Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Rehabilitation Of Mining Sites Using Diazotrophic Bacteria And Gramineous Associations, S Mercky, R Pineau, E Navarro, J M. Sarrailh

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Degradation of mining sites resulting from deep and irreversible human action is a serious environmental problem. So, to rehabilitate mining sites, we studied the ability of diazotrophic bacteria to improve plant growth. Firstly, we isolated diazotrophic bacteria on Cyperaceae and Poaceae rhizosphere. After characterisation and partial identification of found bacteria, we decided to study the effect of presence and the activity of bacteria on plant growth. To compare with reference bacteria (Azospirillum brasilense), we had to test the effect of endemic bacteria on soil without limiting factors (Maré’s soil). We think that if bacteria are able to help plants to …

North American Grass Species In Reclamation Of Coal-Mining Areas In Poland, W Majtkowski

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Suitability of perennial grass species as a main decorative element was evaluated during reclamation of a coal-dump in Bierun near Katowice. Materials for the above testing were species selected from grass collection of Botanical Garden of PBAI in Bydgoszcz. The most promising species were: Carex grayi (sedge), Andropogon gerardi, A. scoparius and Spartina michauxiana (grasses from North America flora), Elymus racemosus, Koeleria cristata, Melica altissima, Miscanthus sacchariflorus (European or Asian origin). Addition of bio-gel positively affected plant development, while no significant differences were observed between different levels of fertilizers.

X-Ray Stereoscopic Radiographs Of Macropore Structures Formed By The Roots In Grassland Soils, K Sato, T Moroizumi

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of this study was to examine the morphology of macropores with respect to drainage and water-retention in the root zones under grassland soils. Soil samples were taken in Japan, the U.K. and China. The structures of macropores were studied threedimensionally by examining the macropore morphology using Xrays and contrast media. The pore morphology studied in grassland soils indicate that the shapes of most macropores in drainage and water-retention pores were formed by roots. The pores formed by grass roots were found to play an important part in the macropore forms found in grassland soils.

Chromolaena Odorata: A Multipurpose Shrub, S O. Apori

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Chromolaena odorata plant has been classified as a weed. A survey in farming communities in Ghana indicated that the plant is used to reduce fallowing period; improve soil fertility, as medicinal plant; as insect and rodent repellent for temporal storage of maize; and preservation of corpse for about 48 hours in rural Ghana. Studies on foliage of Chromolaena odorata regrowth at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks showed that the leaves had crude protein content above 19%, average leaf to stem ratio of 2.1:1, and stem to leaf protein concentration ratio of 0.49. In-sacco degradability rate of dry matter, …

Effects Of Forage Cover On Run-Off And Soil Losses In Different Productive Systems In Central Italy, A Pardini, G Argenti, G Pazzi, S Piemontese, P Talamucci

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A trial has been carried out for four years, in a hilly area of Central Italy, on five covers concerning three different productive systems: traditional system based on the rotation of Medicago sativa and barley; low input system based on permanent association of grasses and legumes; annual self-reseeding legumes used as cover crop in vineyard. The pasture had the higher run-off but also the lower soil erosion thanks to the high number of plants per square metre which were able to hold the soil particles. The inherbment of the vineyard prevented greater soil erosion commonly known in cultivated grooves.

Grassland Development By Erosion Control On Hill Slope Using Multi Function Filter And Vegetation, M S. Alam, K Hosoyamada

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Soil erosion by water is a major soil degradation process in the world and constrains of land development for cultivation. Japan is a mountain based country with a large number of volcanos and most of the soils are highly erodible volcanic ash soil. Therefore, soils will erode when rainfall is sufficient. Since 1992 an intensive programme has been undertaken to develop grassland or cropland by controlling soil erosion on hill slopes. Multi function filter (MFF) have been used along with the application of different rooty summer and winter grass seeds to protect surface soil and rapid germination of deep vegetation …

The Use Of Legumes For Improvement Of Fallow Land In Small Holder Farming Systems, P C. Kerridge, L H. Franco

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Two legumes, centro (Centrosema macrocarpum) and pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), were evaluated for their ability to improve the productivity of fallow land as assessed by a following maize crop. Maize yields were increased after 12 or 18 months of managed legume fallow. Adoption of legumes for improvement of fallow land will depend on ease of establishment and alternative uses for the legume or whether they regenerate naturally.

Bio-Diversity Conservation And Natural Resource Regeneration Through Watershed Development At Jhansi, C R. Hazra

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Seven microwatersheds with an area of 5395 ha located at Kharaiya Nala Watershed (Jhansi) were fully treated with appropriate soil and water conservation measures. Barren village common lands consisting of 665 ha on ridges were fully rehabilitated through silvipasture. Treatment on watershed basis had a great impact in containing soil and run off water losses and improving agriculture and animal production. Development of common lands through soil and water conservation helped with faster ecological succession of grasses and regeneration of rootstocks resulted in bio-diversity conservation. Increased land and biomass productivity reflected on the socio-economic gains of the farmers including landless …

Effect Of Defoliation Intensity On The Absolute And Relative Growth Rates Of 'Grasslands Puna' Chicory, G D. Li, P D. Kemp, J Hodgson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The response of absolute and relative growth of 'Grasslands Puna' chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) to defoliation intensity was examined in a glasshouse. Five defoliation intensities (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mm above media level), at 3 week intervals with 4 replications were arranged in a completely randomised design. The aboveground relative growth rate of Puna chicory increased exponentially as defoliation intensity increased, resulting in defoliation intensity not decreasing average absolute growth rate until weeks 9-12. However, there were significant differences in belowground mass between defoliation intensities from week 6 onwards. Defoliation above 150 mm, with 3 week intervals, is …

Salinity Responses In Some Forage Legume Species, M E. Rogers

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The salt tolerances of more than 70 lines and species of forage legumes were evaluated in a series of greenhouse experiments, with the aim of identifying plant material that is more salt tolerant than some of the more traditionally-grown, temperate, forage legume species. Several species or lines showed potential as salt tolerant germplasm including sweet clover (Melilotus albus), berseem clover (T. alexandrinum) cvv. Mescani and Wardan, woolly clover (T. tomentosum), birdsfoot treefoil (L. Corniculatus), slender birdsfoot treefoil (Lotus tenuis) and Trifolium squamosum. However, further selection and field evaluation is required in order to …

Black Locust Effects On Forage Yield And Nutritive Quality Produced On Reclaimed Mined Land, D C. Ditsch, M Collins, J H. Grove

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) is a rapidly growing, leguminous tree species often used to stabilize disturbed sites. The objectives of this study were to measure the effect of black locust populations on understory forage production and livestock nutritive quality on reclaimed surface mined land. In two out of three years, forage dry matter yields harvested under a population of 1368 trees ha-1 were not different than the clear cut treatment (all trees removed). Forage dry matter production was significantly reduced at populations of 2736 and 4145 trees ha-1 due to slow and limited regrowth following harvest. Forage nutritive …

New Approaches For Rehabilitating And Developing Fodder Production From Acid Mountain Soils In Nepal To Alleviate Poverty And Restore The Environment, D Pariyar, P Van Der Grinten

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The approach for the re-integration of degraded areas in the farming system demands methods that are simple, affordable and sustainable. Under the Hills Leasehold Forestry and Forage Development Project (HLFFDP) technologies were trialed for the establishment of pasture legume and nitrogen fixing trees on degraded leased sites. Agrisilvipastoralism (ASP) applied using minimum or zero tillage has considerable untapped potential for simultaneously alleviating poverty and restoring the environment in Nepal. Preliminary results presented here indicate that with the introduction of suitable improved forage species under the application of simple establishment techniques, degraded lands have the potential to produce considerable amounts of …

Cultivar And Seed Stratification Effects On Switchgrass Establishment On Coal Mine Spoil, M Collins, T P. Demond, D C. Ditsch, T D. Phillips

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Warm season perennial grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) provide useful wildlife habitat on reclaimed surface mined land but stand establishment is often slow. Two switchgrass cultivars: (1) ‘Alamo’ and (2) ‘Cave-in-rock’, two seed stratification treatments: (1) wet chilled and (2) untreated, and three establishment treatments: (1) no mulch or companion crop, (2) seeded with oat (Avena sativa L.), or (3) mulched with wheat straw were compared in a factorial experiment. In Sept. after spring seeding, stand density ranged from 2.5 seedlings m-1 of drill row for Alamo control plots to 6.8 for CIR with oat. Stand densities …

Coquia: An Operation For Forage Production, Manual Anaya-Garduno

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of this study was to show the potential of Coquia (Kochia scoparia L. Schrad var. esmeralda) as a good ooption for forage production in arid and semiarid zones of Mexico. This plant is drought resistant and it grows well in eroded soils. It can be a good complement in the ration of different animal species (bovines, ovines, caprines, rabbits and equines).

Spring Grazing To Manipulate The Composition Of A Re-Created Species Rich Grassland Habitat, R Chapman, A Younger

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Botanical diversity in species rich grasslands re-created on restored opencast coal sites may be threatened by aggressive growth from the legume component. A previous study indicated that this aggressive legume growth may be suppressed by spring grazing with sheep. A detailed study was conducted to determine the effect of spring grazing on the two most abundant legumes within the community; white clover (Trifolium repens) and lesser trefoil (Trifolium dubium). The results obtained suggested that the control of legumes was apparently mediated principally through the suppression of white clover, with lesser trefoil growth actually being increased by …

Role Of Pasturage Grass Roots For Soil Conservation- Soil Particle Holding Function With Pasturage Grass Roots, Hiroshi Kobayashi, Toshihiro Sugiura

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

With the latest advance of large-scale grassland establishment, grassland agriculture requires not only a high productivity of good quality forages for livestock but also effective of soil conservation. We must obviously study the physical effects of pasture cropping on the grassland soils. In this paper, we deal with the soil holding function of pasturage grass-roots as a part of studies on roots and grassland soil.

The results obtained are as follows : 1) Soil compact strength of perennial roots shows a high value. For example, in perennial roots of Tall fescue (F.arundenacea), its value is 70kg or more per one …

Rehabilitating Sandy Acid Soils In The Sahelo-Sudanese Region With Andropogon Gayanus Kunth Var. Bisquamulatus, A Drought Resistant Savannah Grass, A Buldgen, A Dieng

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Root growth of Guinea grass (Andropogon gayanus Kunth var. Bisquamulatus) and the effects of the crop on soil fertility were studied in Senegal (field conditions). The physiological behaviour of the graminae was also monitored during a drying cycle in a controlled environment (Belgium). The growth of the root system was remarkable during the rainy season. Root turn-over greatly improves soil organic matter content after two years of cultivation. During the drying cycle, the plant performed an osmotic adjustment through K+ ions and sugar accumulation in the cell sap.

Management Of Acidifying Legume Based Pastures For Sustainable Production In Southern Australia, A M. Ridley, R E. White, R J. Simpson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A field experiment was used to determine nitrate leaching losses under perennial (Phalaris aquatica and Dactylis glomerata) and annual (Lolium rigidum) grass pastures under control and high N treatments. Previously published results and assumptions were made to extrapolate results to typical grazed pastures, and best bet practices to manage soil acidification were suggested. Nitrate leaching losses of approximately 14 and 28 kg N/ha/year were estimated for grazed perennial and annual pastures (equating to soil acid addition of 1 and 2 kmol H+/ha/year). Other sources of acid addition known to occur in this environment accounted for a …

Forage Production In Alternative Agriculture: Dairy Farms In Eastern Canada, G Allard, M Mauries, D Pellerin

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Alternative agriculture has been adopted by dairy farmers in response to concerns over conventional agriculture. The purpose of this study is to compare forage production characteristics on 12 alternative or conventional dairy farms. Yields and quality components were determined for the first and the second cuts of forage harvested in 1994 and 1995. Similar yields as well as similar crude protein and ADF concentrations were obtained for forages produced on alternative and conventional farms. Although potassium concentrations were lower under alternative farming, forage production is not a limiting factor in alternative dairy farming.

Effects Of Color Of Facilities On Evaluation Of Farm Landscape, Y Hosokawa, K Toda

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of this study was to make clear the color of farm facilities, being harmonious with the landscape. For the color design of farm facility, the questionnaire was given to 429 subjects by the 8-ordered choices from each figure painted 8 colors, i.e., red, yellow­ red, yellow, green, blue, purple, white, and black, in each landscape element of the roof of barn, the board of fence, the steel tower and the plastic-pack of silos by using the image processor. The harmonious color chosen were red in the roof of barn and mostly white in both fence, steel tower silo, …

Rhizobial And Nutritional Responses Of Desmanthus Clay Soils Of Queensland, N J. Brandon, R A. Date, R M. Jones, R L. Clem, G A. Bahnisch, P R. Spies, A Becerra, B A. Robertson, T.W G. Graham

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of these studies was to determine the reasons for chlorosis of desmanthus observed at some sites in southeast Queensland. Inoculation with Rhizobium increased growth of desmanthus in 2 of 4 soils in the field and 4 of 8 soils in pots. Greatest responses occurred in soils with few or no effective native Rhizobium. Most soils however, contained native strains that were effective. Omission of sulphur significantly reduced dry weight of desmanthus grown in pots in 5 of 7 soils by 30-51% relative to plants supplied with all nutrients. Omission of P and Mo resulted in similar yield reductions …

Biological Nitrogen Fixation In A Grass-Clover Pasture Grazed By Dairy Cows, F P. Vinther, K Søegaard, O Aaes

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of this study was to estimate the annual input of nitrogen through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) to a grass-clover pasture (Lolium perenne L. - Trifolium repens L.) grazed by dairy cows. The input was estimated by combining measurements of BNF in non-grazed plots, BNF in urine affected plots and estimates of the proportion of the pasture affected by urine. Total BNF in non-grazed plot was 75 and 256 kg N ha-1 in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Urine affected BNF both by decreasing the proportion of clover and by decreasing the proportion of N derived from the atmosphere. The …

Phosphorus Requirements In Legumes: Calibration Of A Rapid And Simple Tissue Test, A Moron

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective of this research was to adjust and calibrate a phosphorus (P) tissue test to diagnose in a simple and rapid manner the nutritional status of commonly used legumes in Uruguay. Field experiments conducted during 1993-94 with four legumes, showed a significant yield response to increasing P fertilizer rates. A colorimetric sap analysis was used to determine P status in legumes. A strong relationship was found between P sap analysis and relative yields. A critical level of 90-100 μg P/ml in sap to attain 90% of the maximum yield was obtained.

Evaluation Of Different Nitrogen Sources On The Production And Chemical Properties Of C4-Sub-Tropic Pastures, J F. Reckling, G.H J. Kruger

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Digitaria eriantha fertilised with limestone ammonium nitrate (LAN 28 % N), although not statistically significant, resulted in higher dry matter production in comparison to those plants fertilised with urea (U 46% N). Significant lower (P<0.05) soil calcium levels were found in plots fertilised with LAN. Plants fertilised with urea had double the amount of Aspartic and Glutamic acid, indicating that urea did not convert to NO3 -, but was taken up as ammonium.

Effect Of Nitrogen And Potash Fertilization On Dry Matter Yield And Mineral Composition Of Pangolagrass, J B. Andrade, C L. Justo, J.L. V. Coutinho, R M. Peres, E Ferrari Junior, V T. Paulino, W Henrique, J C. Werner, H B. Mattos

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The effect of nitrogen and potash fertilizations on dry matter and protein yields and chemical composition of pangolagrass (D. decumbens Stent.) was studied in a randomized block design with four replications using a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Nitrogen and potash were applied after each cut as an equivalent to 3 and 2% of dry matter (65°C) yield, respectively. There were great increases in dry matter and protein yields when nitrogen alone or combined with potash was used. Potash fertilization alone had no effect on the variables described above. Nitrogen fertilization improved forage pangolagrass composition, being particularly effective on crude …

Nitrogen In Stubble As A Limiting Factor Of Regrowth And Yield Of Orchardgrass After Cutting, T Matsunaka, T Ishii, M Jin

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Two field trials were carried out to reexamine the role of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC) and nitrogen (N) of the stubble in regrowth of orchardgrass (Dactylis Glomerata L.) during 10 days after cutting and the yield of next cutting. The regrowth and the yield were independent of TNC content in the stubble. They increased with N content in the stubble derived from the different rate of previous N application. When the TNC content in the stubble at the time of cutting was more than about 18% (dry matter basis), the regrowth even in a darkroom was not affected by …

Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilization Upon Spring Growth In Thinopyrum Poticum In Alkaline Soils. Argentina, R Fernandez Grecco, A Sciotti, A Mazzanti, H Echeverria

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Wheatgrass is a perennial forage grass adapted to low fertility alkaline soils in the Flooding pampa. It has an annual forage growth cycle characterised by a high spring-summer concentration and low values in winter. The objective of this study was to assess that it is possible to anticipate and increase forage growth and DM production of wheatgrass pastures applying nitrogen fertilization. The experiment was carried out at the Balcarce Experimental Station from 28/08/95 to 04/12/95. Using a completely randomized block design the effects of 6 levels of N: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg Nha-1, added as NO3 …

Effect Of Nitrogen Fertilization Upon Winter Growth In Natural Pastures Of The South East Of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina, R C. Fernandez Grecco, A E. Mazzanti, H A. Echeverria

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The effect of winter nitrogen fertilization upon herbage accumulation during the winter-spring period on a natural pasture of the Flooding Pampa dominated by cool season annual (Lolium multiflorum) and perennial (Stipa neesiana) grasses was evaluated. The experiment was carried out from August to November in 1994 and 1995. Fertilization treatments were: 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kgN ha- 1 (N0, N50, N100, N150, N200 and N250, respectively). The experimental plots were set out in three randomized blocks. In 1994, maximum forage accumulation was reached at N150, and no significant differences were found among N150, …

Effectivity Of Arbuscular Mycorrhizas In Sustainable Grassland Agriculture Following Conversion From Intensive Management, W R. Eason, J Scullion, E P. Scott

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

With increased interest in sustainable agriculture, attention has focused on the role of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) in the productivity of agricultural systems. AM spores were taken from grassland and grass-arable systems with either a history of high-input, conventional, or low-input, organic management, and used as a source of inoculum in host plants (Allium amelioprasum, Trifolium repens and Lolium perenne). Spores from organic management systems produced a greater yield response than those from conventional systems. Where various spore inoculum produced differences in host growth responses, it was observed that the infected root of these host plants also produced similar …

Buffelgrass Forage And Seed Production Responses To N And Fertilization, W R. Ocumpaugh, M A. Hussey, B L. Burson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Forage and seed production responses to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer of Common buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) were evaluated for three years (1991-93). An incomplete factorial set of five rates of N and P were applied each year. Seed data were collected by hand stripping mature seed followed by a forage harvest. Seed quality characteristics were determined on each seed sample. No response to N fertilizer was observed in 1991 nor to P in any year. In 1992, there was a linear forage yield response to N fertilizer. In 1993, both the linear and quadratic effects of N …