bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GRASSLAND AND SOIL FERTILITY FROM A FARMER'S POINT OF VIEW*
Authors: Paterson Rex 
Published: April 2006

In an attempt to measure the influence of leys on the yield of barley, as a means of measuring soil fertility, details of the yields of barley, fertilizer usage and rotations were collected from a number of Hampshire farms and compared with the average results obtained from the ley fertility experiment at Bridget's Experimental Husbandry farm. In the arable rotation experiment increasing the nitrogen level from 37 to 74 units, increased the barley yield from 20·2 cwt. to 24·3 cwt.Farm number 1 used 43 units of nitrogen compared with 61 units of nitrogen on farm 2. The yield rose from 18·7 to 25·4 cwt.Following 3 years grazed ley at Bridget's and increasing the nitrogen level from 37 to 74 units raised the yield from 25·5 cwt. to 29 cwt.Farms 4 and 5 used 47 units of nitrogen compared with 74 units of nitrogen on farms 7, 8 and 9. The yield rose from 24·7 cwt. to 30 cwt.Farms 6 and 10 obtained 29·1 and 28·7 cwt. from only 49 units of nitrogen and 26 units of nitrogen respectively, by the use of some lucerne leys on farm 6, and by only taking one grain crop on farm 10.A three year ley is therefore probably worth 15 cwt. of increased barley yield in the 3 succeeding crops of grain, when using not less than 26 units of nitrogen. An additional 5 cwt. of barley can be obtained annually by the use of 37 units of nitrogen.A sharp fall in yield in 1956 and 1957 on farm 10 to 217 cwt. may have been due to a reduction in the use of nitrogen, or other causes.Farm number 3, without livestock, obtained 28·1 cwt. when using 86 units of nitrogen. Was this due to the use of a 2 year ley and fallow crop in a six year rotation, or the use of additional nitrogen: farm 8, at the same level of nitrogen, stocking and use of clover, has only gained 2·3 cwt. per acre.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SURFACE SEEDING
Authors: Copeman G. J. F. , Roberts H. W. 
Published: April 2006

The principles of surface seeding as they apply to conditions in the north of Scotland are described and are illustrated by results from trials. The types of land and vegetation most suited to exploitation by surface seeding are indicated, and the need to consider the improvement of rough grazings in relation to a farm as a whole is stressed.Ploughing is not necessary but some seed bed preparation is desirable, except on ideal sites. Investigations show the importance of suitable seeds mixtures in association with adequate lime and fertilizer applications in both the establishment and maintenance of these swards. Reference is made to new techniques such as lime‐coated seed and chemical pre‐treatment.
STUDIES IN THE DIGESTIBILITY OF HERBAGE
Authors: Minson D. J. , Raymond W. F. , Harris C. E. 
Published: April 2006

This paper presents the results of 125 digestion trials with sheep fed herbage at different stages of growth from three clover‐free pure grass swards. During 1958 and 1959, a study was made of the yield, leaf lamina, nitrogen, ash and digestible organic matter percentage (D) of first growths, of regrowths cut at monthly and two monthly intervals and of swards receiving various quantities of fertilizer nitrogen.For first growths in the spring D remained almost constant until the ears started to protrude from the leaf sheaths and then fell rapidly at approximately 0·5 per cent per day. The D values for S 23 ryegrass were three weeks later than S 24 ryegrass, which correspond with later ear emergence of the latter. S 37 cocksfoot was always less digestible than S 24 ryegrass although both were at similar stages of growth. This difference in D also occurred in the regrowths. The D of monthly regrowths tended to fall with each successive cut, although in 1959 ryegrass values improved in the autumn.Fertilizer nitrogen had little effect on D.Despite the warmer spring and drier summer in 1959 and corresponding changes in production per acre there was little effect on D.
THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE IN THE MASS ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SILAGE
Authors: Murdoch J. C. , Holdsworth Muriel C. 
Published: April 2006

The effect of temperature on silage quality was investigated in a series of trials over a period of three years.The results indicated that when conditions in the silage were favourable for the formation of lactic acid, either through treatment or because of the herbage itself, low temperatures in the mass had no adverse effect on silage quality.Some results suggest that, with chopped or lacerated silage, low maximum temperatures are associated with better quality silage. The results, however, were not entirely consistent.There appeared to be little or no advantage in allowing unchopped silage to heat to 100°F.
STUDIES IN CALF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Chambers D. T. , Alder F. E. 
Published: April 2006

Spring‐born calves were reared in 1956 and 1957 on (a) a multiple‐suckling system, (b) bucket‐feeding indoors and (c) bucket‐feeding at pasture. Milk substitute was offered in similar quantities to (b) and (c); (a) and (b) received hay and concentrates; (c) received no concentrates but hay was offered in 1956. The average daily live‐weight gains (lb.) in 1956 were 1·63, 1·30 and 1·45; in 1957 1·70, 1·50 and 1·55, respectively.The importance of grass of good quality, free from parasitic infestation, is discussed.
STUDIES IN CALF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Chambers D. T. , Alder F. E. 
Published: April 2006

Calves born in late September to early October in 1956, 1957 and 1958 were reared at pasture. They were fed milk substitute, supplemented in some cases with concentrate feeding‐stuffs.The losses due to outdoor rearing were low, and calves made satisfactory gains in weight. By rearing at pasture, a considerable saving was effected in the weight of concentrates and hay consumed, while no marked response to the feeding of these supplements before weaning was found. Animals born in the autumn of 1957 and reared on this system reached 10 cwt. in less than 24 months.
THE EFFECT OF DRILL WIDTH ON THE SEED PRODUCTIVITY OF LEAFY VARIFTIES OF THREE GRASS SPECIES
Authors: Roberts H. M. 
Published: April 2006

Three leafy grass varieties, S215 meadow fescue, S37 cocksfoot and S51 timothy. were subjected to four dril spacings of 6, 15, 24 and 36 in. under two levels of nitrogen application. Over three harvest years, meadow fescue gave better seed yields with 6‐ and 15‐in, drill spacings. Cocksfoot gave very similar yields from 1.5, 24‐ and 36‐in, drills but a signincantly reduced yield from 6‐in, spaced drills. Timothy produced significantly higher yields at the 24 in spacing.The three varieties showed a significant response to nitrogen application.Aphids seriously affected the vegetative growth of meadow fescue and timothy at the wider spacings, but the 6‐in. drills m boths species remained relatively free of aphid attack, as also did the cocksfoot block.
DIFFERENTIAL SURVIVAL OF CULTIVARS OF LOLIUM, DACTYLIS AND PHLEUM
Authors: Charles Allen H. 
Published: April 2006

A study of plant establishment showed that a considerable depletion in the size of the grass poptilation occurred during the first few months after sowing. In this experiment, two months after reseeding, the surviving grass seedlings amounted to about 20% of the viable seed sown; this figure was further reduced to about 10% before the swards were twelve months old.In swards based on several cultivars within a species the casualty rate varied from cultivar to cultivar, and may be further modifted by manuring and management.Evidence from older swards indicated that within a period of six years one cultivar could suppress another almost completely.The data suggest that not only is there a strong selection pressure within a sward during its early life, but also that the environment (produced in this case by manuring and management) eternities the relative persistency and aggressiveness of the individual cultivars. This illustrates how a sward originally composed of several plant types eventually settles to a narrow range, provided the management is not varied.
THE RELATIVE PALATABILITY OF VARIOUS VARIETIES OF WEEPING LOVEGRASS (ERAGROSTIS CURVULA (SCHRAD) NEES)
Authors: Leigh J. H. 
Published: April 2006

It has been found for pasture purposes that the numerous varieties belonging to the species Eragrostis curvula can be grouped into types for which the names curvula, robusta blue, robusta green, robusta intermediate and chloromelas are proposed.The relative palatability of 20 varieties of E. curvula, and 1 variety of E. plana, Chloris gayana and Digitaria smutsii were compared with one another. Chloris and Digitaria were found to be the most palatable. Of the Eragrostis varieties studied, the robusta green, robusta intermediate and robusta blue were the most palatable, chloromelas varieties and E. plana being intermediate and the curvula varieties the least palatable.The grasses with the highest phosphate and potash contents were also those most acceptable to livestock. Results obtained from analyses suggested that crude fibre had little bearing on palatability.The more acceptable grasses were also the more succulent.No relationship between leaf structure and livestock preference could be demonstrated.
THE CRUDE‐PROTEIN CONTENT OF ITALIAN RYEGRASS
Authors: Hunt I. V. , Alexander R. H. 
Published: April 2006

The effects of variety, date of cutting flush growth and level of nitrogenous manuring on the crude‐protein content of Italian ryegrass were studied on plots cut five times in 1958.Raising the level of nitrogenous fertilizer from 174 lb. to 348 1b. N/acre reduced the percentage of dry matter from 0·5 to 2·0 and increased the percentage of crude protein in the dry matter from 0·9 to 5·1, with net increases in crude protein/fresh material of from 0·06 to 0·57%. Varieties showed consistent differences, the three Westcrwolth types, New Zealand H.I and New Zealand Italian being higher in percentage crude protein than Ayrshire, Irish, Danish and S22.Culling the flush growth earlier resulted in an increased percentage of crude protein for that particular cut, but no overall increase in mean crude‐protein percentage.
SELF‐FEEDING OF SILAGE
Authors: Dempster D. G. 
Published: April 2006

Self‐feeding of silage has been successfully practised at Tillycorthie for 5 years. With unrestricted access to the feeding face, daily grazing times for 9‐cwt. animals varied from 4 periods totalling 121 minutes in the case of stronger animals to 7 periods totalling 378 minutes.In feeding, chopped silage was more wasteful than long silage. The daily intake of 7‐cwt. animals was 68 lb. of silage and 4 lb. of oat straw. The labour requirement for 70 animals was 6–6 hours per week.Food and labour costs on the system were 10s. 11d. per week. The estimated cost of the same items on. turnips and straw feeding is 16s. 4d. per week.The health of the cattle was good and growth excellent, and the animals went out to graze in a condition which allowed them to make maximum liveweight gain on grass.
THE PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF WINTER GRASS AT VARIOUS CENTRES IN ENGLAND AND WALES, 1954–60
Authors: Baker H. K. , Chard J. R. A. , Hughes G. Pearson 
Published: April 2006

The performance of livestock, on winter grass was studied at eighteen sites in England and Wales from 1957 to 1960.Beef cattle generally gained weight while grazing winter grass. They invariably did better than similar animals overwintered on the normal feeding regime of the farms concerned.At 8 centres winter grass was utilized by dairy cows. Calculations indicated that the grass provided a valuable portion of their feed.The general condition and health of livestock grazing winter grass were satisfactory at all centres.Damage caused by poaching was largely prevented by controlled grazing.The production and utilization of winter grass had no adverse effects on sward recovery in the subsequent spring.
AN ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT FOR PASTURE YIELD ESTIMATION
Authors: Campbell A. G. , Phillips D. S. M. , O'Reilly E. D. 
Published: April 2006

This is a preliminary report on an instrument being developed for the measurement of pasture yield in situ. In essence the instrument is an electrical capacitance measuring unit in which the introduction of herbage to a measuring head causes a change in the electrical capacitance of the system. This capacitance change is measured at a radio frequency and used as an indicator of the mass of herbage contained within the measuring head.The development and construction of the instrument is described and data are presented for 15 calibration series in which frequency change has been related to pasture yield.Within series the instrument accounts for approximately 90% of the variation in pasture sample yield measured either as wet, dry or organic matter. However, significant differences exist between series. These differences would give rise to bias if pasture yield were estimated from a prediction equation derived from the pooled data.Possible sources of the differences between series are discussed and avenues for further development indicated.
THE USE OF GRAZING‐ANIMAL OBSERVATIONS IN THE EARLY STAGES OF PASTURE EVALUATION IN THE TROPICS
Authors: Joblin A. D. H. 
Published: April 2006

An observational technique for measuring pasture palatability is described in which a palatability index is constructed to indicate the species selected by stock under specified conditions of choice. The index differentiates these species from others that stock are prepared to eat when opportunities for selection are more limited. The potential usefulness of this index in the initial testing of tropical pasture species is discussed.Results are reported from two 3‐year experiments where the method was used. Coefficients of variationin individualgrazingsranged from 13·5 to 22·2% with experimental meansof 19·2 and 18·3%. Hyparrhenia rufa and Cenchrus ciliaris were found to be the m6st consistently palatable of the grasses offered.
OBSERVATIONS ON DAMAGE TO GRASSLAND IN EAST YORKSHIRE BY LARVAE OF THE COMMON LEAF WEEVIL, PHYLLOBIUSPYRIL. AND NOTES ON ITS BIOLOGY
Authors: Bevan W. J. 
Published: April 2006

An account is given of the damage caused by the larvae of the Common Leaf Weevil, Phyllobius pyri L. to grassland on sandy soils in E. Yorkshire. This insect is probably an insidious pest of grassland causing deterioration of some swards, but occasionally large infestations occur causing severe damage. These investigations suggest that the severity of the damage is related to the degree of larval infestation, the age and the composition of the sward.Work on the biology of the pest indicates that eggs are likely to be laid from the second week of April up to the fourth week of May. Larvae begin feeding on the grass roots in May and continue until about mid‐September, when they start migrating into the 3‐ to 6‐in. level in the soil prior to pupation. When environmental conditions are favourable, all larvae are in the pupal stage by late November and adult beetles emerge from the soil during the second week of April. These beetles feed on the grass for a short period before migrating to their woody hosts, whitethorn, hazel, oak and fruit trees.
A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF GERMINATION AND EARLY SEEDLING GROWTH IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Authors: Anslow R. C. 
Published: April 2006

Seedlings of perennial ryegrass were grown in soil and growth was studied up to 21 days from sowing. The shoot grew exponentially during this period. The weight of the whole plant fell to about 65% of the original weight of the caryopsis at about 9 days from sowing and did not regain this original value until about 16 days after sowing. Endosperm reserves were virtually exhausted within 14 days.The interval between the 7th and 14th day appears to be critical in the establishment of the seedling, when conditions adverse to the development of a rapid rate of photosynthesis by the shoot could severely reduce seedling growth and the chances of survival.
THE YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF LUCERNE, GRASS AND CLOVER UNDER DIFFERENT SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT
Authors: Davies W. Ellis , Tyler B. F. 
Published: April 2006

The yields of two varieties of lucerne grown with and without each of three companion grasses, under two cutting treatments, were compared during 1956–9 to elucidate further the potential production of this crop and to clarify some contradictions in earlier results.Du Puits lucerne (early) and its mixtures produced 20% more dry matter than the corresponding mixtures based on AF1 (late). Meadow fescue S215/lucerne mixtures were superior to lucerne grown alone in the first year, but not subsequently. Mixtures with S37 cocksfoot and S22 Italian ryegrass gave significantly lower yields.Over three years higher yields were obtained from three cuts in the first harvest year compared with two.
STRIP GRAZING VERSUS PADDOCK GRAZING UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS
Authors: Joblin A. D. H. 
Published: April 2006

A sixteen‐month trial is described where strip grazing was compared with a 3‐paddock system of rotational grazing. 71/2 acres of grazing was allotted to each group, but the strip‐grazed cattle were limited to half an acre of grazing while the paddock‐grazed beasts had access to 24 acres at a time. The pasture was rested for 6 weeks after strip grazing and 2 weeks after paddock grazing.Treatment effects were found to vary with the pasture conditions. The paddock‐grazed cattle benefited most when average grass quality was declining following the onset of drying conditions. The strip‐grazed group showed to advantage when drying conditions persisted for several months and the usefulness of a rationed system of grazing management became apparent. There was an overall trend in favour of paddock grazing which is interpreted as suggesting that, under the conditions of the experiment, pasture quality was more frequently limiting animal production than was pasture quantity.After one year's grazing the liveweight gains per acre were 221 lb from strip grazing and 251 lb from paddock grazing.
SEED FORMATION IN PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
Authors: Anslow R. C. 
Published: April 2006

In a seed crop of S24 perennial ryegrass the processes of anther exsertion and seed formation were measured in inflorescences which emerged early, intermediate and late. The peaks of anther exsertion in the three groups were simultaneous, although the proportion of heads showing anthers was lower in late heads.Two‐thirds of all florets set seed, but the proportion was lower in late heads than in the earlier groups. There was a slight fall in floret fertility in the upper spikelets, compared with those in the middle and at the base of the spike, and a marked reduction in fertility in the outer florets of each spikelet.Factors likely to affect the efficiency of the pollination and fertilization process are discussed.
A COMPARISON OF THE PRODUCTIVITY OF ABERYSTWYTH‐BRED AND COMMERCIAL GRASS VARIETIES IN SMALL FARM UNITS
Authors: Alder F. E. 
Published: April 2006

A comparison of Aberystwyth‐bred and commercial grass varieties on two small farms of approximately 17 acres was started in April 1958. The 10 plots comprising each unit are scattered in pairs over a total area of 35·5 acres [used from 1951 for a grazing management experiment (1, 2)]. The management and results for the first three years are given in this paper.Varieties for both long‐ and short‐term leys were compared; the re‐seeding plan and seeds mixtures used are detailed. The stock numbers, grazing management and fertilizer treatments were kept as nearly similar as possible for the farms and for the individual mixtures. Figures for utilized herbage production from individual plots, assessed from grazing data and from sample cuts taken during silage and hay making, are discussed in relation to botanical composition. The levels of production are given in terms of utilized starch equivalent, live‐weight gain, wool from the ewes and cattle grazing days. All show consistent differences in favour of the Aberystwyth‐bred varieties, but mask a difference in favour of Danish compared with S37 cocksfoot.
FERTILE TILLER PRODUCTION AND SEED YIELD IN MEADOW FESCUE (FESTUCA PRATENSIS L.)
Authors: Lewis Joseph 
Published: April 2006

The fertile tiller production and seed yields of spaced plants of meadow fescue varieties were found to vary widely with the time of sowing, particularly in the first harvest year. The benefit of early spring sowing is indicated in the total productivity over two harvest years.Varieties differed in the amount of heading in the seeding year; the American type was the most prolific. This had a bearing on the relative yields in the first harvest year, since many of the potentially productive tillers of this variety were wasted through the plants becoming ripe to flower in the seeding year and, therefore, the rate of tiller production was checked. Competition within the plant appeared to be the cause of tillers remaining vegetative when conditions otherwise seemed suitable for generative development. The smaller‐sized plants gave a higher proportional increase of fertile tillers at harvest than would be expected from the vegetative tillers counted in April, while at the same time there was a negative relationship at harvest from plants which had a very high number of vegetative tillers.Infertility as reflected in a poor seed set at the time of harvest is a serious wastage of potential production in meadow fescue and, in selecting for superior seed output, breeders need to take this factor into consideration.The 1000‐seed weight varied between varieties, the pasture type being inferior to the two hay types.
THE RESPONSE TO FERTILIZER TREATMENTS OF WINTER WHEAT GROWN AFTER LEYS
Authors: Milbourn G. M. , Innes P. , Holmes W. 
Published: April 2006

Over three years, eight replicated experiments were conducted in which winter wheat was sown after a ley with and without seedbed applications of P and K. Fertilizer N was applied at 0, 45, 90 and 135 lb per acre in one dressing in early spring. Observations were made on tiller counts, grain size and yield.There were no significant interactions between N and mineral fertilizer. Mineral fertilizer had no important effect on tillering or grain yield. Consideration of the previous fertilization of the pastures showed that there was probably an adequate reserve of P and K in the soil, although soil analysis did not always reveal it.Nitrogenous fertilizer significantly increased fertile tiller numbers and raised yield of grain up to an application of 45 lb N per acre in 1960 and 90 lb N per acre in 1961 (after a wet winter). The average responses to 90 lb per acre of N after leys were 74, 6·3 and 101 cwt grain per acre in 1959, 1960 and 1961, respectively. In 1961 the corresponding response in an arable field was 16·3 cwt.It is concluded that after a well‐fertilized ley neither mineral fertilizers nor N are necessary in the seed bed and that the ley contributes about 45 lb N per acre towards the succeeding crop. The practical advantages of autumn drilling without fertilizer are stressed and reference is made to the importance of considering fertilizer applications for the rotation as a whole.
THE EFFECT OF A COVER CROP ON THE SEED PRODUCTION OF LEAFY COCKSFOOT S26
Authors: Roberts H. M. 
Published: April 2006

There was a significant reduction in the seed yield of S26 cocksfoot in the first harvest year following undersowing in oats. Yields were markedly improved, however, by the application of extra nitro‐chalk in spring, by using a partial cover crop and by cutting the oats for silage.Over three harvest years the financial returns were very similar for all treatments studied.