. November, 2007. Stephenville, TX.
  • Littlefield, K.A., J.K. Tomberlin, B.D. Lambert, J.P. Muir. 2007. Condensed tannins inhibit house fly growth in livestock manure. TAMU System Student Research Symposium. November, 2007. Stephenville, TX.


Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Native Texas warm-season legumes Acacia angustissima, Lespedeza stuevei, and Desmodium paniculatum were the primary perennials presently being studied whiled Strophostyles leiosperma and S. helvula were the annuals most studied. Seed production and persistence are the primary research interests although nutritive value is also of interest. Research on introduced summer annual legumes focuses productivity under harvest. Herbicide tolerance of introduced perennial grasses and native legumes was also researched in the past year. Objective 2. Switchgrass for biomass. This effort is limited to publication of results and interseeding with cool and warm season forage legumes. The addition of phosphorus, which previous research has indicated is not important for switchgrass, is being looked at with over-seeded winter annual legumes that provide N and organic matter to soil supporting switchgrass. Objective 3. Forage for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Most trails this year focused on the feasibility of using hay for goat production. The use of both leguminous and grass forages for phytoremediation of soils high in phosphorus of dairy manure origin continues, focusing on-dairy trials.

Impacts
Impact: More meat-goat producers are interested in cultivated forages for their production systems. Dairies are focusing their cultivated forage systems on species and year-long systems that increase dairy waste phosphorus recycling within their production units. This should decrease surface water phosphorus runoff as well as improve public relations with water-users downstream. Interest in the conservation of native leguminous warm-season legumes and naturalized cool-season legumes germplasm, namely its collection, commercial development, and inclusion in CRP or native prairie restoration efforts is on the increase.

Publications

  • Butler, T.J., J.P. Muir, and T.L. Provin. 2007. Phosphorus fertilization of annual ryegrass and comparison of soil phosphorus extractants. J. Plant Nutr. 30:1-12.
  • Packard, C.E., J.P. Muir and R.D. Wittie. 2007. Groundnut stover and bermudagrass hay for wethers on winter hardwood range in north central Texas. Small Ruminant Research 67:1-6.
  • Payne, B., J. Crenwelge, B.D. Lambert, and J.P. Muir. 2006. A self-limiting complete feed changes forage intake and animal performance of growing meat goats. South African J. Anim. Sci. 36:257-260.
  • Butler, T.J., J.P. Muir, and J.T. Ducar. 2006. Response of Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) to various herbicides and weed control during establishment. Weed Technol. 20:934-941.
  • Butler, T.J., W.R. Ocumpaugh, M. A. Sanderson, R. L. Reed, and J.P Muir. 2006. Evaluation of rhizoma peanut genotypes for adaptation in Texas. Agron J. 98:1589-1593.
  • Muir, J.P. 2006. Nitrogen fertilizer rates on wheat pastures for meat goats in north-central Texas. Small Ruminant Research 66:64-69.
  • Butler, T.J. and J.P. Muir. 2006. Dairy manure compost improves soil and increases tall wheatgrass yield. Agron. J. 98:1090-1096.
  • Muir, J.P. 2006. Stocking rates on cultivated winter pastures for meat goats. Sheep & Goat Research Journal 21:6-11.
  • Muir, J.P., W.R. Ocumpaugh, and T.J. Butler. 2006. Winter harvests for annual forage medics in the southern Great Plains. Forage and Grazinglands May, 2006.
  • Butler, T.J., J.P. Muir, and J.T. Ducar. 2006. Weed control and response of various herbicides during Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) establishment from rhizomes. Agron J. 98:788-794.
  • Butler, T.J. and J.P. Muir. 2006. Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) yield response to various herbicides. Weed Technol. 20:95-100.


Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Native Texas warm-season legumes continue to be the focus of the research program. Persistence under harvest, seed production, forage quality (including in sacco steer and wether studies) indicate that some species show much promise. Acacia angustissima, Lespedeza stuevei, and Desmodium paniculatum are prominent. Research on naturalized winter annual legumes continues, especially phosphorus requirements. Herbicide tolerance of introduced perennial grasses and native legumes was also researched in the past year. Objective 2. Switchgrass for biomass. This effort is limited to publication of results and interseeding with cool and warm season forage legumes. Objective 3. Forage for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Most trails this year focused on the feasibility of using hay for goat production. The use of both leguminous and grass forages for phytoremediation of soils high in phosphorus of dairy manure origin continues, focusing on-dairy trials.

Impacts
More meat-goat producers are interested in cultivated forages for their production systems. Dairies are focusing their cultivated forage systems on species and year-long systems that increase dairy waste phosphorus recycling within their production units. This should decrease surface water phosphorus runoff as well as improve public relations with water-users downstream. Interest in the conservation of native leguminous warm-season legumes and naturalized cool-season legumes germplasm, namely its collection, commercial development, and inclusion in CRP or native prairie restoration efforts is on the increase.

Publications

  • Cassida, K.A., J.P. Muir, B.C. Venuto, J.C. Read, M.A. Hussey, and W.R. Ocumpaugh. 2005. Biofuel component concentrations and yields of switchgrass in south central U.S. environments. Crop Sci. 45:682-692.
  • Cassida, K.A., J.P. Muir, B.C. Venuto, J.C. Read, M.A. Hussey, and W.R. Ocumpaugh. 2005. Biomass yield and stand characteristics of switchgrass in south central U.S. Environments. Crop Sci. 673-681.
  • Malinowski, D.P., H. Zuo, B.A. Kramp, J.P. Muir, and W.E. Pinchak. 2005. Obligatory Summer-Dormant Cool-Season Perennial Grasses for Semiarid Environments of the Southern Great Plains. Agronomy J. 97:147-154.
  • Muir, J.P., R.L. Reed and D.P. Malinowski. 2005. Forage and seed of Strophostyles species as affected by location and harvest height. Native Plant J. 6:123-130.
  • Butler, T.J., M.W. Rowland, and J.P. Muir. 2005. Converting annual grass pastures into perennial grass systems. In Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Bloomington, IL, June 10-15. AFGC, Georgetown, TX. 14:81-85
  • Butler, T.J., J.R. Bow, and J.P. Muir. 2005 Yield of various legumes in response to herbicides labelled for alfalfa. Proc. International Grasslands Congress. Dublin, Ireland. XX:407
  • Muir, J.P., T.J. Butler, W.R. Ocumpaugh, and M. Haulk. 2005. The long road to developing native herbaceous legume ecotypes. Proc. International Grasslands Congress. Pastoral systems in marginal environments. Glasgow, Scotland. XX:107.
  • Muir, J.P., W.R. Ocumpaugh and T.J.Butler. 2005. Forage and seed production of annual Medicago and Trifolium species in north-central Texas as affected by harvest height. Agron. J. 97:118-124.
  • Muir, J.P., J.Taylor and S.M. Interrante. 2005. Herbage and seed from native perennial herbaceous legumes of Texas. Rangeland Ecology & Management 58:643-651.
  • Kiniry, J.R., K.A. Cassida, M.A. Hussey, J.P. Muir, W.R. Ocumpaugh, J.C. Read, R.L. Reed, M.A. Sanderson, B. Venuto and J.R. Williams. 2005. Switchgrass simulation at diverse sites in the southern U.S. J. Biomass and Bioenergy 29:419-425.


Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Results from the exclusively warm-season native legumes indicate entries with good seed production and high nutritive value. Research on naturalized winter annual legumes has focused on clovers and medics, with promising results for productive and self-reseeding stands. Introduced forage legume research is presently limited to PI lines of perennial peanut (Arachis glabrata) which show considerable winter hardiness and biomass production. Objective 2. Switchgrass for biomass. This effort is limited to publication of results and interseeding with cool and warm season forage legumes. Objective 3. Forage for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Year-round forage systems to support rangeland-based meat goat production are being designed using results of past trials. Research into and publication of trial results looking at the use of both leguminous and grass forages for phytoremediation of soils high in phosphorus of dairy manure origin continues.

Impacts
Dairies are turning to cultivated forage systems to increase dairy waste phosphorus recycling within their production units. This should decrease surface water phosphorus runoff as well as improve public relations with water-users downstream. Interest in the use of native leguminous warm-season legumes and naturalized cool-season legumes should improve wildlife and domestic stock nutrition as well as decrease the likelihood of unintentionally introducing invasive weeds

Publications

  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., M.A. Hussey, W.J. Grichar, Jr., J.C. Read, D.H. Bade, W.E. Pinchak, G.R. Smith, R.A. Lane, W.D. Pitman, J.P. Muir, and S.W. Coleman. 2004. Registration of Armadillo burr medic. Crop Sci. 44:1023-1024.
  • Nguluve, D., J.P. Muir, R. Wittie, R. Rossiere and T.J. Butler. 2004. Yield and Quality of Summer Legumes as Influenced by Dairy Manure Compost and Crabgrass. Agron. J. 96:812-817.
  • Muir, J.P. and W.D. Pitman. 2004. Establishment of Desmanthus spp. in existing grass stands. Native Plant J. 5:5-13.
  • Goodwin, J.D., J.P. Muir, R.D. Wittie and T.F. Brown. 2004. Goat weight gains and forage selectivity in mixed grass-forb silvo-pastoral systems. Small Ruminant Res. 52:53-62.
  • Ott, J.P., J.P. Muir, T.F. Brown and R.D. Wittie. 2004. Peanut meal supplementation for growing nanny kids on woodland range. Small Ruminant Res. 52:63-74.
  • Packard, C., J. Taylor, and J.P. Muir. 2004. Native, perennial, warm-season, herbaceous legumes for the Cross Timbers. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., Kunz, J. Rahmes, D. Martinez, J. Grichar, M. Hussey, J. Reilley, A. Abrameit, K. Owens, R. Reed, J.P. Muir, and D. Bade. 2004. BEEWILD bundleflower, a new summer-growing perennial legume for central and south Texas and Mexico. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu
  • Lastly, L., D. Weindorf, T.J. Butler, and J.P. Muir. 2004. The Effects of dairy manure compost and supplemental N on irrigated corn silage. Oct.31-Nov. 4, 2004, Seattle WA. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Bow, J.R., J.P. Muir, and D. Weindorf. 2004. Competition between established switchgrass swards interseeded with annual winter legumes with and without dairy compost. Oct.31-Nov. 4, 2004, Seattle WA. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., W.J. Grichar, Jr., M.A. Hussey, A.H. Abrameit, M.K. Owens, R.L. Reed, J.P. Muir, D. Bade, and J.L. Reilley. 2004. Registration of BeeTAM-06 bundleflower. Crop Sci. 44:1860-1861.
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., W.J. Grichar, Jr., M.A. Hussey, A.H. Abrameit, M.K. Owens, R.L. Reed, J.P. Muir, D. Bade, and J.L. Reilley. 2004. Registration of BeeTAM-37 bundleflower. Crop Sci. 44:1862-1863.
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., W.J. Grichar, Jr., M.A. Hussey, A.H. Abrameit, M.K. Owens, R.L. Reed, J.P. Muir, D. Bade, and J.L. Reilley. 2004. Registration of BeeTAM-57 bundleflower. Crop Sci. 44:1863-1864.
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., W.J. Grichar, Jr., M.A. Hussey, A.H. Abrameit, M.K. Owens, R.L. Reed, J.P. Muir, D. Bade, and J.L. Reilley. 2004. Registration of BeeTAM-08 bundleflower. Crop Sci. 44:1861-1862.
  • Muir, J.P., and T.J. Butler. 2004. Shade tolerance of two native wild beans. Oct.31-Nov. 4, 2004, Seattle WA. Agronomy Abstracts (on CD).
  • Packard, C., J.P. Muir, R.M. Wittie, and R. Harp. 2004. Peanut stover and bermudagrass hay for wethers on hardwood range in north central Texas. July 26, 2004. St. Louis, MO. J. Anim. Sci. 82, Suppl. 1:35.
  • Foster, J.L., J.P. Muir, W.C. Ellis, and J. Sawyer. 2004. Effects of source and level of two legumes or cotton seed meal on intake and digestibility of coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactyonlon) hay diets by goats. July 26, 2004. St. Louis, MO. J. Anim. Sci. 82, Suppl. 1:34.
  • Butler, T.J., and J.P. Muir. 2004. Selecting cool season forage legumes in Texas based on forage yield of reseeded stands. p. 295 to 299. In Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Vol. 13. Roanoke, VA, June 12 to 16, 2004. AFGC,Georgetown, TX.
  • Muir, J.P. and L. Jank. 2004. Guineagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq). IN Moser, L., B. Burson, and L. Sollenberger (ed.) Warm-Season Grasses. ASA Monograph 45. ASA, Madison, WS.


Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. The focus has moved on to seed production and, in the case of naturalized winter legumes, germplasm release to commercial seed producers. Within the group of native legumes, work continues on management, productivity, and anti-quality factors among these largely unknown species. Objective 2: Switchgrass for biomass. Emphasis is on the publication of accumulated data as well as compatibility of switchgrass with both warm and cool season legumes. Objective 3: Forage for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. The search for year-round forage systems designed for goats that compliment range-based production continues. Use of forage for phytoremediation of fields having received excessive amounts of dairy waste phosphorus is now focusing on corn and coastal bermudagrass.

Impacts
Research and education of dairies has improved both the awareness and cultivation practices used for distribution of dairy waste rich in phosphorus, implicated in the contamination of surface water runoff. Interest in the use of native herbaceous legumes for enriching prairie and woodland bio-diversity has also risen as more research and web-based information becomes available.

Publications

  • Muir, J.P. 2003. Dynamics of goat herbivory on cultivated winter annual forages of Texas. Proc. VI International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores. 19-24 Oct. 2003, Merida, Mexico. On CD.
  • Packard, C.E., J.P. Muir, and J. Booker. 2003. Changes in forage rumen in sacco degradability as affected by steer diet. Proc. VI International Symposium on the Nutrition of Herbivores. 19-24 Oct. 2003, Merida, Mexico. On CD.
  • Bow, J.R., J.P. Muir, and T.J. Butler. 2003. Native and introduced perennial legumes for range reinforcement in north-central Texas, USA. Pp 1345-1348 proc. VII International Rangeland Congress, 26 July- 1 August, 2003. Durban, South Africa. On CD.
  • Muir, J.P. 2003. Native legumes with forage potential in south central USA. Pp 1434-1436 proc. VII International Rangeland Congress, 26 July- 1 August, 2003. Durban, South Africa. On CD.
  • Malinowski, D.P., H. Zuo, W.E. Pinchak, J.P. Muir, and A.E. Stratton. 2003. Obligatory summer-dormant, cool-season perennial grasses are drought resistant in semi-arid environments of the Texas Rolling Plains. Forage Progress 1:1.
  • Pengelly, B.C., J.P. Muir, A.E. Osman and J. Berdahl. 2003. Integration of improved forages and their role in the supplementation of natural range vegetation. Pp 1306-1317 proc. VII International Rangeland Congress, 26 July-1 August, 2003. Durban, South Africa. On CD.
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., D. Kuntz, J. Rahmes, D. Martinez, J. Grichar, M. Hussey, J. Reilly, A. Abrameit, K. Owens, R. Reed, J.P. Muir and D. Bade. 2003. Desmanthus bicornutus: a new summer-growing perennial shrubby legume for south Texas and Mexico. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Lafayette, LA, April 26-30, 2003. 12:151-155.
  • Malinowski, D.P., H. Zuao, W.E. Pinchak, J.P. Muir, and A.E. Stratton. 2003. Obligatory summer-dormant, cool-season perennial grasses are drought resistant in semi-arid environments of the Texas Rolling Plains. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Lafayette, LA, April 26-30, 2003. 12:192-196.
  • Butler, T., J. Muir, and M. McFarland. 2003. Using dairy manure compost for forage production. Texas Cooperative Extension Fact sheet. College Station.
  • Muir, J., T. J. Butler, and M. McFarland. 2003. Using Dairy Manure Compost for Specialty Forages. Texas Cooperative Extension Fact sheet. College Station.
  • Butler, T.J., and J.P. Muir. 2003. Forage species selection and adaptation. Texas Cooperative Extension SCS-2003-02. College Station.
  • Butler, T.J., and J.P. Muir. 2003. Establishment & early persistence of seeded warm-season grasses. Texas Cooperative Extension SCS-2003-01. College Station.
  • Muir, J.P., R.L. Reed, and D.P. Malinowski. 2003. Trailing and smooth-seeded wild beans: native annual warm season legumes for Texas. Forage Research in Texas. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu
  • Muir, J.P., W.R. Ocumpaugh, and J.C. Read. 2003. Black medics from Texas. Forage Research in Texas. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu
  • Pengelly, B.C., J.P. Muir, A.E. Osman and J. Berdahl. 2003. Integration of improved forages and their role in the supplementation of natural range vegetation. Proc. VII International Rangeland Congress, 26 July-1 August, 2003, Durban, South Africa. African J. Range & Forage Sci. 20:177.
  • Bow, J.R., and J.P. Muir. 2003. Native and introduced perennial legumes for range reinforcement in north-central Texas, USA. Proc. VII International Rangeland Congress, 26 July- 1 August, 2003, Durban, South Africa. African J. Range & Forage Sci. 20:179
  • Muir, J.P. 2003. Native warm season legumes with forage potential in south central USA. Proc. VII International Rangeland Congress, 26 July- 1 August, 2003, Durban, South Africa. African J. Range & Forage Sci. 20:186.
  • Maposse, I.C., J.P. Muir and A. Alage. 2003. Status of forage and range research in Mozambique. African J. Range Forage Science 20:63-68.
  • Muir, J.P., W.R. Ocumpaugh and J. Read. 2003. Spring forage yield and nutritive value of Texas Black accessions. Agron. J. 95:908-912.
  • Muir, J., and R. Reed. 2003. Do your goats need cultivated pastures? Ranch & Rural Living March:39-40.
  • Butler, T.S. and J.P. Muir. 2003. Row spacing and maturity of forage sorghum silage in north central Texas. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu
  • Muir, J.P. and W.D. Pitman. 2003. Establishing bundleflowers in bermudagrass and switchgrass. Forage Research in Texas. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu
  • Muir, J.P., W.R. Ocumpaugh, and T.J. Butler. 2003. Medics and clovers for the Cross Timbers. Forage Research in Texas. http://forageresearch.tamu.edu


Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Small plot, laboratory analyses, data analysis and publication of studies focused on both cool season naturalized annual legumes and warm season native legumes. Promising cool season annuals that are not already commercially available include the Medicagos little burr medic and black medic. Two wild bean species, Strophostyles leiosperma and S. helvula, top the annual native legume list. Fieldwork on the perennial warm season native legumes has focused on abundant seed producers such as Desmanthus leptolobus, D. acuminatus, Desmodium decumbens and Galactia volubilis. Objective 2: Switchgrass for biomass. This program focused on divulging information available on the current commercial variety of choice, the lowland ecotype `Alamo.' Objective 3: Forage for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Research on improved pastures and hay for meat goats and white-tailed deer has focused on supplementing range-based systems. Since range plants are more productive and of better nutritive value during the warmer months, the emphasis has been on cool-season pastures. The question of what to do with excess production of manure from Bosque River dairies has revolved around encouraging coastal bermudagrass farmers to utilize manure compost as both a slow-release source of P as well as a soil CEC enhancer that improves moisture and N retention.

Impacts
Genetic conservation of possibly endangered native legumes has progressed to the seed multiplication stage. The use of P rich dairy compost as a soil amendment in the otherwise P poor soils of the Cross Timber may enhance surface water quality as dairymen distribute their byproduct more evenly across greater areas.

Publications

  • Vietor, D.M., E.N. Griffith, R.H. White, T.L. Provin, J.P. Muir, and J.C. Read. 2002. Export of manure phosphorus and nitrogen in turfgrass sod. J. Environ. Qual. 31: 1731-1738.
  • Stroup, J.A., M.J. McFarland, J.P. Muir, M.A. Sanderson, and R.L. Reed. 2002. Comparative growth and performance in upland and lowland switchgrass types to water and nitrogen stress. Bioresource Technology 86:65-72.
  • Muir, J.P. 2002. Hand-plucked forage yield and quality and seed production from annual and short-lived perennial warm-season legumes fertilized with composted manure. Crop Sci. 42:897-904.
  • Muir, J.P. 2002. Effect of dairy compost application and plant maturity on forage kenaf cultivar fiber concentration and in sacco disappearance. Crop Sci. 42:248-254.
  • Osman, E.H., J.P. Muir and A. Eglisman. 2002. Effect of Rhizobium inoculation and phosphorus application in native Texas legumes grown in local soil. J. Plant Nutrition 25:75-92.
  • Ott, J.P., J.P. Muir and L. Simms. 2002. Peanut meal and corn hominy as supplements for wethers on coastal bermudagrass. Sheep and Goat Research in Texas, Consolidated Research Report. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station. pp 70-76.
  • Goodwin, J., J.P. Muir, R. Wittie and T. Brown. 2002. Cultivated warm-season pastures for meat goats in north-central Texas. Sheep and Goat Research in Texas, Consolidated Research Report. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station. pp 90-98.
  • Muir, J.P. 2002. Cultivated cool season pastures for meat goats in north-central Texas. Sheep and Goat Research in Texas, Consolidated Research Report. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station. pp 60-69.
  • Ott, J.P., J.P. Muir, T.F. Brown and R.D. Wittie. 2002. Peanut meal supplementation for growing nanny kids on woodland range. Sheep and Goat Research in Texas, Consolidated Research Report. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, College Station. pp 108-113.
  • Muir, J.P., W.R. Ocumpaugh, N. Wilkins and W.J. Butler. 2002. Forage legumes for wildlife in Texas. Proc. 17th Trifolium Conference, April 10-12, Overton Texas. Texas Agric. Res. Ext. Center, Overton, TX.
  • Butler, T.J., and J.P. Muir. 2002. Dryland forage legumes for north-central Texas. Proc. 17th Trifolium Conference, April 10-12, Overton Texas. Texas Agric. Res. Ext. Center, Overton, TX.
  • Dou, F., F.M. Hons, W.R. Ocumpaugh, J.C. Read, M.A. Hussey, and J.P. Muir. 2002. Soil organic matter pools under different corp covers in Texas. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Indianapolis, IN. (CD disc)
  • Cassida, K.A., T.L. Kirkpatrick, R.T. Robbins, J.P. Muir, B.C. Venuto, and M.A. Hussey. 2002. Plant-parasitic nematodes associated with switchgrass grown for biofuel in the south central United States. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Indianapolis, IN. (CD disc)
  • Muir, J.P., R. Reed, and D. Malinowski. 2002. Seed and forage production of Strophostyles leiosperma and S. helvula harvested at 3 heights. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Indianapolis, IN. (CD disc)
  • Interrante, S.M. and J.P. Muir. 2002. Forage and seed yield of cool-season annual legumes in north-central Texas. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Indianapolis, IN. (CD disc)
  • Taylor, J. and J.P. Muir. 2002. Native warm-season legumes with forage potential in the south-central U.S. plains. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA. Indianapolis, IN. (CD disc)
  • Nguluve, D.W., J.P. Muir and T. D. Butler. 2002. Overseeding warm season legumes in established Panicum virgatum stands with composted dairy manure. GSSA Congress 37 Abstracts. GSSA, Christiana, RSA. Pg 54.
  • Muir, J.P. and I.C. Maposse. 2002. Collection of herbaceous range legumes in Mozambique with potential for range reseeding and cultivated pasture. GSSA Congress 37 Abstracts. GSSA, Christiana, RSA. Pg 144.


Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Objective 1: Native, naturalized and introduced leguminous forages. Several cool season legumes have been identified for north-central Texas pastures. These include medics (burr, little burr, black and barrel), vetches (common and hairy) as well as clovers (arrowleaf, crimson, and ball). Harvest management must take into consideration the need for these self-reseeding annuals to produce large quantities of seed in the spring in order to guarantee stand persistence in subsequent years. Warm-season legumes are more problematic since introduced species tend not to persist or reseed adequately. The focus has therefore been on native legumes such as the annual strophostyles and the perennials such as Galactia, Desmanthus, Desmodium, Lespedeza, Neptunia, and Rhynchosia spp. These have been collected in the Cross Timbers and are currently being evaluated for forage and seed yield as well as anti-quality factors such as fiber, lignin and condensed tannins. Their potential for wildlife feed as well as native prairie/woodland restoration is enormous. Objective 2: Switchgrass for biomass. This program has identified establishment as the primary impediment to successful switchgrass production in this dry region. Low and erratic soil moisture levels, annual weed competition, and poor seedling recruitment from mature plants are the main culprits. Nitrogen and phosphorus requirements as well as yield correlation to seasonal rainfall have been fairly well established for the region. The current commercial variety of choice at the moment is the lowland ecotype `Alamo' although some new accessions have even greater yield and persistence. Objective 3: Forage for dairy, beef, goat and wildlife in north-central Texas. Numerous studies have been undertaken and some finalized in an effort to identify sustainable pasture/range systems for forage-based animal production in the Cross Timbers. Goats do very well for long periods on cool-season pastures whereas they fare better on range in the warm season. Due to the excess production of manure (and its compost) from Bosque River dairies, forages have been identified that can minimize mineral run-off in surface water. Some forages are better at recycling phosphorus from soil-applied dairy manure than others, also providing different quantities and quality of feed for dairy cattle. Several combinations of grass/legume mixtures have also proven productive for any type of production, from large to small domesticated livestock to wildlife.

Impacts
The germplasm conservation and future commercialization of native and naturalized legumes in north-central Texas has been enhanced. In addition, knowledge of forage varieties and their management has been advanced for the Cross Timbers region bio-energy crops as well as forages suitable for dairy phosphorus recycling.

Publications

  • Sanderson, M.A., R.M. Jones, M.J. McFarland, J. Stroup, R.L. Reed, and J.P. Muir. 2001. Nutrient movement and removal in a switchgrass biomass-filter strip system treated with dairy manure. J. Environmental Quality 30:210-216.
  • Muir, J.P., S. Stokes, and E. Prostko. 2001. Production, quality and phosphorus uptake of summer annual grasses grown as alternative silages with diary compost. Prof. Animal Scientist 17:90-94.
  • Muir, J.P., S. Stokes, and E. Prostko. 2001. Production, quality and phosphorus uptake of summer annual dicots grown as alternative silages with diary compost. Prof. Animal Scientist 17:95-100.
  • Muir, J.P., M.A. Sanderson, W.P. Ocumpaugh, R.M. Jones, and R.L. Reed. 2001. Biomass production of `Alamo' switchgrass in response to nitrogen, phosphorus and row spacing in diverse environments. Agron. J. 93:896-901.
  • Muir, J.P. 2001. Effect of dairy compost application, variety and stand age on kenaf forage yield, nitrogen content and phosphorus uptake. Agron. J. 93:1169-1173.
  • Muir, J.P. 2001. Effect of dairy compost application and stand age on forage kenaf variety fiber concentration and in sacco disappearance. Crop Sci. 42:248-254.
  • Muir, J.P., W.D. Pitman, and D.F. Coombs. 2001. Seeding rate and phosphorus fertilization effects on `Armadillo' burr medic establishment. Agron. J. 93:1269-1275.
  • Muir, J.P., and B. Hilton. 2001. Sustainable agricultural technology modification, testing and transfer: the role of non-government organizations. IN Payne, W.A. (Ed.) Sustainable Agricultural Systems in Transition. ASA Special Publication 64, Madison WS.
  • Ott, J.P., J.P. Muir, and W.D. Pitman. 2001. Interseeding Desmanthus species in established warm-season grass swards. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Charlotte, NC.
  • J.P. Muir, A. Alage, and I. Maposse. 2001. Canopy influence of 3 open savannah trees on forage composition, biomass and quality. Proc. XIX International Grasslands Congress, Sao Paulo, Brazil 11-21 February 2001. pp. 655-657.
  • O. Faftine, A. Alage, and J.P. Muir. 2001. Seasonal changes in range quality of forage selected by livestock on communal pastures of Manhica, Mozambique. Proc. XIX International Grasslands Congress, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 11-21 February 2001. pp. 947-949.
  • J.P. Muir, S.R. Stokes, T.J. Butler, and R.M. Jones. 2001. Selecting forage systems to improve phosphorus cycling within confined animal feeding operations. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council, Springdale AR, April 22-25, 2001. 10:252-256.
  • Ocumpaugh, W.R., and J.P. Muir. 2001. Annual medics for cattle and wildlife in Texas. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA Charlotte, NC.
  • Interrante, S.M., J.P. Muir, R. Rosiere, and R. Rhykerd. 2001. Effect of shade and rhizobium inoculation on button and black medic production. Agronomy Abstracts. ASA, Charlotte, NC.