bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of reactive phosphate rock and superphosphate on sheep and pasture production in hill country
Authors: Ledgard S.F. , Jones K.R.
Published: July 2020

Arad reactive phosphate rock (RPR) and single superphosphate(SSP) were compared as phosphate fertilisers in a sheep farmlet grazing trial and in two mowing trials over 3 years. The trials were on a volcanic ash soil at the MAF Te Kuiti Research Area on a site with limited fertiliser addition in the previous 2 years (Olsen P soil test averaged 10 in the grazing trial). Soil sulphur levels were high and there was no requirement for added sulphur over the -3 years of the trial. Pasture and animal measurements showed responses to SSP in all years, with RPR being initially less effective than SSP. By year 3, responses from RPR were near those from SSP. Economicassessmentof thegrazing trial corresponded with production data, except in year 1 when there was little benefit from either fertiliser. SSP was more cost-effective than RPR in year2 whereas they were similarin year 3. Over the 3 years, both fertilisers were profitable and there was an apparent cumulative net benefit from SSP over RPR. It was estimated that by year 4 the cumulative net benefit would be similar for both fertilisers or would be reversed in favour of RPR. Keywords reactive phosphate rock, hill country, grazing trial, superphosphate, mowing trials
Some basic concepts of pasture seed mixtures for New Zealand farms
Authors: Charlton J.F.L.
Published: July 2020

Seeds mixtures for New Zealand pastures developed from British practices with sowing of multi-species seeds mixtures during early years of settlement. Breeding and seed production of ryegrasses and clovers in the 1930s led to use of simple mixtures, still the most commonly used. Since the mid 197Os, new species have been released, and are now becoming more popular. Advantages and some potential problems of species mixtures are outlined, and simple concepts of compiling seeds mixtures are explained, with particular reference to seeding rate and sowing time. Keywords species, seeds mixtures, pasture renewal, sowing rates, seedling establishment, competition
An evaluation of agroforestry on a Bay of Plenty hill country farm
Authors: Knowles R.L. , Brann G.M. , Brann G.J.
Published: July 2020

Between 1970 and 1991,53 ha of Pinus radiata plantations were established and managed in an agroforestry system on a 245 ha farm at Roydon Downs in the eastern Bay of Plenty. Plantations on a further 30 haareplanned. This paperoutlines the experience gained, and uses recently developed agroforestry modelling systems to evaluate the current and projected physical yields, cash flow and profitability of several agroforestry options when applied to a typical Bay of Plenty sheep and beef farm, The increasing availability of genetically improved tree stocks, together with developments in silvicultural techniques, have resulted in a low cost, easily managed tree crop, using mainly family labour. The objective is to produce high quality domestic or export sawlogs and peeler logs. Planting the least productive third of the farm is predicted to more than double the total farm surplus. For farming to provide an equivalent economic return from the same land, gross margins would have to increase from $29 to $60/livestock unit (LSU). or livestock carrying capacity would have to increase from 8 to 16 LSU/ha. Options involving 135 stems/ha and 225 stems/ha gave a similar economic return. However, concerns about the quality of the final product indicate that cash flow constraints should be met by varying the size and rate of planting, rather than by reducing final crop stocking. A method of financing initial costs based on sharing final revenues with investors is presented. Keywords agroforestry, Pinus radiata, estate model, profitability
Financial evaluation of hill country pasture improvement
Authors: Parminter T.G.
Published: July 2020

Capital fertiliser dressings and intensified grazing management (to fully utilise available pasture) are shown to be essential components of hill country pasture improvement options when they were analysed by a computer simulation model. For calculations to be profitable, animal performance needed to exceed specified minima throughout the period of development. For traditional mixed livestock policies, these minima were that finishing cattle reach 300 kg carcass weights and breeding ewes achieve more than 100% lambing. Keywords pasture improvement, gross margin, reseeding
The pasture ryegrass plant, what is it?
Authors: Brock J.L. , Thomas V.J.
Published: July 2020

Detailed studies of plant growth processes are important in understanding the performance and persistence of species in pastures, particularly in response to uncharacteristic environmental stress. The morphology of perennial ryegrass plants in mixed sheep grazed pastures was determined in self contained farmlets undercontrasting managements of rotational grazing, set stocking or a combination of both. Average size was 90 mg total DW, with 4- 5 tillers and 12-13 leaves, little different to white clover. Ryegrass exhibits strong clonal growth, with extension at the apex and death of the basal stem releasing branches to form new plants at regular intervals, maintaining a stable population structure of small plants all year. The normally short internodes on ryegrass stems can elongate to form stolon and elevate the apex to a more favourable position if survival is threatened. On average only 2530% of plants contained stolon at any one time. Because of high plant density the quantities of ryegrass stem present was often in excess of that produced by white clover in the same swards. Grazing management did not affect plant structure (numbers of tillers, leaves etc) only their size (dry weight), but had marked effects on pasture structure and subsequent survival of plants under stress. Keywords perennial ryegrass, plant morphology, grazing management, seasonal variation, plant survival, stolon formation
Effect of grazing management on minimising effects of parasitic nematodes on lamb production
Authors: Thomson N.A. , Power M.T.
Published: July 2020

An integrated management system involving cattle, ewes and lambs developed to minimise levels of parasitic nematode contamination of pasture was evaluated in a 2-year (1989-1991) study. Four experimental farmlets were managed as self-containcd units over a May-May year. Over the two years, stocking rate averaged 15 su/ha and cattle:sheep ratio 35:65. Three treatments (lambs regularly drenched, ewes drenched post-lambing/ lambs undrenchedand undrenchedewes andlambs) were similarly managed (set-stocked, lambing to weaning, 7-day shifts post-weaning, a 77-day interval between consecutive lamb grazings and a strict rotation of lambs followed by ewes with cattle midway between the ewe and subsequent lamb grazing). A fourth treatment differed in each year: in year 1, lambs were set stocked over summer and in year 2 cattle followed lambs, and ewes were positioned mid-way in the rotation between lambs and cattle, In both years, the management system developed to minimise nematode parasitism in lambs mamtained low levels of infective larvae on pasture (~80 L3 larvae/kg pasture), and a faecal egg count in lambs of less than 1500 epg; clinical parasitism was not observed. However, regular anthelmintic drenching of lambs significantly (P~0.01) increased liveweight gain of lambs from weaning in November to May by an average 35% over the 2 years. In year two, grazing ewes ahead of lambs significantly increased (PcO.01) pasture larvae levels and lamb faecal egg counts and decreased liveweight gain compared with grazing cattle ahead. Drenching ewes to minimise effects of the post-parturient rise in faecal egg count had no influence on nematode levels in lambs or on lamb performance. Keywords parasitic nematodes, grazing management, lamb growth
Farmers' needs for management, research and extension, and policy - findings of a farmers' workshop and their implications
Authors: Mcrae A.F.
Published: July 2020

Farmers' objectives, their circumstances and the constraints they face are central to any consideration of ways and means of improving farming systems. The management, research and extension, and policy needs of the farmers attending this workshop were diverse. This appeared to be linked with the (unexpected) degree of diversity in the business objectives and management structures on these farms. More formal research on these issues across the spectrum of farmers is required to ensure that research and technology transfer meet the industry's needs. Keywords farming systems, research, technology transfer, objectives
Productivity and water use of five pasture grasses in Canterbury
Authors: Mckenzie F.J.Parry B.A. , Lucas R.J.
Published: July 2020

An experiment was conducted on a fertile Wakanui silt loam in 1991/1992 examining yield and water use of five perennial pasture grass species, Grasslands Hakari mountain brome (Bromus sirchensis), Grasslands Wana cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Grasslands Roa tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), Grasslands Marsden perennial ryegrass (L&m perenne x L&urn hybridum), Grasslands Maru phalaris (Phalaris aquatica). From 8 November, 1991 until 31 March, 1992 the highest yields were from Hakari and Maru at 11370 and 10870 kg/ha. Marsden, Wana and Roa yielded 8960,875O and 8190 kg/ha respectively. From late January until the end of March growth conditions were not limited by water stress or nutrients. Pre-irrigation yields, when minfall limited growth were 3840,3570, 2720, 2520 and 2290 kg/ha for Hakari, Maru, Marsden, Wana and Roa respectively. Total water use was not significantly different between species and averaged 400 mm. Water use efficiency (WUE) was significantly higher for Hakari and Maru at 30.1 and 27.9 kg DM/ha/mm respectively. The other three species had WUE's less than 23 kg DM/ ha/mm of water. Neutron probe measurements showed all species extracted soil water from a depth of at least 110 cm. Keywords Bromus sitchensis, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne x L&urn hybridum, Phalaris aquatica, root depth, water use, water use efficiency, yield
Dairy crossbreeding alternatives to improve New Zealand beef production
Authors: Purchas S.T.Morris W.J.Parker R.W. , Mccutcheon S.N.
Published: July 2020

Beef production in New Zealand could be increased by developing farming systems that profitably utilised heifer and bull calves which would otherwise be slaughtered soon after birth. Evaluation of a once-bred heifer cattle policy over 3 years at Massey University showed that target weights to achieve acceptable calving percentages and final carcass weights can be achieved under pasture feeding. Piedmontese and Belgian Blue sires used over Friesian cows produced bull calves that did not grow significantly faster than straight Friesian animals, but had higher dressing out (57.8 ~56.7 y 54.0, P~0.05) and meat yield percentages (76.0 x.75.7 v 73.2 for Piedmontese, Belgian Blue and Fnesian, respectively). Both the once-bred heifer and the exotic x bull beef production systems earned greater returns than traditional beef cattle policies at 1992 costs and prices, and could be easily implemented by New Zealand beef producers. Keywords dairy beef, exotic sires, once-bred heifer
Response of Lotus corniculatus to inoculation and pelleting on a range of Otago tussock grassland environments
Authors: Patrick Heather N. , Lqwther W.L.
Published: July 2020

Results from oversowing experiments on a range of sites representative of undeveloped tussock gmssland environments have shown that nodulation failures can limit establishment of Lotus corniculutus (birdsfoot trefoil). The problem appears to be primarily associated with poor survival and multiplication of rhizobia on/in the soil after sowing. Increasing the inoculation level above that stipulated by the manufacturer improved seedling nodulation. The magnitude of this improvement in nodulation varied over the sites used. Establishment from commercially pelleted seed was consistently low, with ~20% of seedlings nodulated on most sites. Inoculation of L. corniculatus with commercial peat inoculant at a rate of at least 30 g peat per kg seed, compared with the rates specified by manufacturers of 6.4 - 19 g, is recommended. Gum arabic at 10% (w:v) shouldbeincorporatedin the slurry and the seed should be sown within one day of inoculation. Further research is required to identify more adapted strains of rhizobia to improve nodulation of oversown L. corniculatus. Keywords birdsfoot trefoil, establishment, Lotus corniculatm, nodulation, oversowing, rhizobia
Plan conservatively when setting forward contracts for beef production from pasture
Authors: Mccall D.G. , Pleasants A.B. , Marshall P.R.
Published: July 2020

with the inherent variability in pastoral farming. This paper addresses: 1) the percentage of a mob (70, 80 or 90%) to select for a supply contract and 2) methods to decide on the number of animals to supply (stocking rate), given uncertain pasture growth. Riverside Farm pasture growth data were used to simulate a 100 ha finishing block. A meat company winter contract was used with steers contracted on 1 April for supply in mid July and mid August. Analyses were perfbrmed using the Stockpol model. Analyses showed grain supplements to ensure 90% of the mob achieved contract weights would increase profit by about $9000 at all stocking rates (1 S-2.5 steers/ha) compared with accepting only 70% of animals achieving contract weight. Stockpol-predicted profits for 4 stocking rates (1.8, 2.0, 2.2 and 2.5 steers/ha) given 1000 possible outlooks for pasture growth showed the optimum stocking rate derived using average pasture growth overestimated the optimum under uncertain pasture growth by about 10%. The more conservative stocking rates carried less financial risk in years of below-average pasture growth. Keywords: contract, model, pasture growth, risk, steer, supplementation, variability
Grasslands Kahu timothy: quality pasture for animal performance
Authors: Stevens D.R. , Casey M.J. , Turner J.D. , Baxter G.S. , Miller K.B.
Published: July 2020

Evaluations of Kahu timothy (Phleum prutense L.) included agronomy under mowing (1976-1979) and grazing (1980-1983), and animal performance from grazed pasture (1988-1993) and silage feeding (1989-1991). Agronomic testing showed that Kahu timothy was slow to establish, producing only 28% of the Grasslands Ruanui ryegrass (L.&urn perenne L.) swards in the 6 months after sowing. Frequent, close defoliation severely reduced the yields of timothy and caused losses of plants, reducing longevity. A less frequent defoliation regime with a residual sward height of 30-50 mm gave the greatest sustainable yields. Under mowing Kahu produced significantly less than S51 timothy in summer and winter but under grazing Kahu was superior in spring and summer, resulting in significantly greater annual production. Animal performance testing showed hoggets grazing timothy in spring grew at 218 g/day, significantly greater than the 164 g/day achieved on Grasslands Nui ryegrass. The spring stocking rate on timothy was also significantly greater than on ryegrass, though utilisation of the forage was similar. When fed timothy/red clover silage lambs fed in winter grew at 98 g/day while lambs on standard ryegrass/ cocksfoot/white clover silage averaged a growth rate of only 44 g/day. From the assessment of the physiological state of individual tillers it was observed that timothy had a significantly higher proportion of its tillers with growing points present above ground through late spring and summer than ryegrass. This is suggested as a major reason for the depletion of timothy populations -under close grazing. When grazed correctly in late spring and summer timothy can provide a perennial forage of high feeding value for livestock systems. Keywords: animal performance, Grasslands Kahu, pasture quality, Phleum pratense
The long-term use of nitrogen fertiliser in intensive hill country farming
Authors: Daniell D.
Published: July 2020

In 1969 the initial objective in using a nitrogen compound fertiliser was to bridge a feed deficit in late winter-early spring. Further advantages were observed, including an improvement in pastures from browntop to ryegrass dominance, better growth into dry summer, and faster recovery from droughts. Diammonium phosphate (DAP) was also incorporated into land development out of manuka, resulting in much faster establishment of dense pasture. Cost comparisons with superphosphate encouraged the use of DAP as an annual maintenance fertiliser from 1975, usually at a rate of 125 kg/ha. Details are given of sulphur additives, molybdenum, lime and copper for animal health. The lift in productivity from 1969 to 1992 is shown. The conclusion is that a DAP/ sulphur fertiliser applied from late autumn to early spring is a cost-effective and balanced input. It allows a high stocking rate (12/ha) on poorer hill country, without supplementary feed, plus high per head performance. Feed generated has been sufficient to shear 2100 ram hoggets in early August, culminating in ram sales of 1400 per year. Lambing percentages are above 130% survival to sale in good years, and wool weights have averaged 7.7 kg/year, including wool sold on sheeps' back. Ewe hoggets are mated, averaging 30% survival to sale. Keywords: diammonium phosphate, feed cover, fertiliser, hill country, land development
Strategic planning: how one successful farmer organises and plans his farming business
Authors: Neal D.A.
Published: July 2020

Management-driven farming requires planning as its essential ingredient. This paper elucidates the planning systems that one Wairarapa farmer uses to control and increase the performance of his business. Planning from long term through to day to day is examined relative to actual goals and visions. Relevant business philosophies as well as information inputs are included. Keywords: control, goals, information, management, planning, vision
Grazing preference for pasture species by sheep is affected by endophyte and nitrogen fertility
Authors: Edwards G.R. , Lucas R.J. , Johnson M.R.
Published: July 2020

The grazing response of ewe hoggets offered tall fescue, endophyte-infected (+E) or endophyte-free (-E) perennial ryegrass all sown with white clover into a fertile silt loam was examined in April 1990. In a second experiment 2 grazings were observed where 5 grasses had been overdrilled into old lucerne growing on stony infertile land. Pregnaht ewes (August) and ewes with young lambs (October) grazed 3 replicates of tall fescue, +E perennial ryegrass, cocksfoot, phalaris and prairie grass. After the August grazing nitrogen fertiliser was applied at 0 and 300 kg N/ha to 5 x 2 m subplots in each 30 x 9 m grass plot. April observations showed that on day one 76% of grazing time was on tall fescue. During the first 4 days of grazing grass leaf height decreased 60 mm in tall fescue, 43 mm in +E and 42 mm in -E ryegrass while in the last 5 days decreases were 5, 3 and 25 mm. Over the 9 days' grazing, pseudostem height declined 5.2, 1.5 and 5.0 mm, green grass cover from 62 to 30,65 to 44, and 68 to 33%, and herbage removal was 940, 1100 and 1300 kg DM/ ha from tall fescue, +E and -E ryegrasses. During the first 3 days of the August grazing, grass leaf heights of cocksfoot and +E ryegrass declined at a much slower rate than in the other 3 species. The October grazing showed a similar defoliation pattern on plots without N. Addition of 300 kg N/ ha resulted in very rapid defoliation of all 5 species during the first day of the 7-day grazing period. April grazing showed that initially sheep preferred tall fescue. Even though grazing time was similar for +E and -E ryegrasses the hoggets consumed less +E than -E ryegrass, possibly owing to reluctance to penetrate the +E pseudostem horizon. The August and October grazings demonstrated the ability of sheep to discriminate between grass species and strong rejection of cocksfoot and +E ryegrass. However, N at a rate similar to a urine patch produced leaf in all species which was equally attractive to sheep. The reduced intake of +E ryegrass measured in the April grazing may explain some of the lower animal performance of sheep on +E ryegrass pastures. Equally, grazing preference shown by rate of canopy height decline in any pasture is probably highly correlated with pasture intake and animal productivity. Keywords: Acremonium lolii, Bromus willdenowii, Dactylis glomerata, Festuca arundinacea, Lolium perenne, nitrogen-fertilised pasture, Phalaris aquatica, sheep grazing preference
Variation and adaptation in limpograss (Hemarthria altissima)
Authors: Woods P.W. , Couchman J.N. , Barlow H.A.
Published: July 2020

Persistent and productive cultivars of limpograss (Hemarthriu altissima (Poir.) Stapf et C.E. Hubb.) are required if the species is to be useful in Northland cattle systems. A study was undertaken to investigate plant morphological traits, adaptation and persistence of 8 accessions. A series of abandoned research sites was revisited to determine long-term persistence and adaptation. Trials were established at 4 new sites throughout the northern North Island to assess morphological variation and plant survival. There was considerable variation in morphological traits assessed and plant survival, allowing scope for future selection. Bigalta used in earlier research trials had largely failed to persist under normal pasture management practices. Future work should use the cultivar Floralta. Keywords: adaptation, flowering, Hemarthria altissima, leaf, morphological variation, persistence, seed, stolon
Subtropical grasses in Bay of Plenty dairy pastures
Authors: Bell Cc , Keene B.
Published: July 2020

Data collected for Bay Milk Products Ltd, using a standard rate of growth technique, were analysed to assess the effects of C, grasses on total pasture and ryegrass growth rates. In the years when C, grasses were prominent summer growth rates were at their maximum but there was no evidence that ryegrass growth rates were penalised by the C, grass component in the same or subsequent years. The results shoti that C, grasses are widespread in the BOP and will continue to be an important part of the BOP dairy pasture ecosystem. Several suggestions are made on how to reduce the C, grass component of the pastures, but it should be recognised that agronomically useful types could form a useful component of the sward in years when climatic conditions during the summer period are conducive to their vigorous growth. Keywords: C, grasses, pasture growth, subtropical grasses, summer production
Building a solid foundation for pasture production in Northland: P, K, S and lime requirements
Authors: Roberts A.H.C. , Morton J.D. , O'Connor M.B. , Edmeades D.C.
Published: July 2020

The generally strongly weathered, leached soils of Northland consist of four major soil groups. The yellow-brown earths and podzols and yellow brown sands are formed from sedimentary rocks, while brown granular clays and red and brown loams are formed from volcanic rocks. In terms of the relationship between pasture production and fertiliser nutrient requirements, for both sedimentary and volcanic soils, the production functions are shown to be of the "diminishing returns" type, and the point at which near-maximum production (97%) occurs is defined as the "biological optimum" soil test level. Biological optimum test values for sedimentary and volcanic soils are: Olsen P 20 and 22; quicktest K 6 and 7; sulphate-S 10; organic-S 15; and pH 5.9. Once biological optimum soil test levels have been attained then maintenance fertiliser nutrient rates are appropriate. In order to move up the pasture production curve an average of 7 and 11 kg P/ha above maintenance will increase Olsen P by 1 unit for Northland sedimentary and volcanic soils respectively. Similarly, on average 60 kg K/ha will raise quicktest K by 1 unit on volcanic soils, but capital requirements for K on sedimentary soils in Northland are not known. An average of 35 and 25 kg S/ha will correct S deficiencies on sedimentary and volcanic soils. Keywords: biological optimum, lime, Northland, nutrient requirements, phosphorus, potassium, sedimentary soils, sulphur, volcanic soils
The contributions of Dr Raymond Wilkie Brougham to grassland science and management
Authors: Harris Warwick
Published: July 2020

The contributions to grasslands research and practice of the internationally notable New Zealand Scientist, Dr Raymond Wilkie Brougham are reviewed. He made significant contributions to the fundamental understanding of processes in pasture establishment, pasture growth particularly its relationship with leaf area and light interception, and to grazing management effects on the botanical and genetic composition of grassland communities.
Issues and options in high country farming 2. Evaluating technical options
Authors: Scott D. , Williams W.
Published: July 2020

An assessment is made of the factors influencing high country pastoral production, their degree of science validation and an estimate of their effect on total run production. Fertiliser, and introduced pasture species suited to the rate of fertiliser input are the main avenues for increased biological productivity; and stock nutrition and breeding as the means of producing a specialised product. Keywords: economics, fertiliser, high country, pasture species, sheep, stock
Caucasian clover as a pasture legume for dryland dairying in the coastal Bay of Plenty
Authors: Watson R.N. , Neville F.J. , Bell N.L. , Harris S.L.
Published: July 2020

The ability to spread underground through rhizomes, retention of a strong tap-root and a reputation for pest and disease tolerance, make caucasian clover (Trifolium ambiguum Bieb.) (CC) an attractive possibility for improving legume performance in coastal Bay of Plenty dryland dairying pasture. Large plots (0.125 ha) of Grasslands Kopu white clover (T. repens) (WC) and Endura CC were sown in spring (September 1994) as pure species swards following maize cropping and all but one 7 m wide strip undersown with ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in the following winter (July 1995). From September 1995, subplots within pure clover and undersown areas were treated with nematicide (oxamyl, fenamifos) and fungicide (metalaxyl, prochloraz) and mown to coincide with dairy cow grazing for determination of herbage yield. By the second spring, growth rates of CC matched those of WC and were superior by up to 60% through the second summer resulting in 9% greater total yield for CC pastures. Accumulated yield of CC pasture from September 1995 to June 1996 was significantly greater than WC (11.8 and 10.9 t DM/ha respectively). Caucasian clover was less responsive than WC to nematicide and fungicide treatment. With the methods used, CC can be established and perform well by the second year under dairy grazing in warm northern regions, and may provide for better summer production than WC. No difference was observed between the clover species in acceptability or pasture utilisation by dairy cows. Keywords: dryland dairying, northern New Zealand, pasture establishment, pasture growth, pesticide responses, Trifolium ambiguum, Trifolium repens
Seasonal patterns of root, tiller and leaf production in a Grasslands Ruanui ryegrass sward
Authors: Matthew C.
Published: July 2020

In a Grasslands Ruanui perennial ryegrass (Lofium perenne L.) sward at Palmerston North, root mass, root appearance, tiller population density, tiller appearance and death rates, and leaf extension and leaf appearance rates were measured at 2-monthly intervals over a 12-month period, commencing November 1988. Tiller appearance was lowest in November, but was also low in May, increasing to a peak in August. Root appearance showed a pronounced peak in August. Leaf extension and leaf appearance rates were low during the period of high root and tiller formation in August, but high in November when tiller and root formation were low, suggesting co-ordination of these processes, with sequential activation of tillering, root formation and leaf formation activity winter. Principal component analysis to gain an objective overview of these data indicated a primary peak of activity in August (spring), and a secondary peak in March (autumn). The seasonal patterns observed for Grasslands Ruanui ryegrass appear to be different from those reported in the literature for Ellett and Grasslands Nui cultivars. ---.----._- - - - Keywords: leaf extension rate, Lolium perenne, principal component analysis, root growth, tiller appearance
A decision support system for predicting seasonal rainfall variations in sub-humid and semi-arid high country areas
Authors: Hutchinson G.K.
Published: July 2020

The variable seasonal pattern of pasture production is dominantly influenced by rainfall in the semiarid and sub-humid high country regions. A decision support system for predicting seasonal rainfall has been developed and tested using the rainfall data from 14 sites in the semi-arid, sub-humid and humid high country zones. The prediction system improves the chances of making a correct or incorrect but conservative risk management decision from 50:50 to as much as 92:8 dependent on the site's weather characteristics and the length of rainfall records available. The system provides support for risk management decisions such as whether to employ the buffers of stocking rate adjustments and feed conservation measures usually present in most high country farming systems to cope with the variability in seasonal pasture growth. The method has particular applicability in the semi-arid and subhumid areas of the inland basins and foothills and the mid Waitaki area. Keywords: decision support, high country, rainfall, risk management, semi-arid, sub-humid
Experiences with a white clover-based dairy system in the Netherlands
Authors: Schils R.L.M.
Published: July 2020

Recent developments, such as the introduction of milk quota and concern about nitrogen (N) losses in dairy farms, have started a downward trend in N inputs. Consequently there is renewed interest in white clover in the Netherlands. From May 1990 to April 1993 two 60-cow dairy systems based on either grass-N swards or grass-clover swards were compared. Because of the expected yield difference of 15-20%, the grass-N and grass-clover farm had pasture areas of 34 and 41 ha, respectively. The grass-N and grass-clover swards were fertilised with 275 and 69 kg N/ha/year, respectively. The main objective was to compare both systems on their technical, environmental and financial performance. With similar amounts of concentrates, the annual milk production per cow was slightly higher in the grass-clover system, the difference occurring during the grazing season. Gross margin per cow was also higher in the grass-clover system, but the lower stocking rate gave a lower gross margin per ha. Nitrogen surplus and energy use were approximately 15% lower with grass-clover than with grass-N. The technical and environmental results demonstrate that white clover-based swards are a viable option for the future, but at present dairy farming is still very intensive and for most dairy farmers it is financially unattractive to switch from grass-N to grass-clover. Keywords: dairy system, energy use, gross margin, milk production, nitrogen balance, Trifolium repens
Developing a better understanding of Hieracium invasion in the New Zealand high country: a participatory approach
Authors: Bosch O.J.H. , Allen W.J. , O'Connor K.F. , Ensor A.H. , Jopp A.J. , Cameron H. , Allan B.E.
Published: July 2020

Given the complexity and different social perceptions surrounding many resource management issues, the challenge facing science is to develop understanding, knowledge and learning environments to better inform and support decisionmakers. This paper describes one such cooperative research initiative designed to address an invasive weed problem (Hieracium spp.) in the tussock grasslands of the South Island high country. The cooperative and integrated process combines knowledge from both farmer experience and conventional science to provide relevant and practical strategies for action. Resulting strategies are described, and their potential and limitations within overall pastoral system approaches are discussed. The benefits of this approach for both scientists and farmers are outlined. Keywords: community-based research, hawkweed invasion, high country, Integrated Systems for Knowledge Management, tussock grasslands
FLIPPED CLASSROOM AS AN EXAMPLE OF BLENDED LEARNING
Authors: Chernysheva Olga V.
Published: July 2020

The paper deals with the teaching method of blended learning as a combination of the traditional school system and modern digital educational technologies. “Flipped classroom” is the most appropriate kind of blended learning where educational process becomes “flipped”.
MODELS AND METHODS OF CLASSIFICATION OF TEXT REQUESTS IN THE SYSTEM OF PATTERN IDENTIFICATION OF POLYLINGUAL TEXTS
Authors: Kulikov Vladimir P. , Kulikova Valentina P. , Krylova Elena M. , Yerkebulan Gulnur T.
Published: July 2020

A classification scheme for text documents consisting of five steps is described: pre-processing, indexing, selection of features, construction and training of a classifier, quality assessment. Two comparative analyzes by classification methods are considered. Conclusions are drawn about models and classification methods regarding implementation efficiency.
PROSPECTS AND RISKS OF DIGITALIZATION OF ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN
Authors: Kulikov Vladimir P. , Kulikova Valentina P. , Grigorenko Olga V. , Kabdirova Aynagul A.
Published: July 2020

The article presents mathematical models for assessing the risks of the digitalization process of additional professional education. The key areas that determine the prospects for digitalization of continuing professional education are highlighted.
FORMATION OF STUDENT MOTIVATION TO OBTAINING SKILLS BY PERFORMING CREATIVE TASKS
Authors: Katsko Stanislav Yu. , Kokorina Irina P.
Published: July 2020

The article presents the experience of developing the creativity of students within the educational process in the disciplines of “Informatics”, “Geography”, “Physiography” and “Socio-economic Geography”. Examples of creative tasks proposed for implementation in the framework of independent work of students are given.
METHODOLOGY OF FORMING SCIENTIFIC AND PEDAGOGICAL COMPETENCES AT THE DEPARTMENT OF EG&MS
Authors: Ryabova Nadezhda M. , Skripnikova Margarita A.
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the issue of student participation in research and gaining research skills for their further application for final qualification work, as well as solving professional problems.
CONTENT ASPECT OF TEACHING RUSSIAN LANGUAGE FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION
Authors: Zhdanov Sergey S.
Published: July 2020

The paper deals with flexibility of the content of the educational subject “Business Communication” that is determined by existence/absence of related communicative subjects in educational programmes at higher educational institutions. The author stresses importance of the subject by teaching specialists able to communication within their professional activities. In addition, specific proposal is made to modernize the content of the subject “Russian Language for Business Communication” in the frame of the educational process at the Siberian State University of Geosystems and Technologies.
ORGANIZATION OF SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING OF NON-PHILOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE LINGUO-EDUCATIONAL PROCESS
Authors: Lavrent’eva Elizaveta V.
Published: July 2020

The effective organization of self-directed learning of non-philological university students using electronic educational platform Moodle3 is considered. The application of educational visual aids implementing controlling function in the linguo-educational process is justified.
TO THE ISSUE OF ENHANCING STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION FOR STUDYING FOREIGN LANGUAGE THROUGH GAMES: GAME TYPES FOR DIFFERENT FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEVELS
Authors: Romanov Dmitrij V.
Published: July 2020

The article continues the topic of increasing the internal motivation of students when learning a foreign language in a non-linguistic University. It describes types of games for students with different language levels, based on a game template developed by the author in 2019.
Quality of New Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Response to Plant Biostimulants Application
Authors: Wadas Wanda , Dziugieł Tomasz
Published: July 2020

Background: In sustainable crop production focusing on high-value products, biostimulants have been gaining increasing importance, thus the hypothesis that plant biostimulants could contribute to improving new potatoes quality; Methods: The effects of the seaweed extracts Bio algeen S90 (Ascophyllum nodosum) and Kelpak SL (Ecklonia maxima), as well as the humic and fulvic acids in HumiPlant (leonardite extract) on the tuber quality of very early potato cultivars (‘Denar’, ‘Lord’, ‘Miłek’) were investigated. Potatoes were harvested 75 days after planting (the end of June); Results: The biostimulants did not affect dry matter, protein, total sugars, monosaccharides and sucrose or L-ascorbic acid content in new potatoes. Bio-algeen S90 increased the starch content in tubers of all potato cultivars tested, on average, by 4.8 g∙kg−1 compared with control treatment without biostimulant, whereas Kelpak SL and HumiPlant reduced nitrates content only in tubers of ‘Denar’ cultivar, on average, by 8.50 mg∙kg−1, and increased ascorbate-nitrate index (IAN) by 0.29. The biostimulants did not affect potato after-cooking darkening. Both the nutritional value of new potatoes and after-cooking darkening depended on the cultivar and weather conditions during the potato growing period to a great extent; Conclusions: Plant biostimulants slightly affected quality of new potatoes.
Farmers’ Perception and Evaluation of Brachiaria Grass (Brachiaria spp.) Genotypes for Smallholder Cereal-Livestock Production in East Africa
Authors: Cheruiyot Duncan , Midega Charles A.O. , Pittchar Jimmy O. , Pickett John A. , Khan Zeyaur R.
Published: July 2020

Brachiaria (Urochloa) is a genus, common name brachiaria, of forage grasses that is increasingly transforming integrated crop-livestock production systems in East Africa. A study was undertaken to (i) assess smallholder farmers’ perception on benefits of brachiaria in cereal-livestock production, (ii) identify brachiaria production constraints, and (iii) identify farmer preferred brachiaria genotypes. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. Data were collected through semi-structured individual questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGDs). The study areas included Bondo, Siaya, Homabay and Mbita sub-counties in Western Kenya and the Lake zone of Tanzania. A total of 223 farmers participated in individual response questionnaires while 80 farmers participated in the FGDs. The respondents considered brachiaria mainly important in management of cereal pests (70.4% of respondents) and as an important fodder (60.8%). The major production constraint perceived by both male and female respondents is attacks by arthropods pests (49.2% and 63%, respectively). Spider smites had been observed on own farms by 50.8% of men and 63.1% of women, while sorghum shoot flies had been observed by 58.1% of men and 67.9% of women. These pests were rated as a moderate to severe problem. Xaraes was the most preferred genotype, followed by Mulato II and Piata. These genotypes are important in developing new crop pest management strategies, such as push-pull, and for relatively rapid improvements in crop management and yield increases, particularly in developing countries.
The Polyphenol Content in Three Edible Potato Cultivars Depending on the Biostimulants Used
Authors: Mystkowska Iwona , Zarzecka Krystyna , Gugała Marek , Sikorska Anna
Published: July 2020

The aim of the study was to assess the polyphenol content in tubers of three edible potato cultivars depending on the biostimulants used. Field research was carried out in the years 2016–2018 with an application of biostimulants in individual farm in Poland. The experiment was led by means of a split-plot method. The impact of two factors was tested. The first-order factor were the three cultivars of edible potato: Jelly, Honorata, Tajfun, while of the second–order four variants of applying biostimulants: Kelpak SL, Titanit, GreenOk, BrunatneBio Złoto. Potato plants were treated with biostimulators three times (beginning of flowering, full flowering and after plant flowering). The polyphenol content was determined by spectrophotometric method with Folin–Ciocâlteu reagent in fresh potato tuber mass. The content of polyphenols in tubers depended on the cultivars and biostimulants. Among the studied cultivars, Jelly accumulated the most polyphenols and Tajfun the least. Biostimulants increased the concentration of phenolic compounds compared to tubers from the control treatment.
Nitrogen Recoveries and Nitrogen Use Efficiencies of Organic Fertilizers with Different C/N Ratios in Maize Cultivation with Low-Fertile Soil by 15N Method
Authors: Tamele Rosalina Armando , Ueno Hideto , Toma Yo , Morita Nobuki
Published: July 2020

The rising cost of inorganic fertilizers, coupled with their adverse effects on soil conditions, has resulted in increasing interest in organic amendments. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of organic amendments (OAs) with different C/N ratios on nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and recovery rate, as well as on the growth and yield of Zea mays and soil properties. A precise pot experiment was conducted on a low-fertile, sandy-loam soil, and the dynamics of nitrogen (N) were also analyzed by the A-value method, using 15N tracer. The plant height of the treatment groups decreased in the following order: inorganic fertilizer (IF) = rapeseed waste (RW) > chicken manure (CnM) > bamboo tealeaf (BTL) > cow manure (CwM) > bamboo compost (BC). Furthermore, the maize fertilized with RW only took up half of the N in IF, despite producing the same yield, which indicates that the physiological nitrogen efficiency (PUE) of RW was twice as high as that of IF. RW and CnM were regarded as valuable fertilizers that could be used to replace inorganic fertilizers. A linear relationship between the N mineralization of the OAs was obtained by an incubation test and the pot experiments, estimating the effect of OA application on the maize. Maize plants mainly absorbed N derived from fertilizers; however, for the both sources of N (fertilizer and soil), N was mainly accumulated in grains followed by the leaves, stem, and root, suggesting that studies should be conducted to improve soil N use efficiency.
Rotation, Mulch and Zero Tillage Reduce Weeds in a Long-Term Conservation Agriculture Trial
Authors: Fonteyne Simon , Singh Ravi Gopal , Govaerts Bram , Verhulst Nele
Published: July 2020

Weed management is one of the main challenges of conservation agriculture. Although all three components of conservation agriculture (minimal tillage, permanent soil cover and crop diversification) can reduce weed populations, these effects may only become apparent in the medium to long term. This study evaluated weed biomass, density and diversity with and without herbicide control in a long-term trial initiated in 1991 in the Mexican Highlands to evaluate all three components of conservation agriculture. Data were collected in 2004, 2005, 2013, 2014 and 2015. Weed density and biomass were generally lower in conservation agriculture than with conventional tillage. The three components of conservation agriculture significantly reduced weed biomass, which was lower when all three components were applied together. When herbicides were applied, weed biomass in conservation agriculture was 91% lower in maize and 81% lower in wheat than in conventional tillage. Different treatments favored different weed species, but no trend toward increased perennial weeds was observed in conservation agriculture. These data supported claims stating that if adequate weed control is achieved in the initial years, weed populations in conservation agriculture systems are lower than in conventional tillage systems.
Appraisal of Salt Tolerance under Greenhouse Conditions of a Cucurbitaceae Genetic Repository of Potential Rootstocks and Scions
Authors: Modarelli Giuseppe Carlo , Rouphael Youssef , De Pascale Stefania , Öztekin Gölgen Bahar , Tüzel Yüksel , Orsini Francesco , Gianquinto Giorgio
Published: July 2020

Soil salinization due to climate change and intensive use of water and soil is increasing exponentially. Cucurbitaceae species are cultivated worldwide and the identification of salinity tolerant genotypes to be used as rootstock or scion for securing yield stability in salt affected agricultural areas is a research priority. In the present greenhouse study, we assessed the response to salinity (0 mM a non-salt control and 150 mM NaCl dissolved in the nutrient solution) in the seedlings of 30 genotypes of cucurbits grown in a floating hydroponic system. The species tested included 16 genotypes of Cucumis melo L. (CM1-16), 6 Citrullus vulgaris Schrad. (CV1-6), 2 interspecific hybrids of Cucurbita maxima Duch. × Cucurbita moschata Duch. (CMM-R1 and 2), 4 bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl. (LS1-4)), 1 Cucurbita moschata Duch. (CMO51-17), and 1 luffa (Luffa cylindrica Mill. (LC1)) species. Results highlighted different morphological and physiological traits between the species and genotypes and a different response to salt stress. We identified C. maxima × C.moscata interspecific hybrid CMM-R2, melon genotypes CM6, CM7, CM10, and CM16 together with watermelon genotypes CV2 and CV6 and bottle gourd LS4 as salt tolerant genotypes and possible candidates as salt resistant rootstock to be introduced in grafting programs.
Success Rate of Individual Pollinizers for the Pear Cultivars “Ingeborg” and “Celina” in a Nordic Climate
Authors: Cerović Radosav , Fotirić Akšić Milica , Meland Mekjell
Published: July 2020

Norwegian pear production is low due to climatic limitations, a lack of well-adapted cultivars and suitable pollinizers. However, nowadays it is increasing as a result of newly introduced and bred pear cultivars. Since cross pollination is necessary for high yields and good fruit quality, the aim of this investigation was to find the most suitable pollinizers for the pear cultivars “Ingeborg” (“Conference” × “Bonne Louise”) and “Celina” (“Colorée de Juillet” × “Williams”). Self-pollination of “Ingeborg” and “Celina”, together with “Conference”, “Belle Lucrative”, “Anna”, “Clara Frijs”, “Herzogin Elsa”, “Kristina” and “Fritjof” as potential pollinizers, were studied in this experiment during the 2017 and 2018 seasons in Norway. The success rate of each pollinizer was tested under field conditions, while the monitoring of pollen tube growth was done using the fluorescence microscopy method. All reproductive parameters (pollen germination, number of pollen tubes in the upper part of the style, pollen tube number in the locule of the ovary, number of fertilized ovules, initial fruit set, and final fruit set) in all crossing combinations were higher in 2018 due to much warmer weather. Based on the flowering overlap and success rate of each individual pollinizer and fruit set, the cultivars “Anna” and “Clara Frijs” can be suggested as pollinizers for the cultivar “Ingeborg”, while “Fritjof”, “Anna”, “Kristina” and “Herzogin Elsa” for the cultivar “Celina”. An even distribution of two compatible pollinizers having overlapping flowering times with the main commercial pear cultivar is a general recommendation for commercial pear production.