Sustainable use of salt-degraded and abandoned farms for forage production using halophytic grasses

2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nanduri Kameswara Rao ◽  
Ian McCann ◽  
Shabbir Ahmad Shahid ◽  
Khalil Ur Rahman Butt ◽  
Basel Al Araj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Sporobolus Virginicus ◽  
Scarce Water ◽  
Biomass Yields ◽  
Halophytic Grasses

Four halophytic perennial forage grass species, Distichlis spicata, Paspalum vaginatum, Sporobolus virginicus and S. arabicus, were planted in three salt-degraded and abandoned farms at Mezaira’a, Madinat Zayed and Ghayathi in the United Arab Emirates. The salinity of the irrigation water in the three farms at the time of establishment of the grasses ranged between 14.1 and 17.4 dS m–1. The productivity of the grasses was assessed over 3 years (2012–14) by harvesting three times per year. Averaged over locations and species, dry biomass yields of the four grasses ranged between 32.64 and 40.68 t ha–1 year–1. Sporobolus virginicus produced highest biomass yields, followed by D. spicata, P. vaginatum and S. arabicus, although differences among the four grasses were marginal. In Madinat Zayed and Ghayathi, the average respective forage yields in terms of water productivity were estimated to be 1.68 and 2.42 kg dry matter m–3 water, better than the reported yield of the traditionally cultivated Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) from less saline conditions. The study showed that the four halophytic grasses have the potential to contribute to rationalised use of scarce water resources for forage production, besides providing options for enhancing domestic forage production through rehabilitating the salt-affected farms that are unproductive for conventional crops.

scholarly journals Yield Component Responses of the Brachiaria brizantha Forage Grass to Soil Water Availability in the Brazilian Cerrado

Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Camila Thaiana Rueda da Silva ◽  
Edna Maria Bonfim-Silva ◽  
Tonny José de Araújo da Silva ◽  
Everton Alves Rodrigues Pinheiro ◽  
Jefferson Vieira José ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Water ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Water Pressure ◽  
Soil Water Potential ◽  
Yield Component ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Soil Water Availability ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha

Brazil is one of the world’s largest producers of beef cattle and dairy products, which requires high forage yield to attend grass-fed animals’ demand. Among the grass species adopted in the forage production system in Brazil, the Brachiaria genus stands out. This genus comprises nearly 85% of all planted forage area. In general, forage production systems in Brazil are essentially rainfed, and thus susceptible to seasonal soil water stresses. Selecting the suitable Brachiaria cultivar for lands susceptible to periodic waterlogging and dry spells is crucial to enhance forage yield, and consequently, to reduce the environmental footprint of the livestock sector. In this research, we investigated the performance of three recent commercial Brachiaria brizantha cultivars (Piatã, BRS Paiaguás, and MG13 Braúna) extensively adopted in Brazil’s grazing systems subjected to different ranges of soil water potential. For three cutting periods, yield related-variables (e.g., plant height, leaf area, dry biomass, and water use efficiency) were measured. Our results point to the existence of a low drought-resistant trait among cultivars, indicating the need for releasing better-adapted cultivars to cope with reduced soil water availability. All cultivars achieved higher performance at soil water pressure head between −15 kPa and −25 kPa; and in general, the cultivar. Piatã showed slightly superior results to most of the treatments.

Sustainable Use of Biosolids in Rangeland Forage Production

2009 ◽  
Vol 2009 (3) ◽  
pp. 1118-1129
Author(s):  
Michael J. McFarland ◽  
Issaak Romero Vasquez ◽  
MaiAnh Vutran ◽  
Mark Schmitz ◽  
Robert B. Brobst
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Forage Production

scholarly journals Evaluation of Some Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana) Genotypes for Their Salt Tolerance, Biomass Yield and Nutrient Composition

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashenafi Worku Daba ◽  
Asad Sarwar Qureshi ◽  
Bethel Nekir Nisaren
Keyword(s):  
Soil Salinity ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Germination Percentage ◽  
Soil Salinization ◽  
The Other ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Rhodes Grass ◽  
Salinity Levels ◽  
Chloris Gayana ◽  
The Impact

The livestock productivity in Ethiopia is seriously constrained by the shortage of fodder due to increasing soil salinization. Therefore, restoration of salt-affected lands into productive soils through salt-tolerant forages and improved irrigation and crop management practices is crucial for enhancing the productivity of the livestock sector in Ethiopia. In this three-year study, pot trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of five different soil salinity levels (i.e., 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 dS m−1) on plant growth, biomass production, and nutrient quality attributes of three Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) genotypes (ILRI-6633, ILRI-7384, CV-massaba). Increasing soil salinity negatively affected germination percentage (GP) and mean germination time (MGT) of all genotypes. For all salinity levels, the highest GP was observed for ILRI-6633 and the lowest for CV-massaba. Plant height and chlorophyll content for ILRI-6633 was higher than the other two genotypes. The crude protein (CP) content was higher in low dry matter-producing genotype (ILRI-7384). The performance of ILRI-6633 at all salinity levels was superior to the other two genotypes. CV-massaba genotype performed better under low to medium soil salinity conditions. Therefore, ILRI-6633 and CV-massaba genotypes have excellent potential to increase forage production in salt-affected areas of Ethiopia.

Bermudagrass tolerance of indaziflam PRE applications in forage production

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 125-128
Author(s):  
Nicholas L. Hurdle ◽  
Timothy L. Grey ◽  
Patrick E. McCullough ◽  
Donn Shilling ◽  
Jason Belcher
Keyword(s):  
Weed Control ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Cellulose Biosynthesis ◽  
Split Application ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Application Rates ◽  
Forage Species ◽  
Residual Herbicide ◽  
Residual Control

AbstractBermudagrass is a major forage species throughout Georgia and the Southeast. An essential part of achieving high-yielding, top-quality forages is proper weed control. Indaziflam is a residual herbicide that controls many broadleaf and grass species by inhibiting cellulose biosynthesis. Research conducted in Tift and Colquitt counties in Georgia determined optimal PRE rates for indaziflam for bermudagrass forage production. Treatments applied at spring greenup of established ‘Alicia’ bermudagrass included indaziflam at 47, 77, 155, or 234 g ai ha−1 PRE, pendimethalin at 4,480 g ha−1 PRE, a split application of indaziflam at 47 g ha−1 PRE followed by the same rate applied POST after the first cutting, and a nontreated control (seven treatments in all). Forages were machine harvested three times each year for each location beginning at least 47 d after treatment (DAT), with final cuttings up to 168 DAT. For all treatments, fresh- and dry-weight yields at each harvest and totals for the season did not differ from the nontreated control. Indaziflam at 155 and 234 g ha−1 did cause minor stunting at 44 DAT, but this was transient and not observed at the second harvest. Indaziflam applied PRE has the potential to provide residual control of troublesome weeds in bermudagrass forage and hay production, with ephemeral stunting at the recommended application rates.

scholarly journals Invasive grasses in South Texas rangelands: historical perspectives and future directions

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-58
Author(s):  
Justin P. Wied ◽  
Humberto L. Perotto-Baldivieso ◽  
April A. T. Conkey ◽  
Leonard A. Brennan ◽  
José M. Mata
Keyword(s):  
Remote Sensing ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Fire Regimes ◽  
South Texas ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Bothriochloa Ischaemum ◽  
Heteropogon Contortus ◽  
Historical Perspectives ◽  
Sensing Applications

AbstractSouth Texas is home to a high diversity of species due to its location at the confluence of subtropical, desert, and coastal ecoregions. Historical overgrazing of South Texas rangelands transformed the savanna and prairie to a landscape dominated by woody plants and shrubs interspersed with low seral grass species and bare ground. During the first half of the 20th century, exotic grass species, coupled with the application of industrial agricultural practices appeared to be the future of forage production in South Texas and elsewhere. Several of these exotic species, namely King Ranch bluestem [Bothriochloa ischaemum (L.) Keng], Kleberg bluestem [Dichanthium annulatum (Forssk.) Stapf], Angelton bluestem [Dichanthium aristatum (Poir.) C.E. Hubbard], buffelgrass [Pennisetum ciliare (L.) Link], guineagrass [Urochloa maxima (Jacq.) R. Webster], Lehmann lovegrass (Eragrostis lehmanniana Nees), and Bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], have escaped pasture cultivation. Additionally, the native grass tanglehead [Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv. ex Roem. & Schult.] has begun displaying invasive behaviors. The monoculture growth habit of these species simplifies vegetation structure, reduces biodiversity, and decreases habitat for many species of wildlife. These grasses also alter natural fire regimes and nutrient cycling. This landscape-level transformation of vegetation composition and structure requires monitoring to quantify and assess the spatial and temporal distributions of invasive species as a basis to inform management practices. Current advances in remote sensing technologies, such as very high spatial resolution coupled with daily satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles, are providing tools for invasive vegetation monitoring. We provide a synthesis of the natural history of these grasses, including their introductions, an overview of remote sensing applications in South Texas, and recommendations for future management practices.

scholarly journals Physiological responses of two halophytic grass species under drought stress environment

2016 ◽  
Vol 75 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zamin Shaheed Siddiqui ◽  
Huda Shahid ◽  
Jung-Il Cho ◽  
Sung-Han Park ◽  
Tae-Hun Ryu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drought Stress ◽  
Stomatal Conductance ◽  
Water Deficit ◽  
Physiological Responses ◽  
Biomass Accumulation ◽  
Photosynthetic Performance ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Free Proline ◽  
Relative Water ◽  
Halophytic Grasses

AbstractThe physiological responses of two halophytic grass species, Halopyrum mucronatum (L.) Staph. and Cenchrus ciliaris (L.), under drought stress were evaluated. Biomass accumulation, relative water content, free proline, H2O2content, stomatal conductance, photosynthetic performance and quantum yield (Fv/Fmratio) were studied. Under drought conditions, these halophytic plants expressed differential responses to water deficit. Stomatal conductance and free proline content were higher in H. mucronatum than in C. ciliaris, while H2O2content in H. mucronatum was substantially lower than in C. ciliaris. Performance index showed considerable sensitivity to a water deficit condition, more so in C. ciliaris than in H. mucronatum. Results were discussed in relation to comparative physiological performance and antioxidant enzymes activity of both halophytic grasses under drought stress.

scholarly journals Policy reforms to promote efficient and sustainable water use in Swiss agriculture

Water Policy ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 887-901 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Finger ◽  
Niklaus Lehmann
Keyword(s):  
Water Resources ◽  
Water Use ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Water Saving ◽  
Water Withdrawal ◽  
Policy Reforms ◽  
Environmental Laws ◽  
Scarce Water ◽  
Irrigated Crops ◽  
Irrigation Technologies

The more sustainable use of scarce water resources is a policy goal in several countries. In this regard, current discussions on potential policy reforms in Switzerland revolve around the subsidization of water-saving irrigation technologies. Today, the share of drip irrigation systems is low, at 3%. In Switzerland, environmental laws specify levels of water flow that must not be undercut. Variable pricing of water, however, has not yet been used. This paper analyzes whether subsidies on water-saving irrigation techniques would be beneficial in this legislative setting, and shows that such subsidies may have crowding out effects because they could provide incentives to switch from non-irrigated crops (e.g. wheat) to the production of crops (e.g. potatoes) that require irrigation. This may result in even higher water withdrawal rates. Such an increased competition for water resources may also result in adverse conditions for farmers. By contrast, our analysis shows the implementation of water prices could lead to a sustainable increase in the share of water-saving technologies, to a shift from irrigated to non-irrigated crops, and therefore to a reduction of overall water use in agriculture. Thus, the introduction of water prices should have absolute priority if agricultural water policies are reformed in Switzerland.

scholarly journals Efecto de alturas de corte sobre la producción de forraje de Brachiaria sp. en el piedemonte Llanero de Colombia

2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Alvaro Rincón C.
Keyword(s):  
El Paso ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Grass Species ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Brachiaria Brizantha ◽  
Brachiaria Decumbens ◽  
Brachiaria Humidicola ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
Para Determinar ◽  
Cutting Height

<p>Para determinar el efecto de la altura de corte sobre la producción de forraje de los pastos Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria humidicola, Brachiaria dictyoneura y Brachiaria brizantha, se realizó en el Centro de Investigaciones La Libertad de Corpoica (Villavicencio, Colombia), bajo condiciones representativas del piedemonte la evaluación de las alturas 0, 5, 10 y 20 cm en los pastos B. decumbens, B. humidicola, B. dityoneura cv. Llanero y 0, 10, 20 y 30 cm en el paso B. brizantha cv. Toledo, durante las épocas lluviosa y seca de los años 2009 y 2010. Los resultados con mayor producción de biomasa correspondieron a los tratamientos con mayores alturas de corte. Los cortes realizados a baja altura afectaron negativamente la producción de forraje de los cuatro pastos evaluados y ejercieron una disminución de la cobertura del suelo especialmente en el B. brizantha cv. Toledo.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Effect of cutting height on forage production of Brachiaria sp. in the piedmont Plains of Colombia.</strong></p><p>To determine the effect of cutting height on forage production of the grass species Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria humidicola, Brachiaria dictyoneura, and Brachiaria brizantha this experiment was carried out at Corpoica’s La Libertad Research Center (Villavicencio, Colombia), under typical conditions found in the piedmont region heights were evaluated 0, 5, 10 and 20 cm in pastures B. decumbens, B. humidicola, B. dityoneura cv. Llanero and 0, 10, 20 and 30 cm for B. brizantha cv. Toledo. The evaluations were conducted during the rainy and dry seasons of 2009 and 2010. Greater biomass production was observed in in the grasses given greater cutting heights. The cuts made at lower heights negatively affected the forage production of the four grasses tested and resulted in a decrease in ground cover, especially in the B. brizantha cv. Toledo.</p>

Irrigation water productivity of winter-growing annuals is higher than perennial forages in northern Victoria

2009 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 407 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Lawson ◽  
K. L. Greenwood ◽  
K. B. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Irrigation Water ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Dairy Industry ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Forage Production ◽  
Dairy Farmers ◽  
Few Data ◽  
Irrigation Water Productivity

The dairy industry in Victoria, Australia, uses more than half the state’s irrigation water, mainly for growing pasture. Information on the comparative water use of forage systems would be useful for dairy farmers aiming to optimise their forage production under conditions of limited water availability. However, there are few data comparing water use under similar management and weather conditions. This paper reports on an experiment which measured and compared the production, water use, and water productivity (forage removed per unit water input) of a range of 6 border-check irrigated forage systems (3 perennial, 2 annual, and a double-cropped) and 1 spray irrigated, annual forage system, used by the dairy industry in northern Victoria. Forage removal was highest from the perennial pastures, lucerne, double-cropped and Persian clover systems in both 2005 and 2006. Irrigation water inputs in 2005 were comparable with average values reported in the literature and were closely related to the length of the growing season, with around 800–850 mm used for the perennial pastures and 340–440 mm used for the border-check irrigated annual pastures. Irrigation water inputs in 2006 were substantially higher than in 2005, reflecting the drought conditions that prevailed throughout most of Victoria, with 1100–1200 mm used for the perennial species and 450–700 mm used by the border-check irrigated annual pastures. These irrigation water requirements highlight considerable year-to-year variation as low-rainfall years are usually high-evaporation years. Irrigation water productivity (WP) was greater for the annual than for the perennial systems. In 2005, irrigation WP was 30–37 kg DM/ha.mm for the annual pastures compared with 21–27 kg DM/ha.mm for the perennial and double-cropped systems. In the drier year of 2006, irrigation WP was higher for the short-season annuals than for the other forage systems. When rainfall, runoff, and changes in soil water content were included in the calculation of total WP, there were no consistent differences in the total WP of the annual and perennial systems in either year. These findings show that under conditions of limited irrigation water availability, farmers will be able to grow more forage using winter-growing annual systems than perennial systems. However, other factors such as nutritive characteristics, cost of production, and cost of transferring feed also need to be considered when deciding which forages to grow.

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