bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The concentrations of urea, phosphorus, sodium, and other constituents in the blood of steers intensively finished on high-grain rations
Authors: Gartner RJW , Morris JG , Pepper Patricia M
Published: March 2005

The concentrations of urea, inorganic phosphorus, haemoglobin, plasma chloride, sodium, and potassium and the packed cell volume were determined on samples of blood from 70 Hereford steers that had been intensively finished on high-grain rations based on either wheat, barley, or sorghum grain. Oaten chaff was used as the roughage and half the steers had free access to sodium chloride. The inorganic phosphorus levels of 6.5 to 7.1 mg/100 m1 of blood were higher than those recorded in grazing cattle and were significantly different for the grain types. Blood urea levels were affected by roughage level, grain types, and access to sodium chloride. Plasma sodium but not chloride was affected by the type of grain and by sodium chloride.
The effect of chemical curing with paraquat on the intake and digestibility of phalaris pasture
Authors: Romberg B , Pearce GR , Tribe DE
Published: March 2005

A phalaris-dominant pasture received three treatments: no spray, sprayed with paraquat herbicide at early head emergence (spray 1) and at 50 per cent flowering (spray 2). A series of digestibility trials from November 1966 to March 1967 measured the voluntary intakes by sheep, and the nutrient digestibilities of the material resulting from each treatment. The level of crude protein in the sprayed pasture remained higher throughout the summer than in the unsprayed pasture. However, digestibility of crude protein was only higher for sprayed treatments during January 1967. Spraying did not significantly affect intakes or dry matter and crude fibre digestibilities throughout the period. Sheep receiving spray 2 pasture lost more weight than those receiving pasture from the other two treatments.
Competition between rice and barnyard grass (Echinochloa). 2. The response to nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur in pots
Authors: Kleinig CR , Noble JC
Published: March 2005

The results are presented of four glasshouse experiments conducted at Deniliquin, New South Wales, investigating the competition between rice (Oryza sativa) and barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp.) grown on Riverina clay. A study of the response to nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulphur showed that Echinochloa tillering was favoured as level of nutrient supply increased. Echinochloa severely depressed rice tillering and yield. Delayed application of nitrogen did not result in any increase in rice yield when competing with Echinochloa. In the absence of Echinochloa competition, rice tillering and grain yield responded to both added nitrogen and phosphorus, but there was no significant yield response to sulphur. Rice panicle production (fertile tillering) was strongly influenced by nutrient supply and was, in turn, related to final grain yield of rice.
A suspension weighing technique for the rapid determination of specific gravity of eggs
Authors: Pym RAE
Published: March 2005

A suspension weighing technique, developed for the rapid determination of the specific gravity of eggs, is described and compared with one using salt solutions of known density. A simple impact device was used to determine shell strength for correlation with the results of specific gravity determinations. Eggs were obtained from three strains of domestic fowl : White Leghorn, .Australorp, and Synthetic (a closed population in its eighth generation originally based on White Leghorn-Australorp crosses). The numbers of eggs examined in one hour by suspension weighing, salt solutions, and the impact device were 400, 200, and 100 respectively. Repeatabilities of specific gravity based on three eggs per hen were slightly higher for suspension weighing than for salt solutions. Correlations between specific gravity and breaking strength ranged from +0.72 to +0.78 for the three strains. Correlations between egg weight and specific gravity and between egg weight and breaking strength were effectively zero. It is concluded that for routine work, measurement of specific gravity by suspension weighing is a reliable and rapid method of estimating shell strength.
The effect of time between calvings and the length of lactation and dry period on milk production of recorded cows
Authors: Clark CH
Published: March 2005

Data from the Queensland dairy cow production recording scheme between 1953-54 and 1961-62 were analysed for production, period between calving, length of lactation, and dry period. Ninety per cent of cows had periods between calvings of 10 to 14 months. The length of lactation was 180 days or more for 90 per cent of all lactations, and for every month by which it exceeded 180 days the production of butterfat increased by 20 to 25 lb. The dry period for 78 per cent of the cows was between 5 and 16 weeks. Maximum production was given by cows that had a dry period between 5 and 8 weeks. The results were consistent, showing only minor variations from year to year.
The influence of protein supplements on growth of local and imported cattle in the Kimberley area, north-western Australia
Authors: Robinson DW , Stewart GA
Published: March 2005

Two experiments involving the use of 105 animals were done to study the influence of supplementar protein on the intake of low quality roughage by cattle and their subsequent performance.There was no consistent effect of supplementation on intake of roughage, and performance did not appear to be related in any way to digestible energy content of the diet. The growth response appeared to be a function of the overall crude protein intake. When expressed as a function of the calculated digestible crude protein content of the diet, the local Shorthorn cattle in the Kimberley region appeared to have a higher efficiency of nitrogen utilization at low levels of crude protein intake, but were inferior to Santa Gertrudis cattle at higher levels of crude protein intake.
Skin folds and Merino breeding. 8. Fertility of individual rams in flocks selected for high and low skin fold
Authors: McGuirk BJ
Published: March 2005

Single character selection flocks-Folds Plus (selection for high fold score) and Folds Minus (selection for low fold score) were established in 1951 from a Peppin Merino flock at Trangie Agricultural Research Station, New South Wales. For the period 1951 to 1966, 25 per cent of rams selected for the Folds Plus flock were rejected following semen examination before joining, compared to only three per cent of Folds Minus rams (P<0.05). The fertility of individual rams in the two flocks has been estimated from the lambing performance of the ewes to which they were mated in the period 1951 to 1963. Averaged over the twelve joinings, a higher proportion of ewes mated to Folds Minus rams lambed following both artificial insemination (53 v. 45 per cent) and paddock joinings (57 v. 47 per cent). The lower fertility of the Folds Plus rams was not due to a higher proportion of completely infertile rams.
The effects of castration on the growth and meat quality of grazing cattle
Authors: Watson MJ
Published: March 2005

Two experiments are described on the effects of bilateral castration, unilateral castration, and no castration on the growth and meat quality of grazing cattle. ln the first experiment 30 animals were allocated into entire male, unilateral castrate, and bilateral castrate groups and slaughtered at ten months old. There were significant differences in liveweight gain during certain periods, but at slaughter there were no significant differences in liveweight or carcase length. The full castrates had a significantly higher dressing percentage, heavier hindquarters, higher fat percentage, and lower muscle and bone percentage. Percentage dry matter, intramuscular fat, and tenderness were also higher in the full castrates. In the second experiment animals were allocated at ten weeks into unilateral castrate or bilateral castrate treatment groups. Four animals in each group were 22-24 months when slaughtered. The full castrates had significantly higher dressing percentage, lower percentage forequarter, and more tender and lighter coloured meat. It is concluded that, under the experimental conditions described, although there were significant differences in body composition and tenderness attributed to the endocrinal effects of full castration, there were no large differences in growth rate. Differences in conformation and meat quality were larger in older animals.
The wool production and liveweight of wethers in relation to stocking rate and superphosphate application
Authors: Cannon DJ
Published: March 2005

In an experiment lasting three years in the Upper Goulburn Region of Victoria, Merino wethers grazed at from 2 to 8 an acre on plots to which 50, 150, or 250 lb of superphosphate an acre was applied annually. The land had previously received about 1800 lb an acre superphosphate. Mean live weights were recorded monthly and mean clean wool production calculated annually from greasy wool weights and the yield of clean scoured wool from a mid-side sample. In the third year of the experiment, but not the earlier years, mean minimum live weight and mean clean wool production were greater where 150 and 250 lb of superphosphate an acre was applied than where 50 lb an acre was applied. Mean clean wool production per sheep was closely related to mean minimum live weight in all years.
Selection for economic characters in Lupinus angustifolius and L. digitatus. 2. Time of flowering
Authors: Gladstones JS , Hill GD
Published: March 2005

Early-flowering plants were selected from a field population of Lupinus angustifolius and from field and X-ray-treated populations of L. digitatus. One naturally-occurring dominant gene for earliness was isolated in each species, together with an artificially-induced recessive, unlinked to the dominant, in L. digitatus. To evaluate the different genotypes for breeding purposes, and to analyse the factors of the Western Australian environment controlling their flowering time, sowings of all genotypes were made with and without artificial vernalization, over a range of sowing dates, and in a range of environments differing mainly in temperature. Effects on flower initiation were estimated from times of flowering and first flowering node numbers. Flowering of L. angustifolius was found to be controlled mainly by its vernalization requirement. In L. digitatus, vernalization, a dark period inhibition, and an acceleration of flower initiation by high temperatures all appeared to be important. The dominant genes of both species removed all effective vernalization requirement, while the recessive in L. digitatus may have removed or relaxed a dark period inhibition. It was concluded that all three earliness genes would be useful in extending the cultivation ranges of the two species.
Efficiency of wool production of grazing sheep. 2. Differences between breeds and strains varying in age.
Authors: Langlands JP , Hamilton BA
Published: March 2005

The intake and wool production of grazing Border Leicester, fine-wool Merino, and South Australian Merino ewes were estimated for a period of 58 days in experiment 1. The South Australian Merino was the most productive and most efficient (wool grown per unit intake) of the three groups. The Border Leicester had the greatest intake but was the least efficient. In experiment 2 the intakes and wool productions of grazing Border Leicester, Dorset Horn, Southdown, and fine-wool Merino ewes aged 8, 20, and 32 months were estimated over a 102-day period. Intake increased with age whereas intake per unit weight declined. The fine-wool Merino was the most efficient followed in order by the Border Leicester, the Dorset Horn, and the Southdown. From these experiments and others reported in the literature, it was shown that the intakes of adult Dorset Horns, Border Leicesters, and South Australian Merinos were about 30, 50, and 10 per cent greater, and that of Southdowns about 10 per cent less than the corresponding intakes of the fine-wool Merinos. The efficiency of the South Australian Merino was approximately 50 per cent greater, and those of the Border Leicester, Dorset Horn, and Southdown were approximately 25, 45, and 63 per cent less than the efficiency of the fine-wool Merino.
Inheritance of horns and occurrence of cryptorchism in indigenous, Rambouillet and crossbred sheep in India
Authors: Singh LB , Dolling CHS , Singh ON
Published: March 2005

Observations were made on the horn growth and on the testicles of the offspring of Rambouillet, Malpura, and Chokla ewes joined to Rambouillet rams at the Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Malpura (Rajasthan) in western India. No cryptorchids were observed among these sheep and it was concluded there is no risk of introducing cryptorchism from Chokla and Malpura to sheep in the breeding program at the Institute. The observations were consistent with polledness resulting from the action of a gene P which is dominant in ewes and incompletely dominant in rams. Both Malpura and Chokla sheep consist almost exclusively of sheep that are PP. Among the Rambouillet sheep observed, both P and the recessive p were present, the former in low frequency. In addition, an allele of intermediate dominance P' was present. In the absence of P, P' initiates the growth of horns in ewes. Observations made on the Mandya (or Bannur) sheep were consistent with the same mode of inheritance of polledness existing in the breed as in Malpura and Chokla. Among the Gaddi sheep observed there were many ewes with horns. The genes P' and p were segregating in this breed. The Madras Red sheep observed all had horn sites consistent with the sheep being pp.
Beef production from nitrogen fertilized pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) on the coastal lowlands of southern Queensland
Authors: Evans TR
Published: March 2005

Animal production from pangola grass (Digitaria decumbens) fertilized with 400 and 800 lb nitrogen an acre a year was measured over a two-year period 1965-1967. The nitrogen was applied as calcium ammonium nitrate (20.5 per cent N) in split applications. These were 27.5 per cent of the total in September, December, and February, and 17.5 per cent in April. The experiment was grazed with yearling Hereford heifers on a 'put and take' system at a mean stocking rate of three beasts an acre. A mean annual production of 1139 and 1215 lb an acre was obtained from 400 and 800 lb N applications respectively. Although there was 20-30 per cent greater dry matter production containing approximately 3.5 per cent more crude protein from the higher nitrogen application for most periods of the year, this had little effect on total animal production. The highest rates of liveweight gain were recorded in the period September-December, coincident with the highest crude protein and phosphate levels in plant material. Liveweight losses occurred in winter but were reduced by 50 per cent under the higher rate of nitrogen application. The results of this experiment clearly demonstrate that high levels of animal production can be obtained from pangola grass in a subtropical environment with adequate nitrogen fertilizer, even though marked seasonal differences in growth rate of the grass occur.
The introduction of Rhizobium japonicum to soil by seed inoculation of non-host legumes and cereals
Authors: Diatloff A
Published: March 2005

The field introduction of soybean rhizobia into a black earth soil by inoculating winter crops of wheat, oats, peas, and lupins was partly successful. There was an erratic establishment of R. japonicum in the rhizosphere of field grown plants. In glasshouse tests, R. japonicum multiplied in jars planted to oats, barley, wheat, peas, lupins, and soybeans, but not in unplanted jars. The degree of stimulation of nodule bacteria varied between species and was greatest with the host legume, soybean. The comparative number of rhizobia in the rhizosphere and in the root-free soil (R : S ratio) also varied but was not necessarily highest with soybean nor with legumes as a whole. It is concluded that this inoculation technique might overcome problems associated with damage to seed inocula by fungicide treatments or high soil temperatures.
An association of infection by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and potassium deficiency in Kennebec potato
Authors: Fountains PJ , Sampson PJ
Published: March 2005

In a potato fertilizer trial planted with the variety Kennebec a high proportion of the plants in the plots to which no potassium had been applied was infected by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary. Potassium chloride reduced the incidence of the disease; sulphate of ammonia increased it.
Low temperature injury of Starking Delicious peaches in relation to weight lost during cool storage
Authors: Scott KJ , Wills RBH , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

A number of treatments known to affect low temperature breakdown of apples or low temperature injury of peaches were applied to Starking Delicious peaches. Within each treatment, low temperature injury increased as the weight loss of the fruit increased, but there were also differences between treatments that were not due to differences in weight loss. Warming during storage, stepwise cooling, and delayed storage were the most effective treatments in reducing low temperature injury.
A nutritional evaluation of diets containing meat meal for growing pigs. 2. The effect of level of meat meal or meat and bone meal in wheat-based diets
Authors: Batterham ES , Holder JM
Published: March 2005

Wheat based diets containing 10, 20, or 30 per cent of meat meal or meat and bone meal were fed at a daily rate of 3.5 per cent of liveweight to Large White pigs in the 40-160 lb liveweight range. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility and nitrogen retention were determined on pigs fed the meat and bone meal diets. Increasing the inclusion level of both meat meal and meat and bone meal from 10 to 20 per cent significantly increased the lean content of the ham and tended to improve daily gain and feed conversion. Including meat and bone meal at 30 per cent of the diet resulted in a significant depression of growth rate and feed conversion efficiency between 40 and 160 lb liveweight. Dry matter and organic matter digestibility of the diets containing meat and bone meal decreased as the level of meal increased. Nitrogen retention appeared to be greatest at the 20 per cent level.
The interrelation of age, permeability and viability of subterranean clover seeds
Authors: Carpenter JA
Published: March 2005

The proportions of impermeable seeds, and the viability of permeable and impermeable seeds were measured in samples of Trifolium subterraneum seed that had been stored in a laboratory for up to 34 years. Viability of permeable seed decreased from 99 per cent after storage for 1 year to 8 per cent after 30 years. On the other hand, all impermeable seeds were viable for 1 to 5 years, and 83 per cent were viable after 30 years. The impermeable seed content of the older seed lots was generally higher than that of the younger ones. This difference was related to the high retention of impermeability of the seeds during storage, and to changes in the severity of threshing methods. The impermeable seed content was also correlated positively but poorly with the viability of both permeable and impermeable seeds, independent of the age of the seed. These associations are probably due to the common effect of the environment on all these variables during seed ripening. A small varietal component in each variable was detected. The implications of these data for the long-term storage of small samples of seed are discussed.
Effects of temperature, humidity and caging on the concentration of fruit pollen in the air
Authors: Langridge DF
Published: March 2005

The amount of air-borne pollen was measured continuously over several days at peak flowering in apple, peach, and cherry orchards using an automatic volumetric spore trap. The maximum number of grains of pollen per m3 recorded in the apple, cherry, and peach orchards were 68, 48, and 13 respectively High concentrations were associated with high ambient temperatures and low relative humidities. In a second experiment, pollen concentrations were measured over five days inside and outside a 1/10- inch mesh insect-proof cage placed in a lemon orchard. Significantly (P<0.01) more pollen was recorded outside the cage than inside.
Effects of soil management, pollination, and nitrogen fertilizers on Williams' pear trees
Authors: Selimi A , Keatley JC
Published: March 2005

The effect of soil management, pollination, and level and timing of nitrogen fertilizer on mature spurpruned Williams' pear trees under irrigated conditions was studied. The dominant response was due to soil management; straw mulch was better than cultivation, and cultivation was equal to clover sward in yield, but was inferior in vigour. Cross pollination improved yield, and tended to depress growth for both straw mulch and clover sward plots, but had little or no effect in cultivation. The various nitrogen treatments produced no important differences except that unfertilized trees declined in growth though not in yield, and the growth decline was slower than expected. After the fertilizer trials were concluded, the clover sward treatment was lifted in production to almost equal straw mulch. This improvement was probably due to the introduction of less severe pruning and the use of weedicides along the tree line.
The incidence of abnormally crimped fleeces among merino ewes in relation to nutrition early in life and to the number of lambs produced
Authors: Chapman RE , Reardon TF
Published: March 2005

The number of sheep with abnormally crimped fleeces in a flock of fine wool Merino ewes at nearly seven years of age was not associated with the level of nutrition during the first 14 months of life, with the number of lambs borne by the ewes in four years, nor with any interaction between these twofactors.
Poultry manure and meat meal as a source of dietary nitrogen for sheep
Authors: Leibholz J
Published: March 2005

Two experiments were performed to test the feasibility of using poultry manure as a nitrogen source with a low quality roughage in maintenance diets of sheep. In experiment 1, three diets were offered, all including sorghum grain and cottonseed hulls. One contained no additional source of nitrogen, but the other two were designed to offer equal amounts of nitrogen, either from meat meal or from meat meal and poultry manure (nitrogen ratio of 1 : 2.8). The liveweight changes of sheep on the diet containing poultry manure and meat meal were no different from those of sheep on the diet to which meat meal only was added. In experiment 2, four diets were offered in a cross-over design. All diets included wheat straw and three of them contained wheat grain and meat meal and poultry manure (nitrogen ratio 1 : 3.1). The fourth diet consisted of wheat straw and chaffed lucerne hay. To simulate the litter from caged broilers, either 15 per cent or 30 per cent sawdust was added to two of the diets that contained poultry manure. Adding 15 per cent sawdust had no adverse effect on liveweight changes, the amount eaten, or dry matter digestibility. Inclusion of 30 per cent sawdust, however, resulted in weight loss and reduced feed intakes and dry matter digestibility.
Effect of distance from Williams' Bon Chretien pollinator on production of Packham's Triumph pears in the Goulburn Valley
Authors: Selimi A
Published: March 2005

The effects of distance from pollen source, and of seasonal and orchard conditions, on performance of Packham's Triumph pears were studied in five orchards in the Goulburn Valley for three years-1965 to 1967. In nearly all situations and years the fruit set, fruit numbers, and fruit seed content, were higher on trees 6 metres from the pollen source (Williams' Bon Chretien) than of trees farther away. Performance varied between seasons and from orchard to orchard. The date and duration of flowering in pears varies considerably between seasons. An overlap of full bloom was found between Josephine de Malines, Packham's Triumph, and Winter Nelis on the one hand and between Williams' Bon Chretien and Beurre Bosc on the other. Although there was not an exact overlap in full bloom between Williams' Bon Chretien and Packham's Triumph, the spread in the duration of blooming of these two cultivars was quite sufficient for a mutual cross-pollination effect.
Performance of sheep and cattle grazed separately and together
Authors: Hamilton D/Bath JG
Published: March 2005

Groups of two young steers and eight autumn lambing ewes, mated for prime lamb production and each rearing a single lamb, grazed together at three stocking rates and separately each at five stocking rates on annual pasture. Results were rejected for animals fed a supplement. In most instances when pasture conditions were fairly good throughout the year, mixed stocking increased production. In one year when pasture was very poor during winter, mixed stocking resulted in little or no increase in production. The weight changes of the animals suggest that most of the benefit from mixed stocking occurred during winter. The effect of mixed stocking on production varied with stocking rate only in the first pear. In general, the competition between sheep and cattle, as measured by annual production, did not vary with stocking rate. The sheep appeared to benefit more than the steers from mixed stocking, but this may have been a consequence of the stocking ratio selected.
A nutritional evaluation of diets containing meat meal for growing pigs. 3. The effects of amino acid, copper and vitamin B supplements
Authors: Batterham ES
Published: March 2005

A series of experiments measured the effect of amino acid, copper, and vitamin B supplementation of 80 : 20 wheat--meat meal or wheat-meat and bone meal diets for Large White pigs during the growth phase between 18 and 45 kg liveweight. Diets were fed under a restricted feeding system. The addition of l-lysine to the diet increased nitrogen retention, liveweight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and lean content of the ham in experiment 1, and increased liveweight gain and feed conversion efficiency in experiment 2. No response to a lower level of l-lysine was obtained in a third experiment. There was no apparent effect of supplementary dl-methionine, either alone, or in combination with 1-lysine. A 21-fold increase in liver copper levels occurred in pigs supplemented with 250 p.p.m. copper, but no apparent effect on liveweight gain, feed conversion efficiency, or lean in the ham was detected. There was no apparent effect of a supplement containing riboflavin, pantothenic acid, and nicotinic acid on liveweight gain, feed conversion efficiency, or lean content of the ham.
Correction - The sodium concentration in some tropical pasture species with reference to animal requirements
Authors: Playne MJ
Published: March 2005

A survey was made of the sodium concentration in eight grass and legume pasture species in the Townsville region. The grass species could be characterized according to sodium concentration. Panicum maximum, Chloris gayana, and Cenchrus setigerus were 'high-sodium' species (>0.40 per cent Na), whereas Urochloa mosambicensis had a medium sodium concentration, and Cenchrus ciliaris, Heteropogon contortus, and the legumes Stylosanthes humilis and Phaseolus atropurpureus were `low-medium� species (<0.10 per cent Na). The sodium concentration in five species grown at five sites located within 257 kilometres of Townsville, Queensland, was also examined at one stage of growth. Since several common pasture species contained low levels of sodium (<0.05 per cent of dry matter) deficiency symptoms could occur in grazing stock under certain circumstances.
The effect of four herbicides on pasture yield and composition
Authors: McGowan AA
Published: March 2005

Four herbicides (2,4-D, 2,2-DPA, paraquat, and diquat) were applied to a pasture in northeastern Victoria in April, May, and July of 1963 at rates recommended for the control of weeds in pastures. Each of the herbicides significantly reduced pasture productivity but this reduction was affected by the time of spraying and the time when pasture production was measured. The proportions of subterranean clover, phalaris, and annual grasses were affected by the various herbicide treatments.
The influence of cutting frequency on the yield, composition and persistence of irrigated lucerne
Authors: Judd P/Radcliffe JC
Published: March 2005

Irrigated Hunter River lucerne (Medicago sativa), grown at Milang, South Australia, was harvested at three, four, five, and six-week frequencies during the summers of 1964-65 and 1965-66. During the second season, dry matter yields were measured and representative subsamples analyzed for crude protein, digestibility, and crude fibre. Plant density was estimated at the end of the experiment. Maximum dry matter yield was obtained when the six-week cutting frequency was used, but lucerne quality was significantly reduced below that obtained from the five-week cutting frequency. Yield and plant density were significantly reduced by the three-week cutting regime, and substantial weed invasion was recorded.
Chondrilla juncea in Australia. 3. Seed maturity and other factors affecting germination and establishment
Authors: Cuthbertson EG
Published: March 2005

The relationship between seed colour and viability and also the effect of seed age, moisture stress, depth of seed burial, and soil type on the germination of skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea L.) were studied at Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. As the developing seeds matured their colour changed from greenish-white through yellow to yellow-brown or olive-green. Some 25 per cent of the yellow seeds were capable of germination but then only for a short period after shedding. Fully coloured, mature seeds showed 80 to 90 per cent germination capacity and remained viable for two to three years when stored in open containers. A few samples were dormant for about 12 weeks but the majority germinated rapidly when ample moisture was available. Germination was delayed and decreased with increasing water stress. Soil type had no apparent effect on germination but emergence was inversely related to depth of planting. There was no emergence from below 13 mm (1/2 inch) in heavy clays or 38 mm (19 inches) in other soils. Surface sown seeds did not establish readily on compacted surfaces, emphasizing the importance of the cultivated fallow in increasing the rate of spread.
Growth and ignitability of annual pastures in a Mediterranean environment. 2. Ignitability of swards of various annual species
Authors: Parrott RT , Donald CM
Published: March 2005

A study was conducted at Adelaide of the ignitability of monospecific swards of four Mediterranean annual pasture plants under windless conditions throughout the normal field desiccation of the swards in the spring. For any individual species the ignitability depended almost wholly on the percentage of water or the very closely correlated percentage of dead herbage. Atmospheric conditions had no measurable influence on ignitability during desiccation. Trifolium subterraneum was much less ignitable at any particular level of moisture content than were the grasses. Lolium rigidum was more inflammable early in the desiccation process than was Hordeum leporinum of equal water content, presumably due to the greater continuity of dry leaf; but H. leporinum was ignitable much earlier in the spring because it matured and dried sooner than did L. rigidum. In the case of the grasses, only those firebrands that fell to or near the soil surface started a fire, whereas the more compact sward of T. subterraneum, when sufficiently dry, lit readily at the upper surface.
The effect of seeding rate and row spacing on yields of Spanish peanuts at Katherine, N.T
Authors: Wood IMW
Published: March 2005

In experiments at Katherine, N.T., yields of the Spanish peanut, variety Spantex, were not increased by sowing in twin rows spaced G inches apart with 3 feet between the pairs of rows, in comparison with normal single rows sown 3 feet apart. Establishment was, however, improved by up to 12 per cent by sowing in twin rows, presumably owing to reduced competition for soil moisture with the lower plant population per unit length of row. Yields were little affected by plant population in the range 40,000-120,000 plants an acre, corresponding to sowing rates of 50 to 200 lb an acre of kernels. In one season a significant increase of 240 lb an acre (9 per cent) of nuts-in-shell was obtained by increasing the sowing rate from 50 to 100 lb an acre. In two other seasons, however, yields were not affected by the change in plant population. Planting on formed beds led to a reduction of G per cent in establishment compared with flat planting; but yields were not affected. The optimum seeding rate for Spantex at Katherine, N.T., is considered to be approximately 50 lb an acre, giving a plant stand of approximately 40,000 plants an acre.
The nitrogen nutrition of the peach tree. 5. Influence of rate of application of calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer on yield, tree growth and nitrogen content of fruit
Authors: Taylor BK , van den Ende B
Published: March 2005

A field experiment was done on mature peach trees (Cv. Golden Queen) growing under an irrigation/cultivation management system to test tree response during two consecutive growing seasons to a wide range of application rates of calcium ammonium nitrate fertilizer. Results presented in this and a previous paper show that, over the range 0 to 18 lb calcium ammonium nitrate per tree per year, gross yield, shoot extension growth, annual increase in butt circumference, and leaf and fruit nitrogen content were usually in proportion to rate of fertilizer applied. In contrast, application of nitrogenous fertilizer delayed the rate of fruit ripening compared with nil nitrogen treatment and did not influence weight of prunings per tree, butt circumference per tree at any given date, flowering performance, fruit set, leaf size (dry weight) during the growing season, fruit size at harvest (dry weight), or the concentration and amount of total nitrogen in the seed at harvest. Since records were made on 20 trees only over two growing seasons and the trees were not thinned, it is suggested that the practical significance of the gross yield response should be further assessed in a conventional, long-term experiment.
The establishment phase of three systems of intensive hedgerow apple growing in the Murray Valley
Authors: Maggs DH
Published: March 2005

Data obtained during the first four years on ' pruning times, girths, yields, and fruit composition are given for a trial comparing three varieties grown under three intensive systems. The varieties were Golden Delicious, Red Jonathan, and Granny Smith on N. Spy rootstock. The training systems were Palmette, involving branch bending (330 trees an acre), Hedging by cutting the trees to a flat top at 7 feet (495 trees an acre), and Cordons, pruning hard to four rods on each tree (660 trees an acre). Training times per tree averaged Hedge, 1.1 min; Cordon, 6.2 min; Palmette, 10.3 min. Girths decreased in the order Palmette>Hedge> Cordon, and Golden Delicious> Granny Smith and Red Jonathan. For each variety the treatments cropped in the order Palmette>Hedge>Cordon and for each treatment the varieties cropped in the order Golden Delicious>Red Jonathan>Granny Smith. For Golden Delicious yields of Hedges averaged 93 per cent of Palmettes, but for Granny Smith they were only 33 per cent; this resulted in a significant variety X treatment interaction. Yields per tree in the fourth season averaged Palmette 41, Hedge 27, and Spur 4 lb, and Golden Delicious 33, Red Jonathan 20, and Granny Smith 18 lb, but Palmette and Hedge gave nearly equal yields per acre (13,000 lb). Picking dates were Golden Delicious February 10-14, Red Jonathan February 13-19, Granny Smith March 2-18. Total soluble solids in the fruit juice of these varieties reached 13 per cent by January 28, February 5 and March 28 respectively, and pH reached 3.4 by January 15, February 4, and April 8.
Potassium permanganate as an ethylene absorbent in polyethylene bags to delay ripening of bananas during storage
Authors: Scott KJ , McGlasson WB , Roberts EA
Published: March 2005

Potassium permanganate reduced the concentration of ethylene and calcium hydroxide reduced the concentration of carbon dioxide in sealed polyethylene bags containing bananas. When the fruit that were not packed in sealed bags were ripe (16 days after the beginning of storage) all the fruit in sealed polyethylene bags were in a firm green condition and there was little difference between treatments in sealed polyethylene bags. After 29 days some of the fruit in sealed bags had softened, but fruit in bags containing potassium permanganate was firmer than fruit receiving other treatments, and this effect was more marked after 38 days. It was estimated that about two weeks additional storage life was obtained by packing potassium permanganate with the fruit.
Meat and bone meals incorporated at two levels in grower-pig rations based on either sorghum of wheat
Authors: Beames RM , Daniels LJ
Published: March 2005

Two experiments are reported in which a total of 96 Large White pigs were individually fed from 21 to 74 kg bodyweight on rations based on either sorghum or wheat. In the first experiment the protein supplement consisted of 20 per cent of one of two meat and bone meals or 15 per cent soybean meal. The ration containing soybean meal was presented with or without added calcium and phosphorus to provide levels of these elements equal to those in one of the meat and bone meal rations. Pigs fed the wheat-based rations had 13 per cent (P<0.05) greater growth rates and utilized feed 7 per cent more efficiently than those fed the sorghum-based rations. The rations containing the meat and bone meals produced 10 per cent lower growth rates and were utilized less efficiently (P<0.05) than those containing soybean meal. The addition of calcium and phosphorus to the soybean meal rations had no significant effect on growth. Ration composition had no effect on carcase measurements. In the second experiment the rations were based on either sorghum or wheat and were supplemented with either 15 per cent or 20 per cent of one of two meat and bone meals. Pigs fed the wheat-based rations had 11 per cent (P<0.05) greater growth rates and utilized feed 11 per cent more efficiently than those fed the sorghum-based rations. The efficiency of feed utilization for pigs fed the 20 per cent level of meat and bone meal was 5 per cent greater than that of pigs fed the 15 per cent level below 45 kg bodyweight but not above this weight. Growth rate was not significantly affected by level of meat and bone meal. Feed efficiency was greater for rations containing the, meat and bone meal with the lower ash content. The only treatment that affected carcase measurements was the level of meat and bone meal in the ration. Pigs fed the rations with 20 per cent meat and bone meal produced carcases with 11 mm of backfat (not including the skin) above the last rib, whereas those fed the 15 per cent level had 13 mm of backfat.
Changes in pattern and density of perennial grasses in an intensively grazed sown pasture influenced by drought in southern NSW
Authors: Pook EW , Costin AB
Published: March 2005

Significant changes in the pattern of distribution and density of perennial ryegrass were recorded in an intensively grazed pasture at 'Wollogorang' near Breadalbane, New South Wales, between March 1963 and May 1965. This period was marked by relatively low rainfall and droughts of moderate and severe intensity. A regular pattern of ryegrass plant distribution characterized the pasture in March 1963. This pattern was modified in subsequent years as the ryegrass cover deteriorated under stress conditions. Phalaris, originally an insignificant component in the pasture, persisted and eventually became the dominant perennial grass. These changes are discussed in relation to rainfall, soil moisture status and the contrasting characteristics of root distribution developed by perennial ryegrass and Phalaris on the 'Wollogorang' site.
Evaluation of rapid tests for assessing nitrogen availability in wheat soils. 1. Correlation with plant indices of availability obtained in pot culture
Authors: Chalk PM , Waring SA
Published: March 2005

An evaluation of biological and chemical tests of potentially available soil nitrogen has been made using soils important in the wheat producing areas of Australia. Assessment was based on comparison with pot culture data obtained in two consecutive years. Three biological and four chemical procedures were shown to provide equally good indices of the availability of nitrogen to wheat for the black earth soils, the red brown earths and the combined grey and brown soils of heavy texture as well as for all soils used in each year. These results differ from the conclusions of past studies, in which one procedure was usually preferred. Four other tests were not recommended. Significant differences were found among the regression coefficients for individual great soil groups for several tests examined. The implications of this finding in terms of the practical use of such tests are discussed.
Evaluation of rapid tests for assessing nitrogen availability in wheat soils. 2. Effect of factors associated with field sampling, sample treatment and laboratory analysis
Authors: Chalk PM , Waring SA
Published: March 2005

An evaluation of biological and chemical tests of potentially available soil nitrogen has been made through a study of factors associated with field sampling, sample treatment, and laboratory analysis Variations in time of sampling, fineness of grinding, and the conditions and period of storage of air-dry samples were generally shown to affect the values obtained by both biological and chemical methods, but not the degree of correlation with plant uptake of nitrogen. These findings, together with information gained on method precision and spatial variability and analytical considerations, led to the choice of organic carbon as the best of the methods tested.
Soil and cotton responses to tillage and ameliorant treatments in a brown clay soil. 1. Soil responses and water use
Authors: Loveday J , Saunt JE , Fleming PM , Muirhead WA
Published: March 2005

Furrow-irrigated cotton was grown for two seasons on a previously uncultivated dense clay soil to which the following treatments had been applied :--normal ploughing (18 cm), precision ripping (30 cm), deep ploughing (40 cm), deep ripping (60 cm), and deep ploughing and deep ripping combined, with and without applications of gypsum at 10 tons an acre or organic matter at 2 1/2 tons an acre. The deep tillage significantly increased the porosity of the subsoil, but this extra porosity had largely been lost by the end of the second season. Neither the gypsum nor the organic matter addition had a significant effect upon its rate of decline. Despite the effect on porosity the deep tillages had only small and mostly non-significant effects upon water increment at irrigation. The gypsum treatment, but not the organic matter, increased water entry to the subsoil at irrigation, and this W-as apparently a result of improved hydraulic conductivity and aggregate stability, particularly in the surface layers. Considerable leaching of chloride occurred from the 30-60 cm subsoil zone in both gypsum treated and deep-tilled plots, but not in organic matter plots, and an accumulation of chloride occurred in the 0-10 cm layer (the hill) in gypsum treated plots. The increased water intake to the subsoil resulting from gypsum treatment was matched by increased water use in the following period, and hence a reduction in relative water deficit of Leaves during the peak period of water demand. Neither the organic matter nor the deep tillages had appreciable influence on water uptake. Water use during periods of peak demand was about 6 mm a day for gypsum treated plots, and this was probably lower than mould have been obtained with water freely available at all times. On the other treatments it can he inferred that water use was even further reduced by lack of available water.
Response of Glycine wightii to molybdenized superphosphate on a krasnozem
Authors: Mears PT , Barkus B
Published: March 2005

The nutrient requirements of Glycine wightii CV. Clarence were investigated on a krasnozem soil near Lismore, New South Wales. Glycine responded to molybdenum, phosphorus, sulphur, and lime when grown in glasshouse pots. Applied in combination, these nutrients increased dry matter yield of plant tops by a factor 2.4 and nitrogen yield by 3.9. A positive interaction between molybdenum and phosphorus was recorded. Growth of plant tops, roots, and nitrogen yield continued to increase in response to molybdenum applied at 0, 1.6, and 3.2 oa an acre. The lime X molybdenum interaction was negative, but lime increased dry matter yield of glycine in the presence of adequate molybdenum. When glycine was sown with Setaria anceps CV. Kazungula in the field, maximum response of glycine was obtained in the following season, by applying molybdenurr, at 6.5 oz and superphosphate at 8 hundredweight an acre at sowing. The response to fertilizer by glycine was not reflected in total yield of the pasture, due to the low proportion (14 per cent) of the legume in the sward. Glycine contributed only 15 lb of nitrogen an acre to the total sward yield of 85 lb an acre over fourteen months. The effect of the nutrient constituents of molybdenixed superphosphate, the problem of grass dominance and other factors were discussed in relation to the low dry matter and nitrogen yields of glycine grown on krasnoxem soil.
Estimation of soil permeability from counts of visible pores
Authors: Cockeroft B
Published: March 2005

To find a rapid field method of estimating soil permeability, counts on undisturbed samples of pore numbers in various size ranges were correlated with measured hydraulic conductivity. The suggested field method uses counts of visible pores in the size range 0.5 to 0.1 mm for the estimation of soil permeability.
Herbicides for the control of grass weeds in peanut crops at Katherine, NT
Authors: Wood IMW
Published: March 2005

The soil-incorporated herbicides trifluralin, at 1 lb a.i. an acre, and benefin, at 2 lb a.i. an acre, gave excellent control of grasses, mainly Digitaria adscendens and Bracharia ramosa in pemut crops over two seasons at Katherine, N.T. Chlorthal at 8 to 10 lb a.i. an acre gave excellent control ir, one season, but only fair control in the other. Prometryne gave good grass control at 1 1/2 to 2 lb a.i, an acre but caused crop damage at 3 lb a.i. an acre. Chloramben at 4 lb a.i. an acre and 2,4-D (amine) at 2 and 4 Ib a.i. an acre, both applied pre-emergence, gave an unsatisfactory control of grasses and adversely affected crop growth. The application of trifluralin, benefin, chlorthal, and prometryne gave nut-in-shell yields equal to or better than handweeded control plots. Cultivation alone gave very poor control of grasses. Where weed populations were low following the use of one of the effective herbicides interrow cultivations generally gave lower yields than the corresponding handweeded herbicide treatment. Although carefully done the interrow cultivations must have caused some crop damage.
Orchard soil management trials. 1. Effect of a weed-free or straw mulched strip on the growth and yield of young fruit trees
Authors: Baxter P
Published: March 2005

The effects of keeping a strip along the tree row bare with herbicide sprays or mulched with weed-free straw were compared with either permanent pasture or cultivation. Peach trees growing in the straw mulched strips from their second year onwards grew bigger, made more growth, and produced twice as many fruit of larger size in their fourth and fifth seasons. Apple trees growing in a 1 1/2 metre wide mulched strip also made more total growth and yielded twice the weight of fruit in their fifth and sixth seasons than trees growing under cultivation. Mean fruit size of the apples from the mulched trees was larger, and the mulched apple trees carried more blossoms following a heavy crop than did the cultivated trees. Growth and fruit bearing of the peach and apple trees in the herbicide treated plots was intermediate between the control and mulch treatments.