Herbage dry-matter yield and nitrogen concentration of grass, legume and herb species grown at different nitrogen-fertiliser rates under irrigation

2017 ◽  
Vol 57 (7) ◽  
pp. 1283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsty Martin ◽  
Grant Edwards ◽  
Rachael Bryant ◽  
Miriam Hodge ◽  
Jim Moir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Important Goal ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
N Concentration ◽  
Herbage Yield ◽  
Cutting Management ◽  
Herb Species

An important goal in dairy systems is to increase production while achieving environmental targets associated with lower nitrate leaching from soils. One approach is to identify forages that grow more at a given level of nitrogen (N) input and result in a lower N intake per kilogram dry matter (DM) consumed. However, while N responses have been well described for perennial ryegrasses, less information is available for alternative grasses, legumes and herbs. In the present study, conducted on the Canterbury Plains, New Zealand, six species (perennial ryegrass, Italian ryegrass, white clover, lucerne, chicory and plantain) were grown at six N-fertiliser rates ranging from 0 to 450 kg N/ha.year and managed under irrigation and cutting management. Herbage DM yield and N concentration were measured over 12 months. As N-fertiliser rate increased from 0 to 450 kg N/ha, annual herbage yield increased linearly (from 4794 to 14 329 kg DM/ha.year in grasses and from 7146 to 13 177 kg DM/ha.year in herbs). In contrast, annual herbage yield for legumes was unaffected by N-fertiliser rate and ranged from 11 874 to 13 112 kg DM/ha. Additionally, there were contrasting responses in herbage N concentration between species. At all N-fertiliser rates, herbage N concentration was highest in legumes (43.4 g N/kg DM), then herbs (30.7 g N/kg DM), and lowest in grasses (25.8 g N/kg DM). The N concentration of legume DM was unaffected by increasing N-fertiliser rate, whereas in grasses and herbs it increased. Results suggested that there were no benefits in using herbs instead of grasses for reducing N intake in livestock in an irrigated Canterbury environment.

Effect of cutting interval and winter dormancy on yield, persistence, nitrogen concentration, and root reserves of irrigated lucerne in the Queensland subtropics

1993 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 847 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Gramshaw ◽  
KF Lowe ◽  
DL Lloyd
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Growth Stage ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Fixed Interval ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
High Dry Matter ◽  
Root Reserves ◽  
Cutting Interval ◽  
Cutting Management ◽  
Subtropical Environment

The use of fixed interval or growth stage (crown bud elongation) cutting management for lucerne was studied for cultivars with dormancy characteristics ranging from highly winter-active to winter-dormant. Fixed cutting intervals ranged from 3 to 8 weeks and were imposed on irrigated stands in a subtropical environment. Persistence, dry matter yield, weed yield, nitrogen (N) concentration and yield, and root reserves were measured over a 2-year period. For cultivars from all dormancy classes, persistence was highest with either 5- or 6-weekly cutting, while dry matter yield was maximised with 5-weekly cutting. Nitrogen concentration was highest with 3-weekly cutting but N yield was greatest under 4-weekly cutting. Root reserves were not maintained unless the cutting interval was extended beyond 7 weeks. Growth stage cutting produced equivalent yields and persistence but lower N concentrations and root reserves than the best fixed interval cutting treatment. There was no evidence that cultivars of different dormancy classes require different cutting management to obtain optimum performance. Therefore, a fixed cutting frequency of 5 weeks throughout the year is an acceptable management compromise for all lucerne cultivars, combining high dry matter and N yields with acceptable levels of foliar N and root reserves. Although the more complex management decisions associated with growth stage cutting appear unwarranted, dry matter yield could be maximised by using a flexible cutting schedule which matched cutting interval with growth rate (4 weeks in summer and 7 weeks in winter).

scholarly journals Different combinations of perennial ryegrass and white clover phenotypes do not affect mixture yield under cutting management during establishment

2017 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 251-256
Author(s):  
L. Rossi ◽  
D.F. Chapman ◽  
G.R. Edwards
Keyword(s):  
Perennial Ryegrass ◽  
White Clover ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Botanical Composition ◽  
Population Densities ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser ◽  
Significant Yield ◽  
Cutting Management ◽  
Pasture Yield

Abstract A field experiment was conducted for 12 months under irrigation and cutting management to determine if interactions between perennial ryegrass and white clover cultivars of different phenotypes could affect pasture yield and botanical composition during establishment. Four ryegrass and four clover cultivars, differing in leaf and tiller/stolon traits, were grown in all combinations (n=16), along with monocultures of each (n=8), as sub-plots under two nitrogen fertiliser levels (100 or 325 kg N/ha/ year). Dry matter yield and botanical composition were measured on nine occasions and ryegrass and clover population densities were determined four times. Total annual yield was similar for all mixture combinations due to substitution between the sward components. While there were significant yield differences among ryegrass or clover cultivar monocultures, these seldom explained differences in mixture yields. Mixtures yielded more DM than ryegrass monocultures under both N treatments (+1.3 to +3.9 t DM/ha/year). Keywords: perennial ryegrass, white clover, dairy, dry matter yield, nitrogen fertiliser, phenotype, competition

Effect of weeds and nitrogen fertiliser on yield and grain protein concentration of wheat

1996 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 443 ◽  
Author(s):  
MG Mason ◽  
RW Madin
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Weed Control ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
The Other ◽  
Grain Protein ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Wheat Grain ◽  
Grain Protein Concentration ◽  
Nitrogen Fertiliser

Field trials at Beverley (19911, Salmon Gums (1991; 2 sites) and Merredin (1992; 2 sites), each with 5 rates of nitrogen (N) and 3 levels of weed control, were used to investigate the effect of weeds and N on wheat grain yield and protein concentration during 1991 and 1992. Weeds in the study were grasses (G) and broadleaf (BL). Weeds reduced both vegetative dry matter yield and grain yield of wheat at all sites except for dry matter at Merredin (BL). Nitrogen fertiliser increased wheat dry matter yield at all sites. Nitrogen increased wheat grain yield at Beverley and Merredin (BL), but decreased yield at both Salmon Gums sites in 1991. Nitrogen fertiliser increased grain protein concentration at all 5 sites-at all rates for 3 sites [Salmon Gums (G) and (BL) and Merredin (G)] and at rates of 69 kg N/ha or more at the other 2 sites [Beverley and Merredin (BL)]. However, the effect of weeds on grain protein varied across sites. At Merredin (G) protein concentration was higher where there was no weed control, possibly due to competition for soil moisture by the greater weed burden. At Salmon Gums (G), grain protein concentration was greater when weeds were controlled than in the presence of weeds, probably due to competition for N between crop and weeds. In the other 3 trials, there was no effect of weeds on grain protein. The effect of weeds on grain protein appears complex and depends on competition between crop and weeds for N and for water at the end of the season, and the interaction between the two.

Comparison of rotations in which barley for grain follows woollypod vetch or forage barley

1987 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 609-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Papastylianou ◽  
Th. Samios
Keyword(s):  
Grain Yield ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
N Balance ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Fertilizer N ◽  
Total Soil ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Total Soil N

SummaryUsing data from rotation studies in which barley or woollypod vetch were included, both cut for hay and preceding barley for grain, it is shown that forage barley gave higher dry-matter yield than woollypod vetch (3·74 v. 2·92 t/ha per year). However, the latter gave feedingstuff of higher nitrogen concentration and yield (86 kg N/ha per year for vetch v. 55 kg N/ha per year for barley). Rainfall was an important factor in controlling the yield of the two forages and the comparison between them in different years and sites. Barley following woollypod vetch gave higher grain yield than when following forage barley (2·36 v. 1·91 t/ha). Rotation sequences which included woollypod vetch had higher output of nitrogen (N) than input of fertilizer N with a positive value of 44–60 kg N/ha per year. In rotations where forage barley was followed by barley for grain the N balance between output and input was 5–6 kg N/ha. Total soil N was similar in the different rotations at the end of a 7-year period.

Aqueous ammonia compared with other nitrogenous fertilizers as solids and solutions on grass

1968 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Hodgson ◽  
A. P. Draycott
Keyword(s):  
Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Ammonium Sulphate ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Field Experiments ◽  
Aqueous Ammonia ◽  
Single Injection ◽  
Maximum Yield ◽  
Italian Ryegrass ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Single Application

SUMMARYField experiments with Italian ryegrass cut four times a year compared aqueous ammonia with ammonium sulphate and with a mixture of ammonium nitrate and urea (equal parts by weight). In 1963 four rates of nitrogen, 224, 448, 672 and 896 lb/acre, were applied as single and split dressings of injected aqueous ammonia, as solid ammonium sulphate and as injected solution of ammonium sulphate. There was little difference in total dry-matter yield between a single injection of aqueous ammonia and the split dressing of solid. Injecting ammonium sulphate solution eliminated scorch caused by single applications of solid supplying 448 lb N/acre or more and gave significantly greater dry-matter yields. A single application of 448 lb N/acre provided enough nitrogen to sustain the response of the grass to the end of the season.In 1964 a single injection of aqueous ammonia was compared with ammonium nitrate/urea applied as solid or solution at 280, 560 and 840 lb N/acre. There was no difference in total dry-matter yield between aqueous ammonia and ammonium nitrate/urea at rates of 560 and 840 lb/acre. At 280 lb/acre a split dressing of solid produced most dry matter. More than 280 lb N/acre was required, therefore, as a single application in spring to last the whole season, but this rate of nitrogen applied as a split dressing was almost sufficient to give maximum yield.In both experiments the seasonal distribution of dry matter was similar for single and split applications except in 1963 when large single injections of ammonium sulphate produced greater yields at the third cut than the split applications. The percentage of nitrogen recovered in the harvested grass decreased as nitrogen rate was increased and was greater from single than split applications. Recovery of nitrogen from aqueous ammonia was less efficient from four injections than one, and was greater in 1964 than 1963 due to better penetration of the sward by injector tines. Least nitrogen was recovered from surface-applied solutions of ammonium nitrate/urea. Regressions of dry-matter yield on nitrogen yield showed that single injections of aqueous ammonia were as efficient as other fertilizers tested.

Yield and quality of irrigated summer fodder crops in northern Victoria

1987 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 817 ◽  
Author(s):  
KE Pritchard
Keyword(s):  
Sweet Sorghum ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Grain Sorghum ◽  
In Vitro Digestibility ◽  
Similar Amount ◽  
Comparative Performance ◽  
Sudan Grass ◽  
N Concentration ◽  
Fodder Crops

Dry matter (DM) yield, in vitro digestibility (DMD%), and nitrogen (N) concentration were determined for 28 cultivars of millet (Echinochloa utilis), hybrid forage sorghum (Sorghum spp.) and maize (Zea mays), under irrigation at Kyabram, Victoria. These summer fodder crops produced large amounts of digestible dry matter (DDM) under intensive irrigated management in northern Victoria, indicating their potential importance for animal production in irrigated warm temperate regions, where pasture dominates the present land use. Single harvest cultivars produced more DM and DDM than did multiple-cut types but with a lower N concentration and generally lower digestibility. Comparing the highest 3-year mean yields for each species, sweet sorghum cv. Honey drip produced more dry matter (273 t/ha) than did maize cv. XL77 (21.6 t/ha) but yields of DDM were similar (14.4 v. 14.0 t/ha). Both yielded more DM and DDM than grain sorghum cv. Pacific 303 (20.1 t DM/ha and 12.4 t DDM/ha). Maize had higher digestibility (65.0%) than grain sorghum (61.5%) or sweet sorghum (53.0% DMD) and higher N concentration (1.1%) than sweet sorghum (0.9%). All maize cultivars had similar dry matter yields but differed in grain yield. Echinochloa millet cv. Shirohie produced a similar amount of DM (16.3 t/ha) and DDM (10.8 t DM/ha) to sorghum x sudan grass hybrid cv. Sudax (17.1 t DM/ha and 10.7 t DDM/ha). This contrasts with their comparative performance at lower latitudes where sorghum hybrids have the higher yield. There was no difference in mean yield between cultivars of sorghum x sudan grass hybrid. Millet had a higher digestibility (65.9%) and nitrogen concentration (1.9%) than sorghum x sudan hybrids (63.3% DMD, 1.5% N). In this environment, maize and Echinochloa millet had similar DDM yield capacities to sorghum cultivars oftheir equivalent type but superior forage quality.

Une régie de trois coupes chez le dactyle (Dactylis glomerata L.) en régions agricoles du Moyen-Nord de l'Est du Canada

1999 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-238
Author(s):  
R. Drapeau
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Dry Matter Yield ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
The Third ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Cutting Management ◽  
Dactylis Glomerata L ◽  
Heading Stage

Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) has good winter survival in the mid-north agricultural areas of eastern Canada. There is no information on the cutting management to use after the first harvest of orchardgrass under these climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the required interval between harvests following a first harvest at heading stage to optimise the productivity and maintain the persistence of orchardgrass. An interval of 35 d between harvests was sufficient to obtain annual yields of 4 to 6 tonnes of dry matter per hectare. An interval of 28 d between harvests had no negative effects on orchardgrass persistence under our climatic conditions. A second harvest taken 42 d after the first one often had a negative effect on the dry matter yield of the third harvest. Each time this occurred, we observed that the second harvest had been taken after 20 July. Heading dates varied among years. In addition to the growth stage at the first harvest, the date of occurrence of the heading stage should be considered so that the second harvest will be taken before 20 July. Consequently, if heading is delayed in spring, the interval between the first and second harvest must be reduced to take the second harvest before 20 July. Delaying the third harvest had a negative effect on the dry matter yield of the first harvest of the following production year. These results indicate that it is possible to take three harvests before September under the climatic conditions of the mid-north of eastern Canada without affecting the persistence of orchardgrass. Key words: Dactylis glomerata L., orchardgrass, cutting stage, cutting intervals, cutting management, yield

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