bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF CUTTING AND FERTILIZER TREATMENTS ON THE YIELD AND BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF CHALK TURF
Authors: Smith C. J. , Elston J. , Bunting A. H. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTAnnual factorial applications of N and K fertilizers, with or without mowing, to Festuca rubra turf on a chalk rendzina at Swyncombe, Oxon, had large effects on yield and botanical composition over a period of 10 years. The yield of herbage was increased markedly hy N, and less by K, but the N × K interaction was significant. Mean yields of herbage DM for tbe 10‐year period were: no N or K, 730 kg/ha per year; N, 1967; K, 1013; N+K, 2794 kg/ha per year (651, 1755, 904 and 2492 lb/ac per year). N caused an increase in DM production by F. rubra; the NxK interaction was a result of increased growth of species other tban F. rubra.Unmown plots became extremely matted, and undecomposed litter of F. rubra leaves and stems accumulated, especially if N, or N and K together, were given. F. rubra turf seems to he unusually stable, apparently because it forms a mat in which other more demanding species cannot establish themselves.
THE CATTLE DUNG PATCH
Authors: Macdlarmid B. N. , Watkin B. R. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe eifect of 1 ft‐diameter (0.30 m) dung patches on the yield and botanical composition of a dairy pasture was followed in two randomized‐block experiments. Experimental plots consisted of 3 concentric rings round each dung patch of diameter 2 ft (0.61 m), called R2; 3 ft (0.91 m), called R3; and 4 ft (1.22 m), called R4. They were sequentially harvested.In the first experiment described there was a significant increase in the total yield of grass species, predominantly ryegrasses, around each dung patch. This increase was first evident in R2 but spread progressively outward and was still detectable in R4.Plant material, particularly clover components, decayed rapidly beneath the dung patches. Leaving a dung patch on the pasture for 15 days kiUed 75% of the grass tillers and the rooted nodes of clover stolons; thus causing a significant reduction in pasture regrowth from the patch area when the dung patch was removed.The second experiment included three defoliation treatments, viz. 1. Cut regularly to 1 in. (2.54 cm) in all three rings; 2. Cut to 21/2 in. (6.35 cm) in R2 and 1 in. (2.54 cm) in R3 and R4; 3. Control undefoliated.In all three treatments there was a significant increase throughout the experiment in total yield of grasses around the dung patchy. The increase was confined to R2, but was still evident after 14 weeks. The greatest cumulative yield during tbe period of the experiment came from around the dung patches receiving the most intensively defoliated treatment.
ESTIMATES OF RESPIRATORY RATES AND LOSSES IN CUT SWARDS OF LOLIUM PERENNE (S321) UNDER SIMULATED HAYMAKING CONDITIONS
Authors: Pizarro E. A. , James D. B. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe rates of respiration in cut swards of Lolium perenne (S321) were measured while drying under simulated field conditions, the purpose of the experiment being to assess the extent of respiratory losses which can occur in the process of haymaking. Respiration measurements were made on the grass at different moisture contents during the drying process and also at different stages of growth. The results show that both the moisture content and the age of the grass had a significant infiuence on respiratory rates, consequently these factors can be expected to infiuence the DM losses which occur during haymaking. It was estimated that respiratory losses could amount to, at most, hetween 1.28 and 0.26 kg/100 kg DM, depending on the stage of growth at which the grass is cut
TILLERING IN GRASSES—ITS SIGNIFICANCE AND CONTROL*
Authors: Jewiss O. R. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTTillering is examined in relation to the morphology and habit of growth of the perennial herbage grasses; particular reference is made to the effects of cutting and grazing. The importance of tillering in establishment and regeneration or perennation of a grass sward is considered; greater importance is attached to the role of tillers in the regrowth of swards cut for conservation at the reproductive stage of growth. Amounts of regrowth are related to both the number and size of vegetative tillers present at the base of reproductive tillers at the time of cutting. The probable inhibition of the replacement tiller buds by the developing inflorescence is suggested as a reason for the poor growth of grass swards in the favourable environment of midsummer.The physiological mechanisms which control tillering during reproductive development are examined. Spring and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum), Lolium temulentum and Phalaris tuberosa are used as physiological tools to demonstrate that tillering is restricted during reproductive development, and that stem extension may be more important than changes at the stem apex in controlling this restriction of tillering at the base of the inflorescence‐bearing stem. It appears from results of the application of a range of growth regulators that substances derived from the meri‐stematic centres, in either the elongating stem or the terminal meristem, indirectly control the metabolic activity of the lateral buds from which new tillers are derived. The degree of apical dominance is shown to depend on the light intensity in which the plants are grown. Finally, the physiological results are used to suggest reasons for the commonly found apparent inability of heavily fertilized perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) swards to regrow after cutting at the inflorescence‐emergence stage of growth.
A NOTE ON THE ZERO‐GRAZING OF BEEF CATTLE
Authors: Greenhalgh J. F. D. , Aitken J. N. , Reid G. W. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTGroups of 8 steers weighing 300–400 kg (660–880 Ib) were rotationally grazed on a ryegrass‐dominant pasture for 115 days. The systems compared were zero grazing (Z), field grazing conducted at the same stocking rate (FC), and field grazing conducted at a stocking rate varied with the intention of giving the same liveweight gain per uiimal as zero grazing (FV). Mean daily liveweight gains were: Z, 0.98; FC, 0.78; FV, 0.90 kg/animal (2.2, 1.7 and 20 Ib/animal), and liveweight gains/unit area were in the ratio 100:78:85. Organic‐matter intake, measured on four occasions, was, on average, Z, 6.54; FC, 6.18; FV, 687 kg/head daily (14.4, 13.6 and 15.1Ib).From these results it appears that a comparison of zero grazing and field grazing made at the same stocking rate is likely to underestimate the potential of field grazing for beef production from grass.
THE EFFECT OF CUTTING HEIGHT AND CUTTING FREQUENCY ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF AN ITALIAN RYEGRASS SWARD
Authors: Binnie R. C. , Harrington F. J. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThree cutting heights, 1, 3 and 5 in. (2.5, 7.6 and 12.7 cm), and three cutting frequencies, 3, 6 and 10 weeks, were imposed on a pure sward of Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) cv. Irish. Lowering the cutting height increased the yield of DM, digestible DM, crude protein and crude fibre. Increasing the interval between cuts increased the yield of DM, digestible DM and crude fibre. The results are discussed in relation to other research findings and to the management of short‐term leys of Italian ryegrass.
SILAGE AND MILK PRODUCTION. A COMPARISON BETWEEN WILTED GRASS SILAGES MADE WITH AND WITHOUT FORMIC ACID
Authors: Castle M. E. , Watson J. N. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTFonr grass sUages made in May from the same herbage were compared io a 16‐week feeding experiment with 12 Ayrshire cows. The silages were made from herhage wilted for either 1 or 2 days, and with or without 1/2 gal formic acid per ton of herhage. The silages treated with acid were, on average, 5°C cooler than the untreated silages, had lower pH values, higher lactic acid contents, slightly higher DM and crude protein contents, and higher contents of digestible organic matter in the DM. The silages were fed ad lib. with a supplement of harley and groundnut cake. The intakes of silage DM were higher with the acid‐treated than with the nntreated silage. The mean daily milk yields on the silages made with and without the acid additive were 35.4 and 33.1 lb (16.1 and 15.0 kg), respectively, for the silage, wilted for 1 day and 34.2 and 32.2 lb (15.5 and 14.6 kg) for the silage wilted for 2 days. The effects of the treatments on the composition of the milk were small. It is concluded that the silages treated with formic acid additive were superior to the nntreated silages as a feed for dairy cows.
USES AND CAPABILITIES OF ELECTRONIC CAPACITANCE INSTRUMENTS FOR ESTIMATING STANDING HERBAGE
Authors: Currie P. O. , Morris M. J. , Neal D. L. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTAn electronic capacitance meter was used to estimate herbage yield from sown ranges in western USA. On an area in Arizona where the grass stand had heen sown broadcast, an r2 of 0.47 was obtained between the meter value and oven‐dry weigbt estimate. Excluding tbose plots with very large amounts of standing dead organic matter (OM), or very succulent plants which had not been sown, improved yield estimates.Tests on pastures in Colorado in whicb seed had been drilled and tbe meter tested to evaluate performance in relation to drill rows showed that a common regression could be used for estimating yield. Metbods of placing the meter in relation to row directions are described which avoid a biased estimate of total pasture yield. Cutting the herbage in a 3‐dimensional manner improved the r2 values over those obtained by the usual 2‐dimensional cutting procedure. Separation of dead OM from living plant material did not significantly change the r2 values and showed that dead OM bad very little influence on the meter reading. This dead OM can contribute significantly to variation of the estimate about the regression line, however, and if differences in dead OM are substantial, sample sizes may need to be increased or sampling stratified to obtain an accurate yield estimate.Pertinent literature on the evolution of electronic capacitance instruments for estimating herbage yields has been presented in Part 1 of this series (3). Tbe present evaluation is restricted to the herbage yield estimates from mechanically sown pastures. The Neal Electronics Model 18–612 meter was used to make the yield estimates.
THE INTAKE OF DRINKING WATER BY GRAZING DAIRY COWS. THE EFFECT OF WATER AVAILABILITY
Authors: Castle M. E. , Watson J. N. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTIn a 16‐week grazing experiment with six spring‐calved Ayrshire cows, drinking water was available to the animals in three different ways, and the effect on milk prodnction was studied. The water was available from a water howl in the cowshed for 2.8 h/day in Treatment A, from a trough in the field for 21.2h/day in Treatment B, and from hoth sources for a total of 24 h/day in Treatment C. The cows on all treatments were grazed in individual plots of intensively‐managed perennial ryegrass, stocked at the rate of 1 cow/0.22 ha (0.54 ac). The mean daily intakes of drinking water were 10.1, 15.3 and 15.5 kg (2.23, 3.37 and 3.42 gal)/cow, and the mean daily milk yields were 17.0, 17.2 and 16.8 kg (37.5, 37.9 and 37.0 lb)/cow in Treatments A, B and C, respectively; milk yields were not significantly different The herbage had an average DM content of 17.3%, and contained 19.6% crude protein and 66.5% digestible organic matter in the DM. The weight of water drunk was significantly and positively related to the DM percentage of the herbage, the air temperature and the daily hours of sunshine, and negatively related to daily rainfall. It is concluded that when dairy cows are grazing leafy herbage of high digestibility as their sole feed, the time during which drinking water is available may safely be restricted.
THE EFFECT OF COMPANION GRASSES ON TIMOTHY PRODUCTION IN SWARDS CUT FOR CONSERVATION
Authors: Frame J. , Harkess R. D. , Hunt I. V. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTTo assess the effect of companion grasses on timothy productivity, swards of timothy sown alone or with one of eight companion grasses were harvested as for silage four times per year for two years. The companion grasses were: diploid perennial ryegrasses S24 and S23; tetraploid perennial ryegrasses Reveille and Taptoe; meadow fescues S215 and S53 and cocksfoots Trifolium and S143. Averaged over the N application rates (226, 339 and 452 kg N/ha per year) the total herhage yields of timothy/companion‐grass mixtures were all significantly superior to that from timothy alone in the first year. Only perennial ryegrass S24 and the cocksfoot mixtures significantly outyielded timothy alone in the second year. Winterkill hecame evident in April of the second year and pure timothy and timothy/meadow‐fescue swards were least affected. Over all swards, timothy DM increased hy a mean of 19% from the first to the second year, compared with a fall of 20% in total herhage DM. The contrihution of timothy herhage to the mixtures was very low with companions other than meadow fescue. Late‐heading varieties were more compatihie than early‐heading varieties, and tetraploid ryegrasses were more compatihie than diploid ryegrasses. It is concluded that if the inherently valuahle characteristics of timothy are to he exploited, it should not he sovm with aggressive companion grasses.
THE RESPONSE OF S24 PERENNIAL RYEGRASS SWARDS TO IRRIGATION
Authors: Garwood E. A. , Tyson K. C. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe response of established perennial ryegrass swards to irrigation was compared over 2 years. The swards received 250 (N1) or 500 kg N/ha (N2) and were cut 4 times each year. Water was applied in 5 irrigation treatments according to the potential soil water deficit: the soil was partially, or fully returned to field capacity after cutting; returned to field capacity after cutting and then whenever a 25 mm deficit arose; irrigated with 25 mm water whenever a 25 mm deficit arose independently of cutting; or irrigated at minimum intervals of 14 days, provided that the deficit was then at least 50 mm.There was little effect of irrigation on yield from the first cut in late May. Frequent irrigation gave the greatest increase in total annual yield (3.1 t/ha), hut partial irrigation after cutting was most efficient in use of water and equipment, provided that drought conditions were avoided.High concentrations of N in the herbage were associated with low DM yields, hut more N (percentage N DM yield) was recovered from the irrigated than from the unirrigated swards. More N was recovered than was applied in the N1 treatment; less was recovered than was applied in N2. In the N1 treatment the nitrate concentration was <500 ppm hut it was 1000–4000 ppm in N2. There was no consistent effect of irrigation on nitrate or K concentration.
STUDIES IN RESPONSE TO NITROGEN
Authors: Hunt I. V. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe residual effects of 59, 118 or 177 kg N/ha applied to the primary growth of a ryegrass sward were measured in two successive regrowths as yields of fresh matter (FM), DM and digestible organic matter (DOM).The first regrowths (RGl) harvested on 12 June followed primary growth (PG) harvests 8, 12, 16, 23, 29, 45 and 57 days after applying N on 16 Apr. The second regrowths (RG2) were harvested on 12 Aug., 62 days after RGl and 119 days after applying N.Significant residual responses were shown in both regrowths which increased the annual responses substantially. Responses to the first increment of N, averaged over dates of primary growth harvests, were raised from 70.3 kg FM, 9.2 kg DM, and 5.6 kg digestible OM/kg N applied, for the primary growth, to responses for primary growth+2 regrowths of 140.8 kg FM, 22.5 kg DM and 13.9 kg digestible OM/kg N applied. For the second increment of N, negligible or negative primary growth responses of 19.0 kg FM, –0.68 kg DM and –0.68 kg digestible OM/kg N applied became 179.7 kg FM, 25.6 kg DM and 16.4 kg digestible OM/kg N applied for the sum of the 3 growths.There were significant differences between the residual responses obtained for different dates of PG harvest. When PG was harvested 8 days after applying N, primary response was low or negligible; residual responses were high, and the total responses were 21.0 kg DM/kg N applied for the first N increment and 31.0 kg DM/kg N applied for the second. Similar effects were observed for FM and digestible OM. Residual responses to the second increment of N were greatest where primary growth was harvested 23 days after N application. Similar residual responses followed the primary growth harvest 29, 45 and 57 days after N application hut the total responses were reduced.It is concluded that the very high residual responses to the second increment of N can only he explained in terms of increased availability of soil N.
INTENSIVE SET‐STOCKING OF DAIRY COWS
Authors: Hood A. E. M. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTFarm‐scale trials with Ayrshire dairy cows were conducted in South‐West Scotland over two seasons to compare set‐stocking and paddock grazing at similar stocking rates and N fertilizer rates.At a stocking rate of 1±9–2±0 cows/ac throughout the grazing season and a fertilizer N rate of about 400 units/ac, milk production per head from set‐stocked cows was equal to that from paddock‐grazed cows. No health problems arose as a result of applying fertilizer to the fields which were set‐stocked.These trials hare established that set‐stocking is a viable system for the intensive management of dairy cows on grassland in the UK, but further work is necessary to determine whether paddock‐grazing has a higher potential for milk production than set‐stocking.
THE INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTARY FEEDING ON THE HERBAGE INTAKE AND GRAZING BEHAVIOUR OF DRY COWS
Authors: Sarker A. B. , Holmes W. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe herbage intake and grazing behaviour of 4 dry cows on autumn grass receiving 2, 4, 6 or 8 kg concentrates/day, was assessed in a 4×4 Latin Square experiment.Total OM intake increased from 11±5 kg/day with 2 kg concentrates to 13±6 kg/day with 8 kg concentrates. The average supplementary effect was 0±46 kg increase in OM intake/kg OM fed as concentrates.Minutes per day spent grazing decreased from 495 with 2 kg concentrates to 359 with 8 kg. The mean decline was 22 min./kg concentrates or 28 min./kg OM in concentrates eaten. Herbage was eaten at an average rate of 47 min./kg OM.
GRASSLAND SURVEYS IN ENGLAND 1939–1959
Authors: Idle A. A. 
Published: April 2006

ABSTRACTThe results of three sample surveys of grassland, carried out in England in 1939, 1947 and 1959, are reported. In 1939, the amount of agricultural land returned as permanent grass was at a record level. Nearly half of this was ploughed up during the Second World War. This was primarily for tillage crops, but the secondary aim was for old grass to be replaced by sown swards of better quality. The surveys showed that, during the 20‐year period, the quality of English grassland improved (a) because a greater proportion of the poorer swards was ploughed; (b) because greater use resulted in improvements in the botanical composition of the remaining old grass, and (c) because of the large increase in the use of sown grass in both arable and non‐arable farmings.
The effect of formic acid on the fermentation of ryegrass ensiled at different stages of growth and dry matter levels
Authors: HENDERSON A. R. , McDONALD P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn the first experiment the buffering effect of Italian and perennial ryegrass to fonnic acid was determined with three varieties (Leda, S24 and Presto) cut at weekly intervals throughout the growth cycle. The buffer curves showed no significant differences between the three varieties at any one stage of growth and the results were combined to produce regression equations predicting pH values for the three ryegrasses cut at first ear emergence (e.e.), 50% e.e. and 100% e.e. after addition of formic acid.In the second experiment Italian ryegrass was harvested at three stages of growth, wilted to four different DM contents and ensiled in laboratory silos with five levels of formic acid. The interaction of stage of growth, formic acid level and DM content on the water‐soluble carbohydrates, ethanol and volatile N contents of tbe resultant silages is discussed.
Nitrogen and Italian ryegrass. 3. Growth up to 14 weeks: yields, proportions, digestibilities and nitrogen contents of crop fractions, and tiller populations
Authors: WILMAN D. , OJUEDERIE B. M. , ASARE E. O. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe regrowth of Italian ryegrass following a cut in late April was studied at weekly intervals up to 14 weeks. There were four levels of applied N: 28, 84, 140 and 196 kg ha‐1. The proportion of green leaf blade declined from 80% of DM yield after 2 or 3 weeks of regrowth to 5% after 13–14 weeks. About three‐quarters of the increase in DM yield of total herbage from week 3 to week 11 was attributable to increased yield of ‘stem’. The level of applied N had little effect on the proportion of crop fractions except during the period immediately before and after the begiiming of ear emergence when the higher rates of N increased the proportion of ‘stem’ and reduced that of green leaf. The most digestible crop fractions were green leaf, inflorescence and immature ‘stem’. D‐value of ‘stem’ declined by about 20 units from week 1 to week 14, while D‐value of green and dead leaf declined at about half this rate and there was little or no decline in D‐value of inflorescence. The N content of green leaf was consistently higher than that of the other fractions. The N content of ‘stem’declined markedly to around 0.5% by week 12. The N content of dead leaf and inflorescence was intermediate between that of green leaf and mature ‘stem’. The N content of all fractions was increased by applying more N. The tiller population increased during the flrst 3 weeks of regrowth and declined during the next 4. Applying more N increased both tiller population and weight per tiller.
Removal of mineral nutrients by red clover varieties
Authors: HUNT I. V. , FRAME J. , HARKESS R. D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractK, P, Ca and Mg contents and uptakes are reported from total herbage of plots sown with six varieties of red clover harvested three times a year for 3 years.K, P and Mg contents were above those reported as critical for growth; values for Ca were lower than quoted ranges which suggested that growth might have been affected by either deficiency of Ca or low pH. Hungaropoly was characterized by relatively low K and P and high Ca contents. Maximum uptakes in red clover total herbages over 3 years were 1198 kg ha−1 K (Hera), 112 kg ha−1 P (Hera), 494 kg ha−1 Ca (Hungaropoly) and 104 kg ha−1 Mg (Mars). Results were compared with those found for S101 perennial ryegrass, harvested on a similar system and receiving similar fertilization with uptakes of 759 kg ha−1 K, 100 kg ha−1 P, 200 kg ha−1 Ca and 46 kg ha−1 Mg, by expressing accumulating uptakes and inputs as linear regression equations. The better varieties of red clover, Hera, Hungaropoly, Mars and S123 show rates of DM accumulation similar to S101 perennial ryegrass and similar uptake rates of K and P but higher rates of uptake of Ca and Mg.The levels of application of K and P used in the experiment seem to be more than adequate but attention to the Ca status may be required to sustain high‐yielding red clover swards.