Progress 02/06/08 to 12/09/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The overall goal of this project is to identify improved forage production techniques that will contribute to decreased costs of livestock production and increased income on limited-resource farms. The purpose is to develop low-input forage production techniques that are appropriate for resource-poor producers, and that will increase livestock carrying-capacity, improve early- and late-season forage production and reduce or eliminate expenditures for off-farm feed supplies. This purpose will be met by evaluating combinations of forages grown in mixtures or sequences, and by developing low-input management methods that will enable their use as a productive and persistent complement to, or replacement for, unimproved or degraded pasture. Specifically, we will focus on the following objectives: Objective 1. Identify appropriate forage species and develop low-input techniques for increasing forage production and extending the grazing season on degraded or unimproved pastures to increase year-round availability of homegrown forage and provide economically and environmentally sustainable forage production systems for under-served, resource-limited livestock producers. Sub-objective 1A. Assess the productivity and persistence of non- traditional warm- and cool-season grass and legume mixtures for utilization under grazing. Sub-objective 1B. Identify the most effective low-input establishment techniques (no-till drilling, broadcasting or self-seeding) for cool- and warm-season grass and legume forages established in mixtures with existing, unimproved pastures of native species or bermudagrass. Objective 2. Determine the cause(s) of poor establishment of cool-season grasses and legumes following self-seeding or over seeding into established pastures, such as loss of seed quality, hydration/dehydration cycles, temperature or moisture stress, and adverse soil characteristics such as compaction or plant litter. Objective 3. Determine the usefulness of accumulated temperature (degree days) as an aid to timing of pasture management operations such as fertilizer application and harvesting, in order to minimize competition in cool- and warm-season grass mixtures during seasonal transitions. Approach (from AD-416): Replicated experiments will be undertaken in controlled-environment or in small-plot field trials to measure management effects on establishment, production and persistence of cool-season forages grown in mixtures with warm-season pasture. Processes of regeneration and persistence in cool- season grasses and legumes established by minimal tillage in sequence with unimproved warm-season pasture will be studied. Low-input methods of sowing that will improve the efficacy and predictability of establishment of forage grasses and legumes and that allow improved early-season production from cool-season forages will be evaluated. Indicators of the onset and termination of forage growth will be determined to facilitate management and to minimize or eliminate interference between cool- and warm-season forages. Results from the project will identify forage management systems adapted to low-input farms and forage mixtures that enhance and extend the productive grazing period of pastures. This is the final report for the project which was terminated in December 2012 and replaced by 6218-21610-001-00D. Efforts to resolve the widespread problem of feed shortage for grazing livestock in the southern Great Plains have centered on production of cool-season grasses. This project confirmed earlier work showing that, because no-till seeding avoids destruction of the existing warm-season pasture, the year-round forage yield can be increased by no-till compared with conventional planting of cool-season forages. However, perennial cool-season grasses lacked persistence and over a 3- to 4-year life did not produce enough forage to justify the cost of planting. Summer-dormant tall fescues showed minimal improvement in persistence and much lower productivity, compared with summer-active fescue lines. Broadcast sowing is an alternative low-input seeding method that may be more accessible to small producers than no-till drilling, which requires specialized equipment. The project showed that, although broadcast seeding was less effective than drilling for stand establishment, there was no difference in harvested yield in the spring between sowing methods. Broadcast seeding is attractive to small farmers and will increase the number of those attempting to overseed for production of cool-season forage. No-till sowing is usually made into soils that are more compacted than conventionally cultivated seedbeds, and concern has been expressed that this affects relative performance of grass varieties. The project demonstrated that, although increased soil compaction slowed seedling growth and development, the cultivar rankings determined under conventional cultivation and sowing are likely to be valid in more- compacted soils that are characteristic of no-till sowing conditions. The project showed that it is essential that warm-season pasture be preserved in order to maximize year-round forage production, but the assumption that yield effects of combining these warm- and cool-season grasses are 100% additive, through complementary use of different seasonal growing conditions, is not valid. Each additional 1 kg of cool-season grass harvested resulted in an average net benefit of only 0.43 kg in total herbage yield, as a result of suppression of warm-season grasses by cool- season grass. This is an important observation that shows that economic evaluation of overseeding cool-season grasses into existing warm-season pasture must consider not only the value of cool-season forage produced, but also the cost of warm-season production lost by overseeding. Nitrogen fertilizer is a necessary input for cool-season grass production, but it requires careful management if it is to be used cost-effectively. The efficiency of nitrogen use in cool-season grasses was greatest and most consistent with early spring application of nitrogen. Fall application of nitrogen was not essential for establishment of cool-season grasses, and residual effects of a fall application on spring grass yields were small. Elimination of fall application will allow small producers to reduce the cost of nitrogen use by 25-33% of current recommendations for cool-season grasses.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Williams, R.D., Bartholomew, P.W. 2012. Radish (Raphanus sativus) seed size affects germination response to coumarin. Allelopathy Journal. 30(2) :271-280.
- Williams, R.D., Bartholomew, P.W. 2010. Does leaf manipulation affect leaf appearance in italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.). Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society. 63:57-69.
- Bartholomew, P.W., Burner, D.M., West, C.P. 2013. Productivity and persistence of summer active and summer dormant tall fescue cultivars in the southern Great Plains. Forage and Grazinglands. doi:10.1094/FG-2013- 0430-01-RS.
- Bartholomew, P.W. 2013. Productivity of annual and perennial cool-season grasses established by no-till overseeding or by conventional tillage and sowing. Forage and Grazinglands. doi:10.1094/FG-2013-0621-01-RS.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The overall goal of this project is to identify improved forage production techniques that will contribute to decreased costs of livestock production and increased income on limited-resource farms. The purpose is to develop low-input forage production techniques that are appropriate for resource-poor producers, and that will increase livestock carrying-capacity, improve early- and late-season forage production and reduce or eliminate expenditures for off-farm feed supplies. This purpose will be met by evaluating combinations of forages grown in mixtures or sequences, and by developing low-input management methods that will enable their use as a productive and persistent complement to, or replacement for, unimproved or degraded pasture. Specifically, we will focus on the following objectives: Objective 1. Identify appropriate forage species and develop low-input techniques for increasing forage production and extending the grazing season on degraded or unimproved pastures to increase year-round availability of homegrown forage and provide economically and environmentally sustainable forage production systems for under-served, resource-limited livestock producers. Sub-objective 1A. Assess the productivity and persistence of non- traditional warm- and cool-season grass and legume mixtures for utilization under grazing. Sub-objective 1B. Identify the most effective low-input establishment techniques (no-till drilling, broadcasting or self-seeding) for cool- and warm-season grass and legume forages established in mixtures with existing, unimproved pastures of native species or bermudagrass. Objective 2. Determine the cause(s) of poor establishment of cool-season grasses and legumes following self-seeding or over seeding into established pastures, such as loss of seed quality, hydration/dehydration cycles, temperature or moisture stress, and adverse soil characteristics such as compaction or plant litter. Objective 3. Determine the usefulness of accumulated temperature (degree days) as an aid to timing of pasture management operations such as fertilizer application and harvesting, in order to minimize competition in cool- and warm-season grass mixtures during seasonal transitions. Approach (from AD-416): Replicated experiments will be undertaken in controlled-environment or in small-plot field trials to measure management effects on establishment, production and persistence of cool-season forages grown in mixtures with warm-season pasture. Processes of regeneration and persistence in cool- season grasses and legumes established by minimal tillage in sequence with unimproved warm-season pasture will be studied. Low-input methods of sowing that will improve the efficacy and predictability of establishment of forage grasses and legumes and that allow improved early-season production from cool-season forages will be evaluated. Indicators of the onset and termination of forage growth will be determined to facilitate management and to minimize or eliminate interference between cool- and warm-season forages. Results from the project will identify forage management systems adapted to low-input farms and forage mixtures that enhance and extend the productive grazing period of pastures. In the aftermath of the exceptionally hot and dry weather experienced during 2011 perennial forage trials were terminated because of significant sown crop loss. Summer dormant tall fescues partially regenerated in early CY2012, and plant population and yield estimates were made on these cultivars, but summer active tall fescue cultivars did not recover from the heat and drought stresses of 2011. Field-scale validation and demonstration of overseeding Italian ryegrass that was unsuccessful in 2011 was repeated on two small farms in FY2012. Study of Nitrogen use efficiency in annual ryegrass was continued in FY2012. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations: During the reporting period ARS staff assisted in installation of two field-scale demonstrations of over-seeded annual ryegrass on cooperating underserved producers' land. ARS scientist made a presentation on cool- season forage production, and its potential contribution to risk mitigation, to an audience of approximately 40 minority and under-served producers at the 21st annual Langston University Small Farmers Conference. Accomplishments 01 Summer-dormant tall fescue for the southern Great Plains. The lifetime productivity of cool-season perennial grass pastures is compromised by limited persistence under the heat and moisture stresses characteristic the summer months in the southern Great Plains. Recently introduced summ dormant cultivars of tall fescue may provide increased tolerance of climatic stresses and improved productivity. Field experiments showed, however, that over 3 or 4 years' life of pasture, summer dormant tall fescue cultivars were less productive than conventional summer active ta fescues. Increased survival of summer dormant cultivars following extrem drought conditions was not sufficient to offset their lower productivity Earlier results showing that year-round forage production (warm- and coo season production) was greater when cool-season grasses were no-till overseeded into existing warm-season pasture than when sown into a cultivated seedbed were confirmed.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bartholomew, P.W., Williams, R.D. 2012. Leaf damage in cool-season grasses subjected to simulated hoof pressures. Forage and Grazinglands. Available:
- Bartholomew, P.W., Schneider, J.M., Williams, R.D. 2011. Pasture residue amount and sowing method effects on establishment of overseeded cool- season grasses and on total annual production of herbage. Grass and Forage Science. 66(4):560�568.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall goal of this project is to identify improved forage production techniques that will contribute to decreased costs of livestock production and increased income on limited-resource farms. The purpose is to develop low-input forage production techniques that are appropriate for resource-poor producers, and that will increase livestock carrying-capacity, improve early- and late-season forage production and reduce or eliminate expenditures for off-farm feed supplies. This purpose will be met by evaluating combinations of forages grown in mixtures or sequences, and by developing low-input management methods that will enable their use as a productive and persistent complement to, or replacement for, unimproved or degraded pasture. Specifically, we will focus on the following objectives: Objective 1. Identify appropriate forage species and develop low-input techniques for increasing forage production and extending the grazing season on degraded or unimproved pastures to increase year-round availability of homegrown forage and provide economically and environmentally sustainable forage production systems for under-served, resource-limited livestock producers. Sub-objective 1A. Assess the productivity and persistence of non- traditional warm- and cool-season grass and legume mixtures for utilization under grazing. Sub-objective 1B. Identify the most effective low-input establishment techniques (no-till drilling, broadcasting or self-seeding) for cool- and warm-season grass and legume forages established in mixtures with existing, unimproved pastures of native species or bermudagrass. Objective 2. Determine the cause(s) of poor establishment of cool-season grasses and legumes following self-seeding or over seeding into established pastures, such as loss of seed quality, hydration/dehydration cycles, temperature or moisture stress, and adverse soil characteristics such as compaction or plant litter. Objective 3. Determine the usefulness of accumulated temperature (degree days) as an aid to timing of pasture management operations such as fertilizer application and harvesting, in order to minimize competition in cool- and warm-season grass mixtures during seasonal transitions. Approach (from AD-416) Replicated experiments will be undertaken in controlled-environment or in small-plot field trials to measure management effects on establishment, production and persistence of cool-season forages grown in mixtures with warm-season pasture. Processes of regeneration and persistence in cool- season grasses and legumes established by minimal tillage in sequence with unimproved warm-season pasture will be studied. Low-input methods of sowing that will improve the efficacy and predictability of establishment of forage grasses and legumes and that allow improved early-season production from cool-season forages will be evaluated. Indicators of the onset and termination of forage growth will be determined to facilitate management and to minimize or eliminate interference between cool- and warm-season forages. Results from the project will identify forage management systems adapted to low-input farms and forage mixtures that enhance and extend the productive grazing period of pastures. Accomplishment of field experimental work during FY2011 was significantly compromised by abnormally dry weather throughout the normal growing period for cool-season grass (October to May). Measures that have been possible will contribute to a better understanding of forage production potential under adverse conditions. Field-scale validation and demonstration of overseeding Italian ryegrass, based on results from previous work under this project, were undertaken with a cooperating small producer, but were ultimately unsuccessful because of the adverse weather conditions. This effort will be repeated in FY 2012. Field studies of the long-term viability of surface or near-surface sown ryegrass seed, undertaken as part of a larger investigation of factors affecting the success of self-seeding in annual ryegrass, were completed. Italian ryegrass did not display any primary or secondary dormancy when placed in the field at the end of July and sampled monthly thereafter. The greatest germination occurred in August and September. Seed germination, as well as the number of seedlings observed, declined from August through to March of the following year. The results support earlier field observations that Italian ryegrass does not form an extensive seedbank, and yearly reseeding will probably be necessary for sustained production of forage. Seed-predator preference studies of warm- and cool-season forage grasses have been completed, and analysis of these data is in progress. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory (GRL) scientists based at Langston University work closely with the staff of the Langston University Small Farmers' Outreach Center and provide technical support for small, socially disadvantaged, and underserved producers. During the reporting period ARS scientists planted one demonstration project with over-seeded annual ryegrass on a cooperating underserved producer's farm and made presentations on cool-season forage production, and its potential contribution to risk mitigation, in one field day with limited-resource producers and at the 20th Annual Langston University Small Farmers Conference. Accomplishments 01 Reduced-input overseeding for cool-season grasses. The potential for co savings, reduction in risk of soil erosion or problems associated with pasture establishment by conventional tillage has created significant interest in use of no-till methods for sowing forage grasses. However, u of no-till methods by small and resource-limited producers may be limite by access to the specialized seeding equipment normally employed for no- till sowing. Scientists of the Grazinglands Research Laboratory, based a Langston, OK, demonstrated that satisfactory no-till establishment of co season grasses could be achieved by broadcast seeding into warm-season grass stubble, a method that is well adapted to the limited resources of small producers. The work also showed that broadcast seeding of cool- season grass was less damaging to yield of warm-season grass in the following season than was sowing of cool-season grass with a no-till seeder.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Williams, R.D., Bartholomew, P.W. 2011. Hairy vetch seed size affects germination response to coumarin. Allelopathy Journal. 27(2)1-8.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall goal of this project is to identify improved forage production techniques that will contribute to decreased costs of livestock production and increased income on limited-resource farms. The purpose is to develop low-input forage production techniques that are appropriate for resource-poor producers, and that will increase livestock carrying-capacity, improve early- and late-season forage production and reduce or eliminate expenditures for off-farm feed supplies. This purpose will be met by evaluating combinations of forages grown in mixtures or sequences, and by developing low-input management methods that will enable their use as a productive and persistent complement to, or replacement for, unimproved or degraded pasture. Specifically, we will focus on the following objectives: Objective 1. Identify appropriate forage species and develop low-input techniques for increasing forage production and extending the grazing season on degraded or unimproved pastures to increase year-round availability of homegrown forage and provide economically and environmentally sustainable forage production systems for under-served, resource-limited livestock producers. � Sub-objective 1A. Assess the productivity and persistence of non- traditional warm- and cool-season grass and legume mixtures for utilization under grazing. � Sub-objective 1B. Identify the most effective low-input establishment techniques (no-till drilling, broadcasting or self-seeding) for cool- and warm-season grass and legume forages established in mixtures with existing, unimproved pastures of native species or bermudagrass. Objective 2. Determine the cause(s) of poor establishment of cool- season grasses and legumes following self-seeding or over seeding into established pastures, such as loss of seed quality, hydration/dehydration cycles, temperature or moisture stress, and adverse soil characteristics such as compaction or plant litter. Objective 3. Determine the usefulness of accumulated temperature (degree days) as an aid to timing of pasture management operations such as fertilizer application and harvesting, in order to minimize competition in cool- and warm-season grass mixtures during seasonal transitions. Approach (from AD-416) Replicated experiments will be undertaken in controlled-environment or in small-plot field trials to measure management effects on establishment, production and persistence of cool-season forages grown in mixtures with warm-season pasture. Processes of regeneration and persistence in cool- season grasses and legumes established by minimal tillage in sequence with unimproved warm-season pasture will be studied. Low-input methods of sowing that will improve the efficacy and predictability of establishment of forage grasses and legumes and that allow improved early-season production from cool-season forages will be evaluated. Indicators of the onset and termination of forage growth will be determined to facilitate management and to minimize or eliminate interference between cool- and warm-season forages. Results from the project will identify forage management systems adapted to low-input farms and forage mixtures that enhance and extend the productive grazing period of pastures. The studies on the effects of accelerated aging on Italian ryegrass seed germination and seedling growth have been completed. The studies on water uptake during imbibitions and germination of Italian ryegrass and tall fescue are in progress; based on these results tolerance of the grass to desiccation during germination will be determined. Effects of hydration- dehydration as compared to accelerated aging have been delayed. Instead the preferential predation of selected grass forages seeds has been completed. Cricket predation appears to be based on seed size; smaller seeds have higher predation rates than larger seed. Small plot field experiments that examined the effects of reduced input sowing methods on forage production of cool-season grasses over-seeded in unimproved warm- season pasture were completed and a report prepared for publication. An experiment to evaluate the productivity and persistence of summer-dormant and summer-active tall fescue varieties carried out in collaboration with ARS staff at the Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center continued in FY 2010. An experiment to examine the effect of application timing on efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer use by cool-season grass was started in FY2010. Study of the effect of low-temperature exposure on leaf appearance in annual ryegrass was continued during the reporting period, but adverse weather during winter of 2009-10 caused failure of experimental planting and no plant growth data was collected in FY2010. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This research project is specifically directed at the problems encountered by resource-limited farmers and livestock producers and therefore supports the special target population of small, socially- disadvantaged and underserved producers. ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory (GRL) scientists based at Langston University work closely with the staff of the Langston University Small Farmers' Outreach Center. ARS scientists attend staff meetings of the Grasslands Center of Excellence, interact with the outreach specialists, and serve as technical advisors as appropriate. During the reporting period ARS scientists continued one on-farm demonstration project with over-seeded annual ryegrass and made presentations on cool-season forage production in two meetings and one field day with limited-resource producers. Accomplishments 01 Relative productivity of ryegrass and tall fescue cultivars is unchanged by soil compaction. The potential for savings in energy cost associated with conventional tillage, and reduction in risk of soil erosion, has created significant interest in use of no-till methods for sowing forage grasses. No-till sowing is usually made into soils that are more compact than conventionally cultivated seedbeds and concern has been expressed that variety performance may differ between no-till and tilled condition Scientists of the Grazinglands Research Laboratory, based at Langston, Oklahoma, demonstrated that increased soil compaction generally slowed seedling growth and development. However, the relative productivity of a range of commercially available cultivars of Italian ryegrass and tall fescue forage grasses was unchanged by increased compaction of soil. The work suggests that cultivar productivity rankings determined under conventional cultivation and sowing are likely to be valid if the same cultivars are established in more-compacted soils that are characteristi of no-till sowing conditions. Therefore evaluation of grass cultivar performance specifically for no-till conditions should not be necessary.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bartholomew, P.W., Williams, R.D. 2010. Overseeding unimproved warm-season pasture with cool- and warm-season legumes to enhance forage productivity. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture. 34:125-140.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall goal of this project is to identify improved forage production techniques that will contribute to decreased costs of livestock production and increased income on limited-resource farms. The purpose is to develop low-input forage production techniques that are appropriate for resource-poor producers, and that will increase livestock carrying-capacity, improve early- and late-season forage production and reduce or eliminate expenditures for off-farm feed supplies. This purpose will be met by evaluating combinations of forages grown in mixtures or sequences, and by developing low-input management methods that will enable their use as a productive and persistent complement to, or replacement for, unimproved or degraded pasture. Specifically, we will focus on the following objectives: Objective 1. Identify appropriate forage species and develop low-input techniques for increasing forage production and extending the grazing season on degraded or unimproved pastures to increase year-round availability of homegrown forage and provide economically and environmentally sustainable forage production systems for under-served, resource-limited livestock producers. � Sub-objective 1A. Assess the productivity and persistence of non- traditional warm- and cool-season grass and legume mixtures for utilization under grazing. � Sub-objective 1B. Identify the most effective low-input establishment techniques (no-till drilling, broadcasting or self-seeding) for cool- and warm-season grass and legume forages established in mixtures with existing, unimproved pastures of native species or bermudagrass. Objective 2. Determine the cause(s) of poor establishment of cool- season grasses and legumes following self-seeding or over seeding into established pastures, such as loss of seed quality, hydration/dehydration cycles, temperature or moisture stress, and adverse soil characteristics such as compaction or plant litter. Objective 3. Determine the usefulness of accumulated temperature (degree days) as an aid to timing of pasture management operations such as fertilizer application and harvesting, in order to minimize competition in cool- and warm-season grass mixtures during seasonal transitions. Approach (from AD-416) Replicated experiments will be undertaken in controlled-environment or in small-plot field trials to measure management effects on establishment, production and persistence of cool-season forages grown in mixtures with warm-season pasture. Processes of regeneration and persistence in cool- season grasses and legumes established by minimal tillage in sequence with unimproved warm-season pasture will be studied. Low-input methods of sowing that will improve the efficacy and predictability of establishment of forage grasses and legumes and that allow improved early-season production from cool-season forages will be evaluated. Indicators of the onset and termination of forage growth will be determined to facilitate management and to minimize or eliminate interference between cool- and warm-season forages. Results from the project will identify forage management systems adapted to low-input farms and forage mixtures that enhance and extend the productive grazing period of pastures. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Field and laboratory studies of predation on forage seeds continued into the current reporting period. Experiments were undertaken to measure the effects of seed age on germination and seedling growth, to understand better the factors affecting survival of self-sown ryegrass In the field. Using artificially aged seed (subjecting seed to high temperature and humidity), we showed that aging reduced and delayed ryegrass seed germination, decreased germination under water stress conditions, and reduced seedling growth and vigor. This translates to reduced likelihood of germination under slight water stress conditions in the field and to reduced competitiveness with other grasses and weeds. Small plot field experiments to examine the effects of reduced input sowing methods on forage production of cool-season grasses overseeded in unimproved warm- season pasture were repeated in FY 2009. An experiment to evaluate the productivity and persistence of summer-dormant and summer-active tall fescue varieties was initiated, in collaboration with ARS staff at the Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center. Experiments to evaluate the effects of soil bulk density (soil compaction) on seedling growth in a range of cultivars of annual ryegrass and tall fescue were completed and a report was prepared for publication. Study of the effect of low- temperature exposure on leaf appearance in annual ryegrass was continued during the reporting period. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This research project is specifically directed at the problems encountered by resource-limited farmers and livestock producers and therefore supports the special target population of small, socially disadvantaged, and underserved producers. ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory (GRL) scientists based at Langston University work closely with the staff of the Langston University Small Farmers' Outreach Center. ARS scientists attend the quarterly staff meetings of the Grasslands Center of Excellence, interact with the outreach specialists, and serve as technical advisors as appropriate. During the reporting period, ARS scientists conducted one on-farm demonstration project with overseeded annual ryegrass, made presentations on cool-season forage production in two meetings and one field day with target farmers, and interacted with numerous small to medium size producers participating in the Farming with Grass Conference. Technology Transfer Number of Other Technology Transfer: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Williams, R.D., Bartholomew, P.W. 2009. Effects of accelerated aging and p- coumaric on crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatium L.) seed germination. Allelopathy Journal. 23(1):269-276.
- Bartholomew, P.W., Williams, R.D. 2009. Establishment of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) by self-seeding as affected by cutting date and degree of herbage removal in spring in pastures of the southern Great Plains of the United States. Grass and Forage Science. 64(2):177-186.
- Mallik, M.A., Williams, R.D. 2009. Allelopathic principles for sustainable agriculture. Allelopathy Journal. 24(1):1-34.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The overall goal of this project is to identify improved forage production techniques that will contribute to decreased costs of livestock production and increased income on limited-resource farms. The purpose is to develop low-input forage production techniques that are appropriate for resource-poor producers, and that will increase livestock carrying-capacity, improve early- and late-season forage production and reduce or eliminate expenditures for off-farm feed supplies. This purpose will be met by evaluating combinations of forages grown in mixtures or sequences, and by developing low-input management methods that will enable their use as a productive and persistent complement to, or replacement for, unimproved or degraded pasture. Specifically, we will focus on the following objectives: Objective 1. Identify appropriate forage species and develop low-input techniques for increasing forage production and extending the grazing season on degraded or unimproved pastures to increase year-round availability of homegrown forage and provide economically and environmentally sustainable forage production systems for under-served, resource-limited livestock producers. � Sub-objective 1A. Assess the productivity and persistence of non- traditional warm- and cool-season grass and legume mixtures for utilization under grazing. � Sub-objective 1B. Identify the most effective low-input establishment techniques (no-till drilling, broadcasting or self-seeding) for cool- and warm-season grass and legume forages established in mixtures with existing, unimproved pastures of native species or bermudagrass. Objective 2. Determine the cause(s) of poor establishment of cool- season grasses and legumes following self-seeding or over seeding into established pastures, such as loss of seed quality, hydration/dehydration cycles, temperature or moisture stress, and adverse soil characteristics such as compaction or plant litter. Objective 3. Determine the usefulness of accumulated temperature (degree days) as an aid to timing of pasture management operations such as fertilizer application and harvesting, in order to minimize competition in cool- and warm-season grass mixtures during seasonal transitions. Approach (from AD-416) Replicated experiments will be undertaken in controlled-environment or in small-plot field trials to measure management effects on establishment, production and persistence of cool-season forages grown in mixtures with warm-season pasture. Processes of regeneration and persistence in cool- season grasses and legumes established by minimal tillage in sequence with unimproved warm-season pasture will be studied. Low-input methods of sowing that will improve the efficacy and predictability of establishment of forage grasses and legumes and that allow improved early-season production from cool-season forages will be evaluated. Indicators of the onset and termination of forage growth will be determined to facilitate management and to minimize or eliminate interference between cool- and warm-season forages. Results from the project will identify forage management systems adapted to low-input farms and forage mixtures that enhance and extend the productive grazing period of pastures. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations A field study of predation on forage seeds continued during the current reporting period, and complementary laboratory studies were started. Small plot field experiments to examine the effects of reduced input sowing methods and of different species combinations on forage production of sequences of unimproved warm-season pasture and cool-season grasses were conducted in FY 2008. The effects of soil bulk density (soil compaction) on seedling growth in a range of cultivars of annual ryegrass and tall fescue were examined under controlled environment conditions. This study showed that, while there is a significant reduction in seedling growth as soil compaction increases, there was no difference in response to soil compaction among cultivars in either annual ryegrass or tall fescue. (NP215, Component 2). Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This research project is directed at the problems encountered by resource- limited farmers and livestock producers and therefore supports the special target population of small, socially-disadvantaged, and underserved producers. ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory (GRL) scientists based at Langston University work closely with the staff of the Langston University Small Farmers' Outreach Center, and depend upon them to transfer technology as appropriate. ARS scientists attend the quarterly staff meetings of the Grasslands Center of Excellence and interact with the outreach specialists. The scientists participate in the field days and farmers' meetings organized by the outreach specialists, and serve as technical advisors as appropriate. During the reporting period, ARS scientists made two presentations on cool-season forage production to target farmers.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Bartholomew, P.W., Williams, R.D. 2008. Seeding cool-season grasses into unimproved warm-season pasture. Grass and Forage Science. 63:94-106.
- Mallik, M.A.B. and Williams, R.D. 2008. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi in sustainable agriculture and forestry. In: Zeng, R.S., Mallik, A.U., Luo, S.M., editors. Allelopathy in Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry. New York: Springer. p. 321 -345.
- Williams, R.D., Bartholomew, P.W. 2008. Effect of cowpea and pea inocula on cool-season grasses. Allelopathy Journal. 21(2):381-388.
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