bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of close grazing and cutting on the yield, persistence, and nitrogen content of four tropical legumes with Rhodes grass at Samford, south-eastern Queensland
Authors: Whiteman PC
Published: March 2005

Four legumes, Lotononis bainesii, Ghcine javanica cv. Cooper, Phaseolus atropurptreus cv. Siratro, and Desmodium uncinatm cv. Silverleaf were grown with Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). Under the frequent regular defoliation by grazing sheep, or by cutting at two inches, yield of all legume species steadily declined, and there was no difference between the effects of grazing and those of cutting. G. iavanica was more persistent under grazing and also in the undefoliated plots than the other species. White clover volunteered in the defoliated treatments and its dry matter yields were sometimes higher than the sown legume yields. Clover yield in the grazed plots was about twice that in the cut treatments and this was reflected by a higher nitrogen content, and subsequently a higher yield, in the grass component of the grazed plots. No positive differences could be detected between the effects of the four legumes on grass nitrogen or yield. On the undefoliated plots the legumes became dominant and suppressed the grass, except for L. bainesii, which almost disappeared in all plots.
Assessment of the phosphorus and sulphur status of subterranean clover pastures. 1. Environmental factors and pasture responses
Authors: Spencer K , Bouma D , Moye DV , Dowling EJ
Published: March 2005

A series of 21 standardized field experiments was set out on established subterranean clover (Trifolium subterranem) pastures in south-eastern New South Wales in the autumn of 1963. Pasture growth at eleven of the 21 sites responded to phosphorus addition ; eight responded to sulphur addition. A dual deficiency existed at five sites. Seasonal pasture production was increased by up to 3,200 lb of dry matter an acre by phosphorus addition, and by up to 5,500 lb by sulphur addition. Clover was the component responsive to phosphorus and/or sulphur at most sites. To determine whether site characteristics can provide a basis for predicting the phosphorus or sulphur status of a pasture, several climatic and soil components of the environment were correlated with responses. Phosphorus status was not related to the rainfall, temperature or elevation at the site, nor to the kind of soil or soil pH. The more deficient pastures were younger, and, on the granitic soils only, present phosphorus status reflected the amount of superphosphate used in the past. Sulphur status was significantly related to rainfall for the podzolic soils only (r = 0.72) ; the driest sites tended to be the most sulphur deficient ones. Sulphur status showed a poor overall relationship with temperature, the trend being for the occurrence of more deficient soils at lower temperatures or higher elevations. Within the podzolic soils, the relationship with temperature was more definite (r = 0.69). There was no association with kind of soil or past superphosphate use, but there was a moderate to strong relationship (r = -0.78) with soil pH (the less acid, the more S deficient).
The accumulation of soil organic matter under pasture and its effect on soil properties
Authors: Barrow NJ
Published: March 2005

Comparisons of paired virgin and pasture samples of Coolup sand showed that nitrogen had accumulated in the top 12.5 cm under pasture at an average of 24 p.p.m. per year. Carbon, sulphur, and organic phosphorus also accumulated to give C : N : S : P ratios of 118 : 10 : 1.2 : 0.47. The accumulation of sulphur accounted for about a quarter of the sulphur added in fertilizer and the accumulation of organic phosphorus accounted for about a tenth of the phosphorus added. Inorganic phosphorus had also accumulated but the amount varied between soils. The cation exchange capacity, as measured by summation of exchangeable cations and exchange acidity, increased by an average of 44 m-equiv. per g increase in nitrogen or 3.7 m-equiv. per g increase in carbon. Most of the increase was due to increases in exchange acidity. However, the buffering capacity of the soil for potassium was only slightly affected by the increase in organic matter. The water held by the soil between 0.1 bar and 15 bar suction increased by an average of 3.3 per cent per 0.1 per cent increase in soil nitrogen. When the soils were incubated the ratio of nitrogen mineralized to sulphur mineralized was large, especially when the incubation period was short. In the field there was a strong annual cycle of nitrogen and sulphur availability. Values were high in autumn, low in winter, and rose again at the end of spring.
Hepatic vitamin A concentrations in sheep in north-western Queensland
Authors: Gartner RJW/Johnston DC
Published: March 2005

The vitamin A concentrations were determined on livers taken from wether sheep one to five years old grazing Mitchell grass downs in north-western Queensland. The animals were slaughtered for rations at intervals of two weeks. The mean value over a three-year period for the 123 sheep examined was 260.3 � SD 128.3 �g/g, which is considered normal ; at no time were values less than 48 �g/g. Subsequent results were obtained from a further 199 young sheep slaughtered at monthly intervals between the ages of 15 to 64 weeks. The concentration of vitamin A ranged from 40.4 � SD 41.3 �g/g at 29 weeks to 265 -� SD 97.1 �g/g at 60 weeks. In the adult sheep there did not appear to be any relationship between concentration and rainfall, whereas in individual young sheep low values coincided with extended periods of no rainfall. A clinical deficiency of vitamin A in young sheep could be expected if the length of a drought exceeds approximately seven months.
The influence of time of lambing in south-eastern South Australia on the reproductive rate of the Merino ewe and on lamb survival and growth
Authors: Geytenbeek PE
Published: March 2005

Merino flocks lambing in either autumn or winter in south-eastern South Australia showed no consistent differences in reproductive performance over a five-year period. The percentage of ewes that lambed, the level of twin births, and the lamb mortality rates varied in their relative contribution to the final result in any one season. For each reproductive factor measured the difference between the flocks varied from year to year in magnitude and sign. Lambs born in the winter had higher birth weights and better early growth rates, but liveweight during their first summer period was generally less than that of autumn born lambs. Survival rates in both groups were similar.
Plant and animal production of an irrigated annual pasture following initial gypsum treatment of a heavy clay soil
Authors: Myers LF/Squires VR
Published: March 2005

The response of an irrigated annual pasture to gypsum (calcium sulphate) was assessed in terms of pasture yield and animal production on a heavy clay soil (Riverina clay). Gypsum was either broadcast (4480 lb an acre) before sowing or dissolved (560 lb an acre) in the water at the first irrigation. Both methods of application increased seedling emergence and pasture production. In the first year of grazing at seven sheep per acre the untreated pasture barely survived, whereas the treated pastures were satisfactory. After four years of grazing, spring yields of the untreated pastures equaled gypsum treated pastures, but only when the stocking rate of the controls had been reduced by three sheep per acre for nearly 18 months. The proportion of sown species was still lower than on treated pasture. The large differences in pasture production were reflected in liveweight gains and wool production an acre. In the final phases stocking rates of five sheep per acre on untreated plots and eight sheep per acre on the gypsum treated plots gave the same production per sheep. An estimate of costs and returns from wool alone indicated that an initial gypsum treatment was profitable.
Undersowing wheat with annual legumes: Effects on wheat yields and legume seed yields in the south-eastern wheat belt of Western Australia
Authors: Poole ML , Gartrell JW
Published: March 2005

Ten annual Trifolium and Medicago cultivars were sown at low (1-6 lb an acre) and high (3-18 lb an acre) seeding rates with wheat crops in five trials in the south-eastern wheatbelt of Western Australia. Wheat and legume seed yields from these mixed stands were compared with stands of the same rates of wheat and legume sown alone. Sowing the legumes with the crop reduced wheat yields by from 7.4 bushels an acre (25 per cent) in one trial to 1.5 bushels an acre (5 per cent) in another. The evidence did not suggest which factors caused the different response. Legume seed production under the crop was severely reduced in all trials. In 30 of the 44 comparisons made it was reduced by more than 50 per cent, and in 13 cases by more than 75 per cent. In 9 cases the amount of seed set under the crop was less than 30 lb an acre. In most cases trebling the amount of legume seed sown under the crop greatly increased legume seed yield but caused only a small (less than one bushel per acre) further decrease in wheat yield.
Response to salinity in Glycine. 4. Salt concentration and the content of phosphorus, potassium, sodium and chloride in cultivars of G. wightii (G. javanica)
Authors: Gates CT , Haydock KP , Robins MF
Published: March 2005

Adaptability to salinity stress was related to the productivity of Glycine wightii (G. javanica) cultivars by the technique of comparing the multivariate characteristics of response for 22 accessions that are representative of the world centres of origin. Roots and tops responses were compared to clarify the metabolic relations between glycines, as salinity was increased from that required for normal growth and metabolism to levels almost causing death due to excess sodium chloride in the substrate. There was a range and pattern of response that suggested grouping among the glycines. One group in particular was more resistant to salinity stress than others. These glycines exemplified to a greater degree than others the tendency of all to exclude sodium and to a lesser extent chloride from the plant tops. These were also the more vigorously growing glycines with a higher potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen content in both control and saline treatments. In them, vigour of growth and control of ion content were associated, and both these factors were important determinants of tolerance to salinity stress. Sodium appeared to be more toxic than chloride to plant growth. These aspects of growth and metabolism are discussed in relation to differences in ploidy between the groups of glycines. The technique used shed further light on the important agricultural problem of combining adaptability and high productivity.
Effect of fungicides on the germination of maize seed after storage
Authors: Smith AM
Published: March 2005

The effect of seed treatments with three fungicides, Ceresan (2.3 per cent phenyl mercury acetate and 0.4 per cent ethoxy mercury silicate), Coversan (96 per cent tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone), and panogen (2.2 per cent methyl mercury dicyandiamide), on the germination of two cultivars of maize stored for up to 12 months after treatment was determined. None of the treatments affected the germination of maize.
Interaction between the effects of nutrition and season of mating on reproductive performance in crossbred ewes
Authors: Fletcher IC , Geytenbeek PE , Allden WG
Published: March 2005

The reproductive performance of first-cross Border Leicester X Merino ewes was measured at two levels of nutrition and at two seasons of mating. The number of dry ewes was greater at a low than at a high level of nutrition, and was greater at a December mating than at a March mating. These effects were independent. The incidence of both twin ovulation and twin births was greater at a high than at a low level of nutrition, and was greater in March than in December. These effects showed significant interaction. Seasonal changes in twinning rates were more pronounced at a high than at a low level of nutrition, and level of nutrition affected twinning rate to a greater extent in March than in December.
Phosphate concentration in siratro as a guide to its phosphate status in the field
Authors: White RE , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus) was grown under a range of soil and climatic conditions in sub-tropical Queensland, over the years 1964 to 1967. Phosphate concentration in the tops, sampled immediately prior to flowering, was poorly correlated with either the relative yield response to applied phosphorus, or the amount of phosphorus required to lift yield to a maximum. Fifty per cent of the variation in P required could be accounted for by regression on great soil group, which crudely reflected differences in phosphate buffering capacity between soils. The critical value of phosphorus in the plant, corresponding to a yield of 90 per cent of the maximum, varied from 0.16 to 0.29 per cent. Twenty-five per cent of this variation was due to differences in the rain falling in the 28 days prior to sampling : the lower the rainfall, the lower the critical value. Rain falling 28 days prior to sampling and great soil group together accounted for 41 per cent of the variation in critical value. The effect of moisture stress on the critical value was more likely plant physiological, than one of a diminished phosphate supply from the soil.
A nutritional evaluation of diets containing meat meal for growing pigs. 5. Effect of rate of feeding on growth promoting ability of meat meal and meat and bone meal and the relationship between pig and rat responses
Authors: Batterham ES
Published: March 2005

Experiments were conducted to determine the effect of rate of feeding on the differences in growth promoting ability of wheat-based diets containing meat meal or meat and bone meal as the sole protein supplement for pigs. The value of laboratory rats in assessing diet quality for pigs was also investigated. There was no difference in the growth promoting abilities of diets containing MM or MBM under restricted feeding but under ad lib. feeding variation between the diets occurred. Rat responses to the dietary treatments were inconsistent with the pig responses. The results confirmed previous findings that under restricted feeding meat meals and meat and bone meals had similar growth promoting abilities for pigs.
The effects of some pesticides on root nodule bacteria and subsequent nodulation
Authors: Diatloff A
Published: March 2005

The effects of four fungicides and five insecticides on nodule bacteria were compared in laboratory and field trials. The fungicides differed in toxicity with in vitro studies according to concentration and strain of Rhiqobim. The order of toxicity was Ceresan> thiram>captan>chloranil. Thiram formed an unusual ring-type inhibition zone on agar plates which was often associated with a bacteriostatic reaction. However, a high degree of compatibility was shown in field trials with soybeans. The order of toxicity of insecticide emulsions with in vitro studies was dimethoate>lindane>isobenaan >endrin>dieldrin. The dried crystals showed lower toxicity. In the field, crown nodulation in Centrosema was slightly reduced but the overall nodulation was unaffected if the seeds were treated with insecticide before inoculating except with dimethoate. Treating inoculated seed with insecticide emulsion reduced overall nodulation with all insecticides.
Effects of stage of defoliation on seed production and growth of Stylosanthes humilis
Authors: Loch DS , Humphreys LR
Published: March 2005

Stylosanthes humilis swards grown at Brisbane in irrigated boxes were defoliated (about 60 per cent removal of tops) at floral initiation, first flower appearance, or advanced flowering stages ; seed yield was 45, 16, and 14 per cent respectively of seed yield in undefoliated swards. Decreased yields were primarily due to poor seed set of florets, were also associated with reduced inflorescence density and floret number per inflorescence, and occurred despite increases (in some defoliation treatments) in seed size, leaf growth rate, and differentiation of leaves and branches. Total seasonal plant growth was independent of defoliation treatment.
Loss of nitrogen from maturing plants
Authors: Lapins P , Watson ER
Published: March 2005

Loss of nitrogen from maturing subterranean 'clover and soft brome plants was measured in both field and pot experiments. In subterranean clover, nitrogen loss commenced after seed setting. In soft brome grass, the loss began at flowering and continued until senescence. Nitrogen loss from herbage may be due to translocation to burrs and seeds, to leaching by rain and dew or to volatilization to the air. The practical implications of this nitrogen loss in terms of animal production are discussed.
Sulpur deficiency of dry land lucerne in the eastern Darling Downs of Queensland
Authors: Jones RM
Published: March 2005

Experiments to study the phosphorus, molybdenum and sulphur requirements of lucerne swards were conducted at six sites on the eastern Darling Downs, Queensland. The soils at all sites were derived from basalt. The swards did not respond to phosphorus at any of the sites and responded to molybdenum at only one. Sulphur deficiency was more severe in late winter-early spring than in summer. Lucerne response to added sulphur was not related to total soil sulphur and only partly related to available soil sulphur or water soluble soil sulphate. Five lucerne swards on black earths showed decreasing sulphur deficiency with increasing soil depth and increasing soil salinity. On one site annual medics were more severely affected by sulphur deficiency than was the deeper rooting lucerne.
Bunch covers, leaf number and yield of bananas
Authors: Turner DW
Published: March 2005

The effects of plastic bunch covers and varying defoliation treatments on bunch weight were measured on Williams bananas at Alstonville in north-eastern New South Wales. Bunch covers did not significantly affect bunch weight. The number of leaves left on the plant at bunch emergence only reduced yield when less than four leaves were present. Leaf length duration was calculated and was positively related to bunch weight. Bunch covers did not alter the relationship between leaf number and yield. The rate of sucker growth and water relations within the plants were altered by defoliation treatments. Both of these effects were greatest when less than three leaves were left on the plant.
Some factors affecting the growth of lotononis (Lotononis bainesii)
Authors: Bryan WW , Sharpe JP , Haydock KP
Published: March 2005

On the coastal lowlands of South Queensland, Lotononis bainesii responded in dry matter yield and potassium content to increasing applications of potassium. It did not respond to additions of sulphur. Higher annual yields were obtained from cutting at 8 or 12 weeks than at 4 weeks. Continued frequent cutting had no permanent adverse effect as measured by a 12-week regrowth after treatments were discontinued. Yield was closely associated with radiation received, with a minimum of about 11,200 Langleys in a 4-week period being required for measurable growth, and radiation provided the best fit of meteorological parameters with seasonal fluctuations in production. Growth did not occur in winter and was not resumed in spring until the weekly mean minimum temperature reached 9�C. The detrimental effect of dense shade on lotononis is discussed.
Some factors responsible for varying effectiveness of stomatal closing antitranspirants
Authors: Pasternak Dov Wilson GL
Published: March 2005

Experimental data are presented to explain some of the varying effectiveness of phenyl mercuric acetate (PMA) as a stomatal closing antitranspirant. In a comparison of sorghum, maize, cotton, peanuts, and tomatoes, stomatal apertures were affected to different extents by PMA sprays and environmental conditions. In addition, the relationship between aperture and stomatal resistance differed between cotton and sorghum. Thus the effectiveness of PMA depends on the balance between the degree to which stomata may be closed by prevailing conditions, the extent to which PMA can bring about further closure, and what this closure means in terms of diffusion resistance. In pot experiments with these species, PLMA sprays conserved soil water, but the higher transpiration by unsprayed plants led to water deficits which soon caused stomatal closure. The balance between soil water storage, evaporative conditions, and the particular objectives of transpiration reduction would determine the value of application. Trials with sorghum, in both the field and glasshouse, showed that the effect of a single spray of PMA may be short-lived, and that successive applications may be necessary for a persistent effect. The resulting toxicity may be unacceptable.
Response by irrigated grain sorghum to broadcast gypsum and phosphorus on a heavy clay soil
Authors: Noble JC , Kleinig CR
Published: March 2005

In two successive field trials at Deniliquin, New South Wales, irrigated grain sorghum was sown at three rates of gypsum (0, 4,480, and 8,960 lb an acre), and four rates of phosphorus application (0, 25, 50, and 100 lb an acre) on Billabong clay, a brown clay commonly found on the Riverine Plain of south-eastern Australia. There was a significant response to broadcast gypsum in terms of seedling emergence, tillering, and panicle production. Furthermore, there was a positive interaction between gypsum and phosphorus response which was clearly demonstrated by the yield of total dry matter and grain in the first year. Although there was a response to phosphorus in the absence of gypsum, the more effective use of phosphorus on the gypsum treatments, particularly at the higher rates of fertilizer application, was attributed to improved soil water storage. In the second year, the residual value of applied gypsum was greater following application at 8,960 lb. an acre than at 4,480 lb an acre during the previous year. Residual phosphorus had little effect in the year following application.
The sulphur status of wheat in red-brown earths in southern NSW
Authors: Lipsett J , Williams CH
Published: March 2005

An investigation was made of the availability to wheat of sulphur in red-brown earths in southern New South Wales. There was no response in grain yield to the application of sulphate to phosphorus-treated or to phosphorus and nitrogen-treated plots at any of 14 field sites, although appreciable responses were obtained in pot culture using surface soil taken from eight of the sites. Under field conditions, mineralization of soil organic matter appears likely to provide adequate sulphur where crops are grown without nitrogen fertilizer. In addition, appreciable amounts of readily available sulphur may be present in the subsoil. The results indicate that triple superphosphate could be used for the fertilization of cereal crops on these soils without risk of sulphur deficiency. Use of nitrogenous fertilizer, however, would increase the possibility of sulphur deficiency.
Comparison of lemon varieties and rootstocks at Mildura, Victoria
Authors: Stafford LM
Published: March 2005

Five scions and ten rootstocks were tested in an eight-year trial at Irymple, near Mildura, Victoria. The scions were two old-line Lisbons, a nucellar Eureka, and two old-line Eurekas. Cumulative yields averaged for the ten rootstocks and expressed as a percentage of the best scion were : Rix Lisbon 100, Doncaster Lisbon 99, Frost Nucellar Eureka 95, Rodwell Eureka 89, and Villa Franca Eureka 73. The rootstocks, with their percentage yields in parentheses, were : Rough lemon (100), Cavanagh sweet orange (90), Symons sweet orange (84), Marsh grapefruit (73, Cox sweet orange (74), Cleopatra mandarin (72). Seville sour orange (721, Sampson tangelo (69), Emperor mandarin (69), and Carrizo citrange (30). The poor performance of Carrizo citrange is discussed in terms of virus infection and incompatibility. The incidence and importance of scion overgrowth is also reported and discussed.
Effect of calcium sprays on the severity of internal browning in Brussels sprouts
Authors: Millikan CR , Bjarnason EN , Hanger BC
Published: March 2005

Five scions and ten rootstocks were tested in an eight-year trial at Irymple, near Mildura, Victoria. The scions were two old-line Lisbons, a nucellar Eureka, and two old-line Eurekas. Cumulative yields averaged for the ten rootstocks and expressed as a percentage of the best scion were : Rix Lisbon 100, Doncaster Lisbon 99, Frost Nucellar Eureka 95, Rodwell Eureka 89, and Villa Franca Eureka 73. The rootstocks, with their percentage yields in parentheses, were : Rough lemon (100), Cavanagh sweet orange (90), Symons sweet orange (84), Marsh grapefruit (73, Cox sweet orange (74), Cleopatra mandarin (72). Seville sour orange (721, Sampson tangelo (69), Emperor mandarin (69), and Carrizo citrange (30). The poor performance of Carrizo citrange is discussed in terms of virus infection and incompatibility. The incidence and importance of scion overgrowth is also reported and discussed.
The performance of laying hens fed various dietary protein levels in the growing period and first laying year
Authors: Connor JK , Burton HW
Published: March 2005

Two experiments examined the effects of protein restriction in the growing period on the production of egg type pullets. The protein levels of diets fed in the growing period were 15, 13, and 11 per cent. The treatments were incorporated in factorial designs with nutritional treatments in the laying period involving diet protein levels of 17, 15, and 13 per cent and, for one of the experiments, with housing densities of either 4 sq. ft. or 2 sq. ft. per bird. Restriction of protein during the growing period retarded growth and delayed sexual maturity, but neither of the levels of restriction examined increased subsequent laying performance. Eggs lost due to delays in the onset of production were not compensated for by increases in subsequent production and egg weight was generally depressed by protein restriction. The pattern of egg production was altered by restriction. A 13 per cent protein layer diet introduced at point of lay also reduced bodyweight gain and delayed age at sexual maturity. Interactions between nutritional and housing treatments in the growing and laying periods were apparent in egg production and egg weight.
The acceptability of phalaris to sheep
Authors: Kennedy GS , Holgate MD
Published: March 2005

The acceptability of Phalaris arundinacea relative to P. tuberosa and their interspecific F1 hybrid was measured at various growth stages with penned sheep. P. arundinacea was the least acceptable; acceptance of the hybrid was intermediate between that of its parents. Preferences were most apparent with short grasses and least evident with grasses after heading. Sheep discriminated against aqueous P. arundinacea extracts, but not the extracted residues. They continued to discriminate against P. arundinacea after it had been dried and pelleted.
Chemical composition and nutritive value of Indigofera enneaphylla and I. Cordifolia as sheep feeds
Authors: Nath K , Malik NS , Singh ON
Published: March 2005

The chemical composition and nutritive value of Indigofera enneaphylla and Indigofera cordifolia were determined by analysis and by a digestion trial on l 1/2 year old lambs. The crude protein and calcium contents of both species were high and palatability was good. The digestible crude protein and total digestible nutrients on dry basis were 10.7 and 55.5 kg per 100 kg in I. enneapbylla and 7.8 and 57.5 kg per 100 kg in I. cordifolia. No toxic effects were observed in four weeks' feeding. Toxicity of I. enneapbylla reported for horses may not be applicable to sheep. Detailed investigation to assess the nature and extent of toxic principle, if any, is suggested.
The yield and survival of lucerne lines in the upper south-east of South Austrialia
Authors: Leach GJ
Published: March 2005

Thirty lines of lucerne from regions with Mediterranean and temperate climates were grown on a degp and infertile sandy soil in the Upper South East of South Australia. One trial (A) was cut at the frequency usually recommended for lucerne, and the other (B) was cut twice as often. Both trials were sown in spring 1965 in drills 35 cm apart, and were maintained as pure lucerne stands. The yield of dry matter of the tops was measured in Trial A between November 1966 and November 1969, and in trial B for one year from November 1966. The row cover attained by the plants was measured in each year. In trial A, yields rose to maximum values in spring and declined during the summer months to minimal values in autumn. At most harvests there mere significant differences between lines. Mediterranean lines gave good yields in the early phase of the trial, and were the most productive lines through each late summer to winter period. Lines from cool temperate regions, e.g. Rhizoma, gave low initial yields and low winter yields, but gave largest yields in spring 1968. Two Portuguese lines consistently gave high yields : they were the only lines to produce significantly more total dry matter than Hunter River over three years. All lines adequately survived a very dry year (1967), and most plant losses occurred in the final year of the trial. In 1969, six Mediterranean lines showed poor survival, each had less than 50 per cent row cover. Dry matter yields were smaller in trial B. Lines from cool temperate regions maintained 80 per cent row cover throughout and gave the largest yields. Three Mediterranean lines were eliminated after two years of frequent cutting, and the row cover of five other lines was reduced to less than 50 per cent.
Seed pelleting to improve nodulation of tropical and sub-tropical legumes. 1. An examination of the validity of 'grow-out' nodulation tests in tubes
Authors: Norris DO
Published: March 2005

Nodulation resulting from various seed pelleting treatments of Lotus pedunculatus, Desmodium intortum, and D. uncinatum was investigated by the 'grow-out technique', in which single treated seeds are dropped into seedling nutrient agar tubes which are assessed for presence or absence of nodules after a standard time. Two cellulosic stickers, Cellofas A and Methofas were used, and pelleting materials included lime, gypsum, kaolin, calcium silicate, and four rock phosphates. Calcium silicate was quickly lethal to rhizobia. Malt extract was included in the sticker in several experiments and had a protective action on rhizobia. Significant effects of pellet treatment were observed on both seed germination and amount of nodulation. Results indicate that the relative performance of different pelleting treatments can be influenced both by ambient environmental factors and by the type of mineral nutrient agar chosen for the performance of the test. It is suggested that such tests may be quite misleading, and that they provide no real guide to what may occur in the field.
The quality of noodles prepared from the flours of some Australian wheat
Authors: Moss HJ
Published: March 2005

The brightness of Japanese noodles made from flours of eight varieties of wheat was found to depend inversely on the protein content, but hard wheat flours gave slightly whiter noodles than did others of similar protein content. Discolouration appeared to be related to melanin formation from tyrosine groups. The cooking quality of six varieties, both in respect of Japanese and Chinese noodles, was also investigated. Noodles made from Heron flour tended to lose their integrity with prolonged boiling. Emblem flour required longer cooking than the others, both for Chinese and Japanese noodles, while Raven flour gave the most attractive noodles according to subjective tests. In another set of comparisons, Olympic and Rencubbin flour developed significantly more yellow colour, when made into Chinese type noodles, than did other varieties. Olympic noodles were the most attractive after cookinq, as they retained their integrity and yellowness.
Production and composition of milk from cows grazing Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpursu) and greenleaf Desmodium (Desmodium intortus)
Authors: Stobbs TH
Published: March 2005

The production and composition of milk were measured from 20 Jersey cows grazing unsupplemented pure stands of the tropical legumes Siratro (Phaseolus atropurpureus) and greenleaf Desmodium (Desmodium intortum) using a three period switch-back design. An abundance of feed was available for grazing so that herbage quality was evaluated in terms of production per cow. Preliminary and post-grazing on Pangola (Digitaria decubens) grass pasture allowed some comparison of production with grass swards to be made. A second experiment, of similar design, investigated the effects of feeding 4 kg of sorghum grain daily to cows grazing Siratro. Milk production from cows grazing Siratro and Desmodium was low, averaging 7.7 kg per cow per day. Milk production did not differ between the two legume treatments. The solids-not-fat percentage of milk produced on the Siratro pasture was lower than that produced on Desmodium, resulting in a lower production of solids corrected milk from cows grazing Siratro. Decreases in the yield and solid-not-fat content of milk and an increase in fat content were measured when cows grazed unsupplemented Siratro and Desmodium compared with their production on supplementd and unsupplemented Pangola. The mean casein : fat ratio of milk produced on Siratro swards was 0.47 : 1 compared with a mean ratio of 0.73 : 1 on Pangola pasture together with a 3 kg per cow per day of a balanced concentrate feed. Chemical composition, dry matter digestibility, and gross energy were poor indicators of potential milk production from Siratro and Desmodium pastures. Intake of digestible energy was considered to be the major factor limiting milk production. The addition of 4 kg per cow per day of sorghum grain increased daily milk yield, the S.N.F. content and the casein : fat ratio of milk produced on Siratro pasture.
The effects of method and time of debeaking on weight gains and food consumption of chickens
Authors: Connor JD , Fuelling DE
Published: March 2005

Three methods of debeaking broiler chickens were compared: conventional (removal of one-half of the premaxilla), partial (a cauterized cut part-away through the premaxilla halfway between the beak tip and the anterior margin of the nares) and block (removal of one-half of the premaxilla and a similar length of the mandible). The use of these methods at day-old and at five days old was compared. Block debeaking was unsatisfactory because it reduced liveweight gain. Conventional debeaking also tended to reduce liveweight gain. Partial debeaking was the preferable method for use. Debeaking at five days old gave heavier liveweights than debeaking at day-old particularly when the more severe methods, block and conventional debeaking, were used.
Wheat yields and indices of available soil nitrogen in Southern NSW - A preliminary evaluation
Authors: Storrier RR , Hanly AT , Spence TB , Smith AN
Published: March 2005

Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the usefulness of a number of measures of the available soil nitrogen in accounting for the variability in wheat yields under field conditions in southern New South Wales. Single soil tests, such as total mineral nitrogen in the surface sample (0-10 cm depth), could account for only 38 and 18.5 per cent of the variation in yield at flowering and harvest respectively. However, the Use of bilinear regression involving boiling water soluble nitrogen in the surface horizon and nitrate-nitrogen in the sub-soil (10-30 cm depth) accounted for 64 and 36 per cent of the variation in yield at flowering and harvest respectively. The use of these tests to predict the nitrogen fertilizer requirement of wheat will necessitate the measure ment of climatic, cultural and edaphic factors as well as response to nitrogen fertilizer.
Chemical seedbed preparation and the efficiency of nitrogen utilization by sod-sown oats. 1. Comparison of seedbeds
Authors: Murtagh GJ
Published: March 2005

Conventional sod-seeding in a paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum) sward was compared with both chemically prepared and cultivated seedbeds for growing oats. Experiments were conducted on red and chocolate basaltic soils on the North Coast of New South Wales. Three times of sowing, and three rates of herbicide for chemical seedbed preparation were also used in the red soil experiment, and two times of sowing were used in the other. Sod-sown oats yielded poorly on the red soil and either cultivation or chemical seedbed preparation gave much higher yields at all times of sowing. Sod-sown oats grew better on the chocolate soil and yield increases from cultivation or chemical seedbed preparation were proportionately less than on the red soil. There was a trend, but not significant, for higher yields to be obtained from cultivated than from chemical seedbeds in the earliest sowings on the red soil. This effect was significant on the chocolate soil. The results indicate that under low fertility conditions, it is essential to use some form of seedbed preparation when growing oats.
Studies in flock mating of sheep. 4. The relation of libido tests to subsequent service activity of young rams
Authors: Mattner PE , Braden AWH , George JM
Published: March 2005

Seventy-five Merino rams, l 1/2 years old, were tested for libido in pens and were later observed while mating in flocks. The total number of services performed in three pen libido tests was the parameter most highly correlated with service frequency during flock mating. For the 58 rams that mounted ewes in the libido tests, the total number of services in the three tests was highly correlated with the number of services performed during the first three hours in flocks of 40 ewes containing only one ram (r56 = 0.853, P<0.001). Subsequently, pairs of rams were joined with flocks of 66 or 125 ewes. With these rams, the number of services in the pen libido tests was highly correlated with the number of services performed in three hours immediately after introduction of the rams (r20 = 0.717, P<0.001) or seven days later (r14 = 0.709). It is concluded that the number of services performed by young rams during a simple form of libido test could provide an indication of their subsequent service activity during flock mating.
Wool production of sheep supplemented with cottonseed meal and formaldehyde-treated cottonseed meal
Authors: Langlands JP
Published: March 2005

Cottonseed meal, which had been mechanically extracted, was treated with varying quantities of formaldehyde (HCHO) ranging from 0.125 to 1.500 per cent (w/w). Solubility of the nitrogen molar saline in untreated meal was 17.3 per cent, and in HCHO-treated meals ranged from 10.2 to 3.2 per cent. Solubility was related by a quartic relationship to the quantity of HCHO added. when incubated for 24 hours with rumen liquor at 39�C, 36.5 per cent of the nitrogen in the untreated meal was liberated as ammonia and between 30.6 and - 0.5 per cent for the HCHO-meals. Organic matter and apparent nitrogen digestibilities of the meals were depressed by approximately 1 and 0.8 units respectively for each 0.1 per cent HCHO added. Utilization of digested nitrogen was not significantly increased as a result of HCHO treatment. Sheep were held in yards and received either 400 g wheat or 300 g wheat and 100 g of a number of cottonseed meals. Although three of the meals had been treated with HCHO, there were no significant differences between diets in either wool production or liveweight change. Sheep grazed at 25 sheep per acre received as a supplement 150 g wheat and 50 g of cottonseed meal or HCHO-meal per day given twice weekly. Again there were no significant differences in productivity of the sheep attributable to the diet.
The effect of soil type on the establishment, early growth and nodulation of Glycine wightii
Authors: Thomas D , Whiteman PC
Published: March 2005

A pot investigation was made of the establishment, nodulation, and early growth of Glycine wightii (CV. Tinaroo) on five soil types, black-earth, alluvium, yellow podzolic, krasnozem, and a siliceous sand. Soil physical and chemical properties were measured. Previous observations that the species is slow to establish on some soils has been confirmed quantitatively. Nodules were not recorded before day 27 after planting regardless of soil type. Nodulation proceeded at a faster rate in the early stages on the black earth and alluvium. There appeared to be two phases in the rate of nodulation on the krasnozem, an initial lag period followed by a marked increase. On the podzolic, the lag phase was more pronounced and a third phase of nodule loss occurred after day 62. Changes in nodule weight per pot were a function mainly of changes in nodule number. Nodule weight was also linearly related to root dry weight. Total dry matter prior to the formation of nodules appeared to be related to the supply of soil nitrogen. After nodule initiation the pattern of plant growth was similar to that of nodulation. The efficiency of nitrogen fixation on the podzolic was significantly lower than on the other soil types. The practical implications of the results are discussed briefly.
Effect of various treatments on hardening and softening of seeds in pods of barrel medic (Medicago truncatula)
Authors: Krichmer R/Andrew WD
Published: March 2005

Experiments to determine ways of softening seeds in the field were designed to maintain stands of barrel medic (Meclicago truncatula). Under moist temperate conditions, at Canberra, seeds in pods above ground readily hardened during December but none softened during the following two months. At Coonamble, under hotter conditions and with less rainfall, approximately 13 per cent of the hard seeds in pods above ground softened during the summer but 96 per cent of pods contained at least one soft seed. Covering the pods with about one inch of soil early in December greatly increased softening of their seeds both at Canberra and Coonamble, but the response to seed burial was seen at Coonamble only after 134 days. Holding pods in a hot humid atmosphere also hastened seed softening. In all experiments, seed softening in pods began at the peduncle end and proceeded along the spiral as time went on. A method of determining intensity of hardseededness is described. Although the method is arbitrary it indicated a reduction in intensity of hardseededness preceding softening of the seed.
Milk production from a naturalized pasture at Wollongbar and its relation to rainfall
Authors: Jeffery H , Colman RL , Swain FG
Published: March 2005

The 4 per cent fat corrected milk (FCM) production obtained from cows grazing a 9.7 ha farmlet of naturalized pasture at Wollongbar was measured over the ten-year period to 1968. FCM per cow varied between 1538 kg and 2765 kg and per hectare between 1678 kg and 2847 kg. The factors most likely to have affected production appeared to be climatic effects. It is suggested that soil fertility was unlikely to have affected production markedly and the relation between FCM production per hectare, and several rainfall parameters were established. The most important factor affecting production appeared to be rainfall in early to mid-lactation. Knowledge of rainfall during this period accounted for 93 per cent of the total variation in FCM per hectare between years. The residual standard deviation of the regression was 5 per cent of the mean production per hectare.
Vitamin A deficiency in drought-fed sheep
Authors: Bayfield RF , Saville DG , Falk RH
Published: March 2005

Vitamin A deficiency was observed in sheep that had been maintained for 55 weeks on grain-based diets. Mean (� S.E.) plasma and liver vitamin A levels were 6.1 � 5.7 �g/100 ml and 23.9 � 33.0 �g/g respectively. When the sheep were treated with vitamin A or transferred to green pasture, deficiency signs disappeared rapidly and after five weeks, mean vitamin A had increased to 23.3 � 5.7 �/100 ml in plasma, and after nine weeks to 179.5 � 42.5 �g/g in liver.
The digestibility and voluntary intake by sheep of six tropical grasses
Authors: Minson DJ
Published: March 2005

The digestibility and voluntary intake of Chloris gayana, Digitaria decumbens, Panicimum maximum var tricboglume, Paspalm dilatatum, Pennisetm Clanhtinum, and Setaria splendih were measured with sheep in metabolism pens. All grasses were grown under the same conditions and cut at the same time. Each grass was cut after growing for 28, 70, and 98 days in the summer and then again (except for P. dilatatum) after 42, 70, and 105 days in the following autumn. Four successive 28-day regrowths of each grass (two cuts only for P. dilatatum) were also harvested during the summer. All 55 cuts were artificially dried and fed at the same time, each cut being fed to eight sheep. Differences in dry matter and organic matter digestibility between grass species were relatively small with a maximum mean difference of six digestibility units between S. splendida and P. clandestinzrm. For the 28-day regrowths S. splendida was 5.1 digestibility units higher but with the more mature regrowths the difference was 6.8 digestibility units. The mean voluntary intake of dry matter of S. splendida and P. clandestinum was 9 and 11 per cent lower than that of D. decmbens (P<0.01) with the largest differences in voluntary intake between grasses occurring at the mature stages of growth. Large differences were found between grass species in both the slope and intercept of regressions relating voluntary intake to dry matter digestibility.
Control of Sclerotinia rot in beans with benomyl
Authors: Pegg KG
Published: March 2005

Five fungicides were tested for the control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in French beans at Nambour, Queensland. Benomyl (1 g a.i./litre) proved the most satisfactory fungicide when applied by standard high volume equipment at both full bloom and petal fall. Beans sprayed in the field with benomyl did not develop Sclerotinia rot in storage.
Seed pelleting to improve nodulation of tropical and subtropical legumes. 4. The effects of various mineral dusts on nodulation of Desmodium uncinatum
Authors: Norris DO
Published: March 2005

In field experiments at Beerwah, Queensland, in two successive seasons lime and Florida rock phosphate were compared as seed pelleting materials with 18 other mineral dusts. Desmodium uncinatum was used as the test legume, strains CB627 and CB1517 as the test inoculant strains, and methyl cellulose (4 per cent) and gum arabic (40 per cent) as the stickers. Seed was planted after storage for two days and again after 28 days to separate immediate effects of materials on nodulation from effects of storage on survival of bacteria on the seed. The nodulation resulting from the various pellets was assessed by comparison with inoculation done with the sticker alone. Lime pelleting in both seasons gave a stimulation of nodulation at the first planting followed by a severe decline, both absolute and relative to sticker alone, after storage for 28 days, which was attributed to a faster death rate of the inoculant bacteria. Rock phosphate on average gave the best nodulation and the bacteria apparently survived well also under a bauxite pellet. On the basis of nodulation performance combined with ready availability and ease of grinding, the two most promising materials for further test were indicated to be Christmas Island 'c' grade calcined rock phosphate and bauxite. Rhizobium CB627 was a superior inoculant to CB1517, and there was no important difference between the performance of the two stickers Methofas and gum arabic.
Residual effect of some herbicides on Medicago species in the Victorian Mallee
Authors: Wells GJ
Published: March 2005

The use of soil persistent herbicides for controlling skeleton weed (Chondrilla juncea) on fallows and in crops might lead to problems of residual toxicity towards establishing medic pastures. Data from 1967 to 1969, taken from both chemical fallow and crop spray experiments on light soils in the Mallee, Victoria, are presented which show the extreme persistence of picloram applied at very low rates and its high toxicity towards both annual medics and lucerne. Other herbicides studied (an atrazine-amitrole mixture, fenac and 2, 4-D) had little or no effect at moderate application rates. It is considered that the very low rainfall in 1967 was largely responsible for the low rate of herbicide decomposition.