Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Safe: A Framework For Assessing Sustainability Levels In Agricultural Systems, X. Sauvenier, C. Bielders, V. Brouckaert, V. Garcia, M. Hermy, E. Mathijs, B. Muys, J. Valckx, N. Van Cauwenbergh, M. Vanclooster, E. Wauters, A. Peeters

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Evaluating the sustainability of agricultural systems is a major challenge for scientists, policy makers and farmers. Numerous sets of indicators have recently been designed, both at national and international levels. However, most of these initiatives focus only on environmental aspects of sustainability, indicators are often selected arbitrarily and usually do not fit in a consistent, comprehensive and universally applicable framework. This paper presents an original framework for integrating the information contained by indicators into a single quantitative measure of agricultural sustainability in order to facilitate comparison and diagnosis.

Ecosystem Management In Pasture Communities: Tools From Restoration Ecology, S. C. Goslee, M. A. Sanderson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Pasture systems have the potential to improve both economic and environmental sustainability in agricultural communities worldwide. To achieve maximum benefits, pasture plant communities must be tailored to the climate, the site type and the goals of the producer. Little is known about how to accomplish this, beyond very broad recommendations. We approached the problem by adapting a three-step conceptual framework from restoration ecology for use in managed pasture communities of the northeastern United States. The three steps, inventory, assessment and remediation, were designed for managers interested in restoring degraded native ecosystems, but can be applied equally well in managed ecosystems.

Effects Of Tree And Tillage Systems On The Productivity Of The Herbaceous Stratum In Silvopastoral Systems In The Southwest Of Córdoba, Argentina, O. Plevich, C. Saroff, C. Cholaky, T. Pereyra, O. Barotto, H. Pagliaricci

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

In the southwest of Córdoba, Argentina, there are lands with severe water erosion, due to the interaction of rolling pampas, high intensity precipitation, loam soil, and farming systems based on annual crops (Cantero et al., 1998). In an attempt to mitigate the erosive processes, a silvopastoral system was established in which winter forage was combined with trees. To improve the physical condition of the soil, two tillage systems were implemented. The objective of this paper was to determine the effect of trees and tillage systems on the production of forage.

Effect Of Tree Species And Density On Pasture Production In Galicia, Spain, A. Rigueiro-Rodríguez, E. Fernández-Núñez, M. R. Mosquera-Losada

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Galicia produces 50% of the forest products of Spain. Livestock production earns 62% of the income of the agrarian sector in Galicia. Afforestation has been very important in the last decade to such an extent that the area of forest and woodlands now covers 62% of Galicia. It is necessary to increase the rate of return on investments in planted forests in order to avoid rural depopulation through improvement of rural development and welfare. This paper reports on the effect of combining pastures with trees.

Evolution And Ageing Of Brachiaria Brizantha Pasture Component In A Silvopastoral System, M. Rakocevic, F. C. De Oliveira, J. Ribaski, O. J. Lavoranti

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The main causes of the decline of Brachiaria pasture in the tropics are lack of maintenance, fertilisation and excessively high animal stocking rates (Boddey et al., 2004). Brachiaria brizantha has two predominant morphological forms: 1) relatively high stems with grouped tillers at a high position constructed from short leaves (bunch type); 2) low stems with long leaves, which in time evolve into the first type (Kanno et al., 1999). The concept of Brachiaria management involves animals entering to commence grazing when the pasture is 50-60cm high and being removed at 25-30cm, leaving a regrowth period of at least …

The Influence Of Tree Thinning And Tree Species On The Dry Matter Yield Of Grasses Of A Bush Encroached Semi-Arid Savanna In South Africa, G. N. Smit

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The Acacia erubescens-Combetum apiculatum dominated savanna of South Africa is water-limited and an increase in woody plant abundance suppresses the grasses. This is the major reason why thinning or total clearing of all woody plants is often considered by landowners. The objectives of this study were to investigate the influence of intensity of tree thinning and tree species on grass yields in a semi-arid South African savanna.

Productivity Of A Leucaena Leucocephala-Cynodon Nlemfuensis Silvopastoral System With Sheep In Yucatan, Mexico, J. G. Escobedo-Mex, L. Ramirez-Aviles

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Animal production in the tropics of Mexico is based on grazed grasslands of low productivity; this type of production system has reduced the areas of natural vegetation and damaged the ecology (erosion of flora, fauna and soil). Silvopastoral technologies may improve the welfare and economic conditions of the rural population and, consequently, preserve their natural resources. The current work was designed to assess the introduction of Leucaena leucocephala in a silvopastoral system with Cynodon nlemfuensis (star grass) grazed by sheep.

Agroforestry Systems In Cuba: Some Aspects Of Animal Production, J. Iglesias, L. Simón, L. Lamela, I. Hernández, M. Milera, T. Sánchez

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The silvopastoral systems, that nowadays constitute scientific achievements of the Grasses and Forages Research Station "Indio Hatuey ", have been developed from the results of investigations that were carried out since the 1980s, to improve the productivity of natural pastures through the introduction of valuable herbaceous species and tree legumes. Those investigations also determined the essential elements of pasture management such as the optimal stocking rates for low input systems and suitable methods of grazing to obtain sustainability of grasslands.

Optimising Forage Production On Degraded Lands In The Dry Tropics Through Silvopastoral Systems, P. S. Pathak

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

In India, 187 M ha out of a total area of 328 M ha face the problem of land degradation, mostly due to water and wind erosion. The problems are aggravated by poor land cover and increasing pressure of human and livestock populations. There is over-exploitation of the scarce resources of forage and firewood. Several techniques, including watershed based silvopastoral land use have been proposed (Patil & Pathak, 1977). Tree, grass and legume based systems have been tried after land treatment to reduce runoff and soil loss while meeting the forage needs of the livestock and firewood for cooking in …

The Valuation Of Service Of Recreation Function Of Dalinor National Natural Reserve, G. Qiao, H. Wang, G. Han, M. Zhao

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Dalinor National Natural Reserve is located in the west of Keshketeng Banner of Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (IMAR). It covers a total area of 119,413.35 ha, and is in drought or semi-drought continental climatic zone. DNNR is a comprehensive natural reserve made up of different ecosystems including lakes, prairies, wetlands, and forests. Dalinor Lake in DNNR is regarded as the paradise of birds, covering an area of 238 km² between sandy lands and grasslands. DNNR was established in 1987 as a provincial natural reserve and was upgraded to a National Natural Reserve by the State Council of …

Significance Of Grasslands In Protected Forest Areas, C. M. Mishra, A. Kumar, B. C. Tiwari, S. L. Singh

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

This paper describes case studies of grassland formation in the protected forest areas of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This state has a total forest/tree cover of 8.84%, whereas the protected forest areas comprise only 2.54%.The protected areas constitute, one national park, eleven wildlife sanctuaries and thirteen bird sanctuaries.

Integrity Of Indigenous Knowledge Systems In Natural Resource Management: The Case Of The Arid And Semi-Arid Baringo Herders Of Kenya, P. M. Makenzi, Abdillahi A. Aboud

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Ineffective management of natural resources in arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), resulting in resource depletion, rapid loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation, is of great concern globally. The Baringo herders in the ASALs of Kenya have been branded as perpetrators of this vice, with the blame placed particularly on their traditional livestock management, utilising indigenous knowledge systems (IKS). These IKS involve livestock mobility and maximisation, and have been regarded as being outdated and inefficient in meeting the challenges and demands for environmental conservation and sustainable management of the natural resources. A common reaction of the government has been to advocate …

The Role Of The Phare Programme And The Danish-Lithuanian Project On The Development Of The Grassland Production And Of Dairy-Beef Cattle Husbandry, V. Vrotniakiene, Jonas Jatkauskas

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Animal production is one of the priorities for economic development in Lithuania. Dairy-beef cattle husbandry has remained an important branch of animal production under the conditions of agricultural reform. Favorable agroclimatic conditions for grass cultivation, old traditions of agricultural production and the ability to train farmers in new techniques creates good conditions for the development of dairy-beef cattle husbandry. It is most appropriate to use cattle types suitable for grass feeding with low inputs of concentrates. This paper reports on two development projects that sought to increase animal production through grassland improvement and the production of high-quality silage.

Farmer Field Schools In Expanding Cultivation To Newly Reclaimed Land In Ismailia In Egypt, Oiva Niemeläinen, M. Komulainen, Y. Ahmed, M. El-Sayes, A. El-Adwy

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The use of irrigation systems is expanding in Egypt to facilitate cultivation on sandy areas that were previously desert. Many of the farmers starting on the new areas are undergraduates and others with no background in farming. Much support is required when they start farming. In addition, farmers moving to the new lands from the Nile Delta meet completely new challenges because the poor and infertile sandy soils require different management from the clay soils at the Delta. Ismailia Agricultural Research Station (IARS) of the Agricultural Research Center of Egypt focuses on research on how to cultivate the newly reclaimed …

Forage Development In The Nepal Mid-Hills: New Perspectives, A. D. Robertson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Nepali hill farming communities are typically poor and remote, and are currently severely affected by conflict. The challenge is to define simple approaches which can generate results within this context. Livestock are central to livelihoods and to the sustainability of farming, with rain-fed agriculture dependent on inputs of manure-based compost. Stall feeding has increased dramatically with the adoption of community forestry and general preclusion of grazing. A broad landscape approach to forage development is increasingly being adopted, with concurrent on-farm interventions, such as intercropping and back-yard forage, and off-farm interventions, such as landslide stabilisation with forages, development of forest understory, …

Factors Influencing The Adoption Of Fodder Production Techniques By Milk Producers In Dhankuta District, Eastern Nepal, C. P. Ferris, R. Nelson

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Many districts are food-deficient in Nepal. Increased milk consumption could improve human health and nutrition, while milk sales can provide families with a valuable source of income. However, milk production in Nepal is low, mainly because of the poor nutritional status of livestock, which can be attributed in part to a fodder deficit. However there is potential to increase fodder production, and some innovative fodder production techniques have been tried and proven locally. These include planting of fodder trees, fodder grasses and fodder crops. As the level of adoption of these techniques is variable, a survey was undertaken to quantify …

A Situation Analysis Of Ley Pasture Utilisation In The Western Downs And Maranoa Regions Of S Queensland, Australia, K. J. Sibson, L. Bahnisch, R. Routley, K. Taylor

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Previous studies have shown that the uptake of ley pasture systems in S Queensland's grain growing region has been slow when compared with mixed farming systems in S Australia. This is despite their demonstrated benefits to subsequent crops, livestock production and the environment. A survey was conducted that aimed to determine the level of utilisation of ley pastures in the Western Downs and Maranoa regions of S Queensland, and the possible constraints to their adoption, and benefits arising from their use. The survey also aimed to determine the commonly used pasture species, the reasons for their use and their contribution …

A Situation Analysis Of Ley Pasture Utilisation In The Western Downs And Maranoa Regions Of S Queensland, Australia, K. J. Sibson, L. Bahnisch, R. Routley, K. Taylor

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Previous studies have shown that the uptake of ley pasture systems in S Queensland's grain growing region has been slow when compared with mixed farming systems in S Australia. This is despite their demonstrated benefits to subsequent crops, livestock production and the environment. A survey was conducted that aimed to determine the level of utilisation of ley pastures in the Western Downs and Maranoa regions of S Queensland, and the possible constraints to their adoption, and benefits arising from their use. The survey also aimed to determine the commonly used pasture species, the reasons for their use and their contribution …

Rotational Grazing Demonstration With Beef Cattle On Conservation Reserve Land In Adams County, Iowa, Usa, S. K. Barnhart, B. Peterson, C. O. Nelson, R. Bredahl, J. Klein, R. Sprague

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The United States Dept. of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers who will enroll erosive, marginally productive cropland for a 10 to 15 year period. In return, participants are provided annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish and maintain long- term, resource-conserving vegetative cover to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. Since the inception of the CRP, policymakers, conservationists, farmers, and rural residents have been concerned about the likely fate of program land after the contracts expire. Most of the existing research, whether it relies on …

Sustaining Grass-Legume Pastures For Cow-Calf Herds: A Case Study, John L. Caddel, D. D. Redfearn, R. L. Woods

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

An on-going pasture demonstration study has been used since 1988 to demonstrate methods to improve pasture production for small beef cow-calf herds. Many cattle enterprises are not economically viable because poor management decisions lead to excessive stocking rate, ineffective fertilisation programmes etc., leading to a dependence on hay purchases. The initial objective, continued until 2001, was to maintain one cow- calf pair per ha without purchasing forage or grain produced off farm. More recently, reducing the dependence on harvested forage has been added as an objective.

A Forage Area Of Expertise Team: The Michigan Approach To Applied Research And Extension, Richard Leep, D. H. Min

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Agricultural Experiment Stations and the Cooperative Extension Service have traditionally contributed to the economic, social, human, and environmental capital of the United States. Despite this, both institutions have experienced declining federal budget support and increasing competition for resources (Hamm 1997; Hood & Schutjer 1990; Knutson & Outlaw 1994; Paarlberg 1992). Michigan State University Extension, in partnership with the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, implemented self-directed area of expertise (AOE) teams as its major educational development and delivery model. AOE teams grew out of experiences with previous temporary research/Extension teams and quick response professional groups operating within traditional line responsibilities for research …

Technology Transfer Through A Network Of Producer Groups, D. J. Thomson, R. Smith

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The objective was to enhance the rate of uptake of research and development (R & D) in the context of the whole farm business. This paper reports on two pilot projects - SWARD (South West Agricultural and Rural Development - Devon and Cornwall) and GARD (Gloucestershire Agricultural and Rural Development). The projects were focused on improving the quality of decision making at a time of change, through the provision of R & D results and information within an integrated group support service. Key aspects of the approach are outlined below.

Using Abandoned Paddy Fields For Grazing In Northern Japan, M. Nashiki, H. Narita, Y. Higashiyama

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

The number of abandoned paddy fields is increasing in Japan, because the government has been regulating rice production. It has been recommended that the abandoned paddy fields be used for stock raising. However, there is sometimes a lack of information about the land on the abandoned paddy fields and farmers want to know the cost of fencing and the best grass species to use. This paper seeks to provide farmers with information on how to begin to use the abandoned paddy fields as pastures in hilly rural areas in Japan.

Utilisation Of Whole-Crop Rice Silage As A Feed For Ruminants, N. Yoshida, M. Ogawa, Y. Cai, H. Nemoto, M. Ishida

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

A national project on the utilisation of whole-plant rice (Oryza sativa L.) as a feed has developed in Japan since 2000. The use of a home-produced forage may be useful to reassure consumers concerned with risks of BSE and foot and mouth disease. Furthermore, Japanese farmers have been obliged to convert one million ha of paddy field from rice to other crops.

Development Of A Grazing Land Management Education Program For Northern Australia’S Grasslands And Grassy Woodlands, Chris R. Chilcott, M. F. Quirk, C. J. Paton, B. S. Nelson, T. Oxley

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Recognition of the potential to enhance grazing land management to meet the goal of sustainable beef production has been increasing over the past decade. Recognition of the relationship between poor land management and negative off-site environmental impacts, such as soil erosion and a decline in the condition of rivers and adjacent near shore coastal areas from sediment transport, has increased also. This concern has matured somewhat to include the critical link between land condition and production, and the threat to sustainable carrying capacity that comes from declining land condition. Concurrently, interest has increased in optimising the use of pasture, e.g. …

Forage-Animal Production Research Unit (Fapru): Establishment Of A New Usda-Ars Research Location, J. R. Strickland, Glen E. Aiken, Isabelle Kagan, R. D. Dinkins

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Forages are vital to the success of grazing livestock production systems. Forages provide a low cost source of nutrients for animal production (Barnes & Nelson 2003; Ball et al., 1996). Limited fundamental (i.e., genomic, proteomic, metabolomic) research on the effects of environment and management on plant quality and production and the effects of plant metabolites (i.e., nutrients, anti-quality factors, nutraceuticals) on animal performance has hindered our ability to improve the productivity of forage-based enterprises. There is insufficient information for reliable prediction of animal performance in response to plant metabolites. To address these issues, USDA-ARS established FAPRU (Forage-Animal Production Research …

A Systems Approach To Assessing The Viability Of Grazing Legume Systems Across Europe, C. F. E. Topp, C. J. Smith, L. Wu, G. Molle

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Forage legumes are important in grassland farming throughout much of the world because of their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and hence they are expected to play an increasingly prominent role in low- input grazing farming systems in Europe. Nevertheless, the socio-economic impact of the adoption of the "new" legume based grazing technologies have been poorly researched (Rochon et al., 2004). Thus a methodology has been developed to:

* Assess the on-farm costs and benefits of including different legume crops for animal production;
* Determine the types of management systems and environmental conditions under which forage legumes may play …

Land Stewardship For The 21St Century: Pasture And Livestock Management Workshop For Novices, L. A. Redmon, G. M. Clary, J. J. Cleere, G. W. Evers, V. A. Haby, C. R. Long, L. R. Nelson, F. M. Rouquette Jr., G. R. Smith

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Land ownership patterns in Texas and the southern USA are changing. Since 1994 (Wilkins et al., 2000) consumers interested primarily in recreational purposes have become the predominant owners of rural land. This land ownership change has created potential land stewardship problems associated with natural resource management. Few, if any, new landowners have any training related to the soil-plant-animal interface. New land owners need linkage with subject matter experts from land grant universities in a relaxed instructional setting while providing the opportunity for question and answer sessions. Thus, a programme was developed by a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency team at the Texas …

New Zealand Pastoral Systems: A Current Perspective, F. R. Duder, R. B. Green, W. D. Catto, D. R. Woodfield, B. R. Guy

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

New Zealand's diverse grassland resource of 13.5 M ha of permanent pasture, tussock or alpine grasslands underpin an intensive pastoral industry worth NZ$13 billion in 2004. The pastoral industry involves 37,000 farmers and a service industry of about 215,000 persons. It produces 27 M prime export lambs and 180,000 t of predominantly crossbred wool from 40 M ewes; 13 B litres of milk from 5.2 M dairy cattle; 800,000 t of beef from 4.7 M beef cattle and 33,000 t of venison from 2 M deer. Pastures and forage crops, mostly non- irrigated, are grazed 'in situ' by animals through …

A University Course On Management Intensive Grazing, D. L. Zartman

IGC Proceedings (1993-2023)

Education of new talent in good grassland management is important. Farmer-oriented extension- and outreach- programs do this, but USA university curricula rarely include it. Some livestock production courses contain a segment on grazing management, but there seem to be no credit-bearing, formal courses in USA universities except in the Ohio State University (OSU). Our course teaches management of intensive grazing (MIG) for three credit hours in a quarter system. It has been a popular elective course for the past 6 years. Every year that they have entered, OSU students have won all prizes in the 18-22 age division in the …