Effects of summer irrigation and trampling in dairy pastures on soil physical properties and earthworm number and species composition

1997 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 1059 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. Lobry de Bruyn ◽  
T. J. Kingston
Keyword(s):  
Soil Surface ◽  
Sampling Period ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Lumbricus Rubellus ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Main Plot ◽  
On Farm

In 1989 a replicated split-plot trial on a Krasnozem soil was established at Elliott Research Station (ERS) in the north-west of Tasmania, as well as 14 on-farm trials in newly irrigated pastures on 3 different soil types (Alluvial, Podzolic, Krasnozem) in the dairy districts of Scottsdale, Smithton, and Deloraine. There were 3 main treatments at ERS: irrigated before grazing, irrigated after grazing, and grazed and not irrigated. Part of each main plot was fenced to prevent trampling but still allowed grazing. Effects of summer irrigation and trampling by dairy cows were examined for pasture production, and soil chemical and structural properties. Summer irrigation at ERS and on-farm trials has led to a decline in soil structure indicated by slower ponded water in filtration rates on irrigated plots compared with the dryland plots. The decline in ponded water in filtration rates suggests a reduction in macroporosity, especially in the soil surface. However, other indicators for soil structural change in the top 100 mm|percentage water-stable aggregates (>2·5 mm) and bulk density|revealed no significant variation between the irrigated and dryland paddocks. There were, however, higher water in filtration rates and lower bulk densities in the untrampled areas than the trampled areas at ERS. Pasture production at ERS was about 50% more with irrigation in each of the 2 years of the study. Data collected at ERS in autumn and spring on the numbers of Aporrectodea caliginosa(Savigny) and Lumbricus rubellus (Hoffmeister) earthworms showed that they respond quite differently to irrigation. After 2 irrigation seasons, A. caliginosa numbers in irrigated plots dropped by over 50%, whereas in the dryland plots densities of this earthworm have remained around 390 earthworms/m 2. In contrast the densities of L. rubellus at ERS rose under irrigation practices, especially in the autumn{winter sampling period. Therefore, with the advent of summer irrigation at ERS, there was a shift in earthworm composition from a fauna dominated by A. caliginosa to a fauna with an increasing proportion of L. rubellus and a decreasing number of A. caliginosa. The typical dairy pasture in the on-farm trials recorded 2 main species, A. caliginosa (70%) and L. rubellus (30%). Total earthworm densities were highest in the north-west (Smithton) region of the State (293{351 earthworms/m 2) regardless of soil type, and the lowest densities were recorded in the Alluvial soils of Deloraine (96 earthworms/m 2). The north-west area also had the most diverse earthworm fauna, with 5 species recorded in one site: A. caliginosa, A. longa, Allolobophora chlorotica, L. rubellus, and O. cyaneum. Summer irrigation effects after 2 seasons on earthworm composition and abundance on dairy farms caused no significant change in A. caliginosa numbers, but there was a 45% increase in the numbers of L. rubellus in irrigated treatments. L. rubellus was considerably more active over summer in irrigated paddocks (25 earthworms/m 2) than in non-irrigated paddocks (7 earthworms/m 2). In contrast the number of A. caliginosa recorded in dryland paddocks was not statistically different to the irrigated paddocks, but the A. caliginosa in dryland paddocks were mostly inactive 8-20 mm from the soil surface.

Addressing on-farm management to enhance pasture productivity and persistence

2013 ◽  
pp. 241-244
Author(s):  
W.N. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Stocking Rate ◽  
Pasture Management ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Operating Profit ◽  
The North ◽  
The Cost ◽  
On Farm ◽  
Attention To Detail

Following the 2007/08 drought, we experienced poor pasture production and persistence on our dairy farm in north Waikato, leading to decreased milksolids production and a greater reliance on bought-in feed. It is estimated that the cost of this to our farming operation was about $1300 per hectare per year in lost operating profit. While climate and black beetle were factors, they did not explain everything, and other factors were also involved. In the last 3 years we have changed our management strategies to better withstand dry summers, the catalyst for which was becoming the DairyNZ Pasture Improvement Focus Farm for the north Waikato. The major changes we made were to reduce stocking rate, actively manage pastures in summer to reduce over-grazing, and pay more attention to detail in our pasture renewal programme. To date the result has been a reduced need for pasture renewal, a lift in whole farm performance and increased profitability. Keywords: Focus farm, over-grazing, pasture management, pasture persistence, profitability

On-farm experimentation for scaling-out conservation agriculture using an innovation systems approach in the north west province, South Africa.

2022 ◽  
pp. 416-430
Author(s):  
Hendrik J. Smith ◽  
Gerhardus Trytsman ◽  
Andre A. Nel
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Cover Crops ◽  
Conservation Agriculture ◽  
Soil P ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Fallow Systems ◽  
North West Province ◽  
Fallow System ◽  
On Farm

Abstract A project under the Farmer Innovation Programme (FIP) that aimed to adapt Conservation Agriculture (CA) among grain farmers in South Africa was implemented in a commercial farming area of the North West Province. The following on-farm, collaborative-managed trials produced key findings concerning: (i) plant population densities (high versus low) under CA; (ii) conventional crop systems versus CA crop systems; (iii) the testing and screening of cover crops; (iv) green fallow systems for soil restoration; and (v) livestock integration. Key results from these trials were that the yield of maize was significantly higher under high-density no-till (NT) systems compared to the normal NT systems. The yield of maize in local conventional systems was lower than the yield in NT systems tested on three farmer-managed trials. The screening trial assisted in testing and learning the suitability and the different attributes of a range of cover crops in that area. Cover crop mixtures used as a green fallow system with livestock showed that CA can facilitate the successful restoration of degraded soil.

scholarly journals Fast and cheap identification of elite aspen clones in the North-West of Russia using ISSR markers

2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 207-213
Author(s):  
Anatoly V. Zhigunov ◽  
Dmitrii A. Shabunin ◽  
Olesia Yu. Butenko ◽  
Marina V. Lebedeva
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rates ◽  
Issr Markers ◽  
Stem Rot ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Leningrad Region ◽  
Forest Research ◽  
North West ◽  
Genetic Lineages ◽  
The North

Abstract In 2001–2006, several experimental aspen plantations were established in the North-West of Russia (Leningrad region). Three in vitro propagated elite aspen (Populus tremula L.) clones from the Kostroma Forest Research Station were used as the planting stock for plantations. The planting plans of some experimental plantations were lost, which made it impossible to identify the genetic lineages. 13-years old unknown aspen clones demonstrated prominent growth rates, and reliably overtook natural aspen coppice. ISSR markers were used for fast and cheap restoring of the missing planting plan of the experimental aspen plantation under study; as a result, progenies of three elite aspen clones were recognized. The best fast-growing and stem rot resistant aspen clones was identified and called “Kostroma”.

scholarly journals A Payment Culture Framework for Municipal Services in the North West Province

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 56
Author(s):  
Prince Chukwuneme Enwereji ◽  
Marius Portgeiter
Keyword(s):  
Study Data ◽  
Influential Factor ◽  
Municipal Services ◽  
Leadership Communication ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
Traditional Leadership ◽  
North West Province ◽  
Role Players ◽  
Communication Dynamics

Payment for municipal services in South Africa, especially in the North West province, has been a contentious issue as consumer debt keeps on escalating despite the managerial measures taken by municipal role-players to stop debt accruals. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that could enhance payment compliance for municipal services, as well as to propose a payment culture framework for municipal services. Residents living within the municipal areas in the four district municipalities of the North West province, municipal role-players, councilors, as well as traditional leaders were involved in this study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and were analysed using SPSS. Findings obtained from the study indicate vast opportunities for municipalities to strategically enhance payment compliance. It was discovered that fiscal exchange is the most influential factor to induce residents’ inclination to pay for municipal services. Other factors identified to influence payment compliance include deterrence messages, social influence, payment education, budget transparency, service administration, traditional leadership, communication dynamics and adoption of emerging innovation options. Findings also indicate a lack of collaboration between municipal role-players and politicians resulting in administrative versus political dichotomy. The study recommended that municipalities should provide adequate services to residents and initiate payment enforcement measures, communication dynamics, emerging sustaining innovation options, effective collaborations, as well as encouraging traditional leadership to facilitate payment compliance for municipal services in the North West province.

Effects of grazing management on Sirosa phalaris herbage mass and persistence in a predominantly summer rainfall environment

2000 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 155 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Lodge ◽  
B. A. Orchard
Keyword(s):  
New South ◽  
Summer Rainfall ◽  
Grazing Management ◽  
Critical Periods ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Continuous Grazing ◽  
Plant Frequency ◽  
On Farm

Herbage mass, plant frequency and basal cover data collected from September 1993 to August 1996 were used to compare the effects of various seasonal closures with continuous grazing on the persistence of Sirosa phalaris (Phalaris aquatica cv. Sirosa) at 3 sites on the North West Slopes of New South Wales. Sites were on-farm and consisted of up to 10 treatments with 2 replicates and treatments were initially imposed in 2 different years. Pastures were either newly sown (3 years old) and grazed by either sheep or cattle, or degraded (14 years old) and grazed by sheep. Drought conditions prevailed in 1994–95, confounding the interpretation of the importance of treatments that involved long periods of closure, since significant effects could be attributed to both grazing exclusion and the timing of the closure in relation to plant phenology. However, across all sites and years, fitted values for phalaris herbage mass were generally significantly higher than the continuously grazed control in only 2 treatments: spring closure (at 1 site) and an extended spring closure combined with an autumn closure (at all sites). At the end of these studies phalaris herbage mass in spring–autumn closures was 4–32 times higher than the control plots. These results were confirmed by analysis of initial and final plant frequency data. At all sites, no recruitment of Sirosa seedlings occurred in any treatment. These data support the hypothesis that for increased persistence in a summer rainfall environment Sirosa phalaris requires some form of grazing management that involves the exclusion of grazing in the critical periods of spring and autumn.

scholarly journals What is the purpose of studying history? Developing students’ perspectives on the purposes and value of history education

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Nuttall
Keyword(s):  
Intrinsic Value ◽  
History Education ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Historical Study ◽  
North West ◽  
Transferable Skills ◽  
Extrinsic Value ◽  
The North ◽  
Long Term Impact ◽  
Two Stages

This paper reports on an intervention study conducted with the A level students whom I teach at a sixth form college in the north-west of England. The study aimed to survey the students’ perceptions of the purposes of history education, and to broaden their understanding of the debate. The study drew upon data from 82 online forum posts from 41 history A level students. It consisted of two stages: the first surveyed students’ initial perceptions of the purposes of history education; the second aimed to further develop students’ perceptions through the deployment of stimulus material and activities designed to broaden students’ understanding of the issue. Following these activities, students’ perceptions were surveyed for a second time to facilitate comparison. The study data indicate that students who have chosen to pursue their historical studies to a higher level tend to appreciate the intrinsic value of knowing history (as opposed to its extrinsic value, such as developing transferable skills or for the sake of employability). The study also indicates that students’ perceptions of the purpose and value of historical study can be significantly altered by teacher intervention, although the long-term impact remains unassessed.

scholarly journals Urban nature conservation: vegetation of natural areas in the Potchefstroom municipal area, North West Province, South Africa

Koedoe ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S.S. Cilliers ◽  
E. Van Wyk ◽  
G.J. Bredenkamp
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Plant Communities ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Soil Surface ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
North West ◽  
The North ◽  
North West Province

This study on the natural and degraded natural vegetation of natural areas in the Potchefstroom Municipal Area, forms part of a research programme on spontaneous vegetation in urban open spaces in the North West Province, South Africa. Using a numerical classification technique (TWINSPAN) as a first approximation, the classification was refined by applying Braun-Blanquet procedures. The result is a phytosociological table from which 6 plant communities were recognised, which are subdivided in sub-communities and variants, resulting in 18 vegetation units. Some of these vegetation units are similar to communities described previously in natural areas. The presence of degraded natural communities suggests huge anthropogenic influences in certain areas. An ordination (DECORANA) scatter diagram shows the distribution of the plant communities along gradients which could be related to vegetation structure, altitude, soil depth, rockiness of soil surface, wetness or dryness of the habitat and number of introduced species. This study contributes to the compilation of a guideline for a conservation orientated management plan for the area, but also created a wealth of new knowledge of the reaction of indigenous plant species under disturbed conditions.

IMPROVING THE YIELD OF MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA) IN THE NORTH WEST FRONTIER PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN USING ON-FARM SEED PRIMING

2004 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 233-244 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. RASHID ◽  
D. HARRIS ◽  
P. A. HOLLINGTON ◽  
M. RAFIQ
Keyword(s):  
Vigna Radiata ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Seed Priming ◽  
North West ◽  
Yield Increase ◽  
The North ◽  
North West Frontier Province ◽  
Rate Of Decline ◽  
Surface Drying ◽  
On Farm

The effect of ‘on-farm’ seed priming – soaking seeds in water before surface-drying and sowing them – was tested for mungbean (Vigna radiata) in 15 irrigated on-station trials and four sets of rainfed, paired-plot, farmer-participatory trials over four contrasting years from 1999 to 2002 in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. The optimum soaking time was found to be between six and eight hours; eight hours was used in all the trials. Of the 19 trials, priming was significantly better than non-priming in 14 with a mean yield increase of 56%. In the remaining five trials there was no difference between treatments but in no case was priming worse than not priming. In a subset of 11 on-station trials in which management was considered to be optimal, yield declined in a linear fashion as the date of sowing was delayed. The rate of decline of about 30 kg ha−1 d−1 after 1st June was similar for both non-primed and primed crops, although the latter declined from a higher base. Farmers' yields were proportional to rainfall over the four years and the mean increase in grain yield due to priming in the 39 trials was 30%. Benefits from priming were the result of a combination of faster germination and emergence and more vigorous growth and development, leading to better crop stands and bigger, more productive plants. It was concluded that ‘on-farm’ seed priming is a low-cost, low-risk technology that has the potential to raise mungbean yields substantially thus making it a more attractive crop for farmers.

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