Wei Li, Qiang Xiao, Hongwei Li, Hao Chang, Qi Zheng, Bin Li, Zhensheng Li
Background
Tall wheatgrass is a perennial salt-tolerant bunchgrass, which is a promising candidate for establishing a “Coastal Grass Belt” in China, particularly in the coastal saline–alkaline soils surrounding the Bohai Sea.
Methods
Seven harvesting treatments were performed to explore the optimal harvesting time and frequency for tall wheatgrass in coastal area. The dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritional values were investigated for each cut. The correlation between harvesting time and frequency thereof among the investigated traits was also determined.
Results
The results showed that the two-cut on June 18 and October 29 produced the highest DMY. Another two-cut on May 26 and October 29 produced a relatively high crude protein (CP) yield. The DMY, contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude cellulose (CC) as well as CP yield were positively correlated to plant height, while the CP content and the relative feed value (RFV) were negatively correlated to plant height. The accumulating growing degree days, accumulated precipitation, and sunshine duration were positively correlated with plant height, DMY, contents of NDF, ADF, and CC as well as CP yield, but negatively correlated with CP content and RFV for the first cut.
Conclusions
The two-cut treatment at the end of May and October may be suitable for tall wheatgrass in the “Coastal Grass Belt” targeted area.
{"title":"Two-cut system suggested for tall wheatgrass to balance herbage yield and quality in the coastal saline–alkaline land around the Bohai Sea","authors":"Wei Li, Qiang Xiao, Hongwei Li, Hao Chang, Qi Zheng, Bin Li, Zhensheng Li","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12082","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1002/glr2.12082","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Tall wheatgrass is a perennial salt-tolerant bunchgrass, which is a promising candidate for establishing a “Coastal Grass Belt” in China, particularly in the coastal saline–alkaline soils surrounding the Bohai Sea.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Seven harvesting treatments were performed to explore the optimal harvesting time and frequency for tall wheatgrass in coastal area. The dry matter yield (DMY) and forage nutritional values were investigated for each cut. The correlation between harvesting time and frequency thereof among the investigated traits was also determined.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The results showed that the two-cut on June 18 and October 29 produced the highest DMY. Another two-cut on May 26 and October 29 produced a relatively high crude protein (CP) yield. The DMY, contents of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and crude cellulose (CC) as well as CP yield were positively correlated to plant height, while the CP content and the relative feed value (RFV) were negatively correlated to plant height. The accumulating growing degree days, accumulated precipitation, and sunshine duration were positively correlated with plant height, DMY, contents of NDF, ADF, and CC as well as CP yield, but negatively correlated with CP content and RFV for the first cut.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The two-cut treatment at the end of May and October may be suitable for tall wheatgrass in the “Coastal Grass Belt” targeted area.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"132-146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12082","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141565708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer J. Tucker, Mary K. Mullenix, Esteban Rios, Daniel Basigalup, J. H. Bouton
Alfalfa use (Medicago sativa L.; “lucerne”) in warm, humid regions of the world represents a potential area of expansion for the alfalfa industry. The objective of this review paper is to demonstrate how alfalfa forage breeding and systems research efforts have identified opportunities for increasing alfalfa contributions in these regions, along with potential pathways for seed industry and farming operations to increase adoption. Our review draws primarily on reports from the Southeast United States and Argentina. Significant technological advancements in plant screening and selection have identified alfalfa plant populations that are more adapted to the growing conditions experienced in these regions, which are often characterized by mild temperature, long growing seasons, and multiple other abiotic and biotic stressors. Management systems research conducted in the United States and Argentina has demonstrated the use of alfalfa for conserved forage, grazing, or dual-purpose use in monoculture or mixtures with warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.). These trials report increased forage production, nutritive value, and ecosystem services of alfalfa–grass mixtures when compared with traditionally N-fertilized warm-season grass-based systems. Grazing-based alfalfa systems in Argentina have demonstrated methods for utilizing alfalfa as part of beef, dairy, and finishing systems. Some approaches for expanding alfalfa production in the region include targeted marketing efforts for adapted varieties and demonstrating alfalfa applications within existing farming frameworks. This includes educational programming efforts and on-farm demonstrations to promote alfalfa use as a component of the livestock diets, integration into grass-based systems, crop rotations, and wildlife use. Continued emphasis on a systems approach to alfalfa inclusion represents an opportunity for improved forage and livestock production in warm, humid regions of the world.
{"title":"Systems management strategies for increasing alfalfa use in warm-humid regions","authors":"Jennifer J. Tucker, Mary K. Mullenix, Esteban Rios, Daniel Basigalup, J. H. Bouton","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12080","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12080","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Alfalfa use (<i>Medicago sativa</i> L.; “lucerne”) in warm, humid regions of the world represents a potential area of expansion for the alfalfa industry. The objective of this review paper is to demonstrate how alfalfa forage breeding and systems research efforts have identified opportunities for increasing alfalfa contributions in these regions, along with potential pathways for seed industry and farming operations to increase adoption. Our review draws primarily on reports from the Southeast United States and Argentina. Significant technological advancements in plant screening and selection have identified alfalfa plant populations that are more adapted to the growing conditions experienced in these regions, which are often characterized by mild temperature, long growing seasons, and multiple other abiotic and biotic stressors. Management systems research conducted in the United States and Argentina has demonstrated the use of alfalfa for conserved forage, grazing, or dual-purpose use in monoculture or mixtures with warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass (<i>Cynodon</i> spp.). These trials report increased forage production, nutritive value, and ecosystem services of alfalfa–grass mixtures when compared with traditionally N-fertilized warm-season grass-based systems. Grazing-based alfalfa systems in Argentina have demonstrated methods for utilizing alfalfa as part of beef, dairy, and finishing systems. Some approaches for expanding alfalfa production in the region include targeted marketing efforts for adapted varieties and demonstrating alfalfa applications within existing farming frameworks. This includes educational programming efforts and on-farm demonstrations to promote alfalfa use as a component of the livestock diets, integration into grass-based systems, crop rotations, and wildlife use. Continued emphasis on a systems approach to alfalfa inclusion represents an opportunity for improved forage and livestock production in warm, humid regions of the world.</p>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"187-198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12080","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140970866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soil structure is a key indicator of the functioning of soil processes in grasslands, which is influenced by site conditions and management.
Methods
In this study, we investigated soil structure and its relationship with root growth in 31 Leptosols under different grassland management intensities using X-ray microcomputed tomography. A close relationship between land use intensity, soil structure, and root growth was observed.
Results
Our results show that land use type affects root development and soil structure. Pastures had more developed roots and more structured soils than meadows and mown pastures. However, all pastures were unfertilized, while meadows and mown pastures had both fertilized and unfertilized plots. Although no significant differences were found in the unfertilized plots, sample size was limited. In particular, fertilization negatively affected root growth and soil structure, resulting in significant differences between fertilized and unfertilized grasslands. Mowing frequency also had an effect on soil physics, but to a much lesser extent than fertilization.
Conclusions
Increased land use intensity, characterized by increased fertilization and more frequent mowing, reduces root growth and adversely affects soil structure. Therefore, X-ray microcomputed tomography is a suitable method to investigate the relationship between soil structure and roots in the soil.
在本研究中，我们使用 X 射线显微计算机断层扫描技术研究了不同草地管理强度下 31 种 Leptosols 的土壤结构及其与根系生长的关系。我们的研究结果表明，土地利用类型会影响根系发育和土壤结构。与草地和刈割牧场相比，牧场的根系更发达，土壤结构更合理。然而，所有牧场都未施肥，而草甸和刈割牧场既有施肥地块，也有未施肥地块。虽然未施肥地块没有发现明显差异，但样本数量有限。尤其是施肥对根系生长和土壤结构产生了负面影响，导致施肥草地和未施肥草地之间存在显著差异。土地使用强度的增加，其特点是施肥量的增加和割草次数的增加，会减少根系的生长并对土壤结构产生不利影响。因此，X 射线微计算机断层扫描是研究土壤结构与土壤中根系之间关系的合适方法。
{"title":"Grassland management intensity determines root development, soil structure, and their interrelationship: Results of a regional study of Leptosols in the Swabian Alps","authors":"Katrin Kuka, Monika Joschko","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12077","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12077","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Soil structure is a key indicator of the functioning of soil processes in grasslands, which is influenced by site conditions and management.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, we investigated soil structure and its relationship with root growth in 31 Leptosols under different grassland management intensities using X-ray microcomputed tomography. A close relationship between land use intensity, soil structure, and root growth was observed.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Our results show that land use type affects root development and soil structure. Pastures had more developed roots and more structured soils than meadows and mown pastures. However, all pastures were unfertilized, while meadows and mown pastures had both fertilized and unfertilized plots. Although no significant differences were found in the unfertilized plots, sample size was limited. In particular, fertilization negatively affected root growth and soil structure, resulting in significant differences between fertilized and unfertilized grasslands. Mowing frequency also had an effect on soil physics, but to a much lesser extent than fertilization.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Increased land use intensity, characterized by increased fertilization and more frequent mowing, reduces root growth and adversely affects soil structure. Therefore, X-ray microcomputed tomography is a suitable method to investigate the relationship between soil structure and roots in the soil.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"171-186"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12077","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140974865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David E. Hume, Dongwen Luo, Grant M. Rennie, Warren M. King, Anna L. Taylor, Marty J. Faville, Katherine N. Tozer
Background
Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) in New Zealand pastures is typically infected with the mutualist Epichloë fungal endophyte. This endophyte assists the plant in resisting biotic and abiotic stresses, but the standard strain of endophyte is toxic to livestock. Elite ryegrasses with selected endophytes have been developed to provide protective properties to the grass plant and lessen or eliminate the negative impacts on livestock.
Methods
Using immunology and molecular techniques, the presence of endophyte infection and endophyte strain in ryegrass tillers was determined for 24 dairy pastures sampled for up to 7 years in regions of the North and South Islands.
Results
In general, infection levels were high and showed small increases over time. Some pastures failed to reach 70% infection. The sown, selected endophytes were the dominant endophyte strains present and these were stable over time. Standard endophyte was the primary nonsown endophyte, and while generally low and so of little importance, it increased over time and for some pastures, this would have been detrimental to livestock. Pasture establishment technique influenced the level of contamination.
Conclusions
Results reinforce the importance of following best practice procedures in the seed industry and on-farm. Researchers should monitor trials for contaminating nonsown standard endophyte.
{"title":"Stability and purity of selected ryegrass Epichloë endophytes in New Zealand dairy pastures","authors":"David E. Hume, Dongwen Luo, Grant M. Rennie, Warren M. King, Anna L. Taylor, Marty J. Faville, Katherine N. Tozer","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12078","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12078","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Perennial ryegrass (<i>Lolium perenne</i>) in New Zealand pastures is typically infected with the mutualist <i>Epichloë</i> fungal endophyte. This endophyte assists the plant in resisting biotic and abiotic stresses, but the standard strain of endophyte is toxic to livestock. Elite ryegrasses with selected endophytes have been developed to provide protective properties to the grass plant and lessen or eliminate the negative impacts on livestock.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Using immunology and molecular techniques, the presence of endophyte infection and endophyte strain in ryegrass tillers was determined for 24 dairy pastures sampled for up to 7 years in regions of the North and South Islands.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In general, infection levels were high and showed small increases over time. Some pastures failed to reach 70% infection. The sown, selected endophytes were the dominant endophyte strains present and these were stable over time. Standard endophyte was the primary nonsown endophyte, and while generally low and so of little importance, it increased over time and for some pastures, this would have been detrimental to livestock. Pasture establishment technique influenced the level of contamination.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Results reinforce the importance of following best practice procedures in the seed industry and on-farm. Researchers should monitor trials for contaminating nonsown standard endophyte.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"113-122"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12078","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140696124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The time-series data of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a crucial indicator for global and regional vegetation monitoring. However, the current assessment of global and regional long-term vegetation changes is subject to large uncertainties due to the lack of spatiotemporally continuous time-series data sets.
Methods
In this study, a long time-series monthly NDVI data set with a spatial resolution of 250 m from 1982 to 2020 was developed by combining Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and AVHRR (Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer) time-series NDVI products using the Random Forest (RF) downscaling model.
Results
Compared to the MODIS NDVI product, the fused product shows RMSE and mean absolute error ranging from 0 to 0.075 and from 0 to 0.05, respectively, with R2 values mostly above 0.7.
Conclusions
The long time-series NDVI products generated in this study are reliable in terms of accuracy and have great potential for long-term dynamic monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
{"title":"Development of long-term spatiotemporal continuous NDVI products for alpine grassland from 1982 to 2020 in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China","authors":"Xiali Yang, Xiaodong Huang, Ying Ma, Yuxin Li, Qisheng Feng, Tiangang Liang","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12076","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12076","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The time-series data of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is a crucial indicator for global and regional vegetation monitoring. However, the current assessment of global and regional long-term vegetation changes is subject to large uncertainties due to the lack of spatiotemporally continuous time-series data sets.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this study, a long time-series monthly NDVI data set with a spatial resolution of 250 m from 1982 to 2020 was developed by combining Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and AVHRR (Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer) time-series NDVI products using the Random Forest (RF) downscaling model.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Compared to the MODIS NDVI product, the fused product shows RMSE and mean absolute error ranging from 0 to 0.075 and from 0 to 0.05, respectively, with <i>R</i><sup>2</sup> values mostly above 0.7.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The long time-series NDVI products generated in this study are reliable in terms of accuracy and have great potential for long-term dynamic monitoring of terrestrial ecosystems on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"100-112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12076","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140703482","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gut microbiota is pivotal in regulating hosts' biological processes and maintaining homeostasis, but knowledge about its role in wild herbivores in extreme environments remains limited.
Methods
Gut bacteria and fungi were sequenced in ruminant (Chiru and Yak) and nonruminant (Kiang) herbivores on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and their community structure, co-occurrence networks, functions, and assembly mechanisms were investigated using multivariate ecological and statistical methods.
Results
Kiang had lower gut microbial diversity than Chiru and Yak. Bacterial host-specific exclusivity was greater than that of fungi. In addition to the evidence of glycan biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, Chiru had a high Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and low animal pathogen abundance, suggesting better adaptation to the plateau's harsh environment. Additionally, members of gut microbiota tended to co-occur rather than co-exclude in all herbivores. Different network complexity and stability patterns were observed between bacterial and fungal communities. Furthermore, gut bacterial assembly was primarily controlled by stochastic dispersal limitation and drift, whereas fungal assembly was primarily controlled by deterministic homogeneous selection except in Chiru.
Conclusions
On the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, Chiru and Yak exhibit more diverse gut microbiota and more diverse metabolic functions than Kiang, and gut bacteria are more divergent than gut fungi in these herbivores.
{"title":"Fecal microbiota reveal adaptation of herbivores to the extreme environment of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau","authors":"Hao Zou, Qi Li, Jie Liu, Xiangtao Wang, Qun Gao, Yunfeng Yang, Xinquan Zhao","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12075","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12075","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Gut microbiota is pivotal in regulating hosts' biological processes and maintaining homeostasis, but knowledge about its role in wild herbivores in extreme environments remains limited.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Gut bacteria and fungi were sequenced in ruminant (Chiru and Yak) and nonruminant (Kiang) herbivores on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, and their community structure, co-occurrence networks, functions, and assembly mechanisms were investigated using multivariate ecological and statistical methods.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Kiang had lower gut microbial diversity than Chiru and Yak. Bacterial host-specific exclusivity was greater than that of fungi. In addition to the evidence of glycan biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, Chiru had a high Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and low animal pathogen abundance, suggesting better adaptation to the plateau's harsh environment. Additionally, members of gut microbiota tended to co-occur rather than co-exclude in all herbivores. Different network complexity and stability patterns were observed between bacterial and fungal communities. Furthermore, gut bacterial assembly was primarily controlled by stochastic dispersal limitation and drift, whereas fungal assembly was primarily controlled by deterministic homogeneous selection except in Chiru.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>On the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, Chiru and Yak exhibit more diverse gut microbiota and more diverse metabolic functions than Kiang, and gut bacteria are more divergent than gut fungi in these herbivores.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 2","pages":"155-170"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12075","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140374444","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Angelika Mroncz, Johannes Isselstein, Martin Komainda, Christoph Leuschner
Background
Local sward dieback, especially in grasslands on peat soil, in response to the extreme 2018/2019 drought demonstrates climate vulnerability of intensive grasslands in northern Central Europe.
Methods
We explore the influence of microtopography, that is, the within-field mosaic of depressions and elevated patches, on soil volumetric moisture content, standing biomass and biomass crude protein (CP) and fibre content in intensively managed grassland on peat soil in a moist year (2021) and a dry year (2022) for quantifying small-scale spatial heterogeneity within a field.
Results
We found high within-field variation in soil moisture, biomass and forage quality and a moisture dependence of productivity that was stronger in the dry year. CP ranged from 10% to 25% within a field, being lower in moist depressions than elevated patches in the wet (but not in the dry) summer.
Conclusions
The moister depressions help to limit the overall productivity decline in dry summers, whereas, in moist summers, the higher dry patches produce more protein-rich forage than the depressions, where productivity is higher but quality is lower. We recommend adapting grassland management to this heterogeneity through spatially differentiated management regimes in order to better cope with an increasingly drier and more variable climate.
{"title":"Microtopography causes small-scale variation in harvest and forage quality of high-yielding silage grassland in northern Germany","authors":"Angelika Mroncz, Johannes Isselstein, Martin Komainda, Christoph Leuschner","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12072","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12072","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Local sward dieback, especially in grasslands on peat soil, in response to the extreme 2018/2019 drought demonstrates climate vulnerability of intensive grasslands in northern Central Europe.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We explore the influence of microtopography, that is, the within-field mosaic of depressions and elevated patches, on soil volumetric moisture content, standing biomass and biomass crude protein (CP) and fibre content in intensively managed grassland on peat soil in a moist year (2021) and a dry year (2022) for quantifying small-scale spatial heterogeneity within a field.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We found high within-field variation in soil moisture, biomass and forage quality and a moisture dependence of productivity that was stronger in the dry year. CP ranged from 10% to 25% within a field, being lower in moist depressions than elevated patches in the wet (but not in the dry) summer.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The moister depressions help to limit the overall productivity decline in dry summers, whereas, in moist summers, the higher dry patches produce more protein-rich forage than the depressions, where productivity is higher but quality is lower. We recommend adapting grassland management to this heterogeneity through spatially differentiated management regimes in order to better cope with an increasingly drier and more variable climate.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"33-42"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12072","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140376944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Simon Taugourdeau, Frédérique Louault, Alice Michelot-Antalik, Samir Messad, François Munoz, Denis Bastianelli, Pascal Carrère, Sylvain Plantureux
Background
Grasslands provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ESs). However, there is currently no method for easily diagnosing the level of ESs produced. Our aim was to develop ES indicators based on botanical surveys, which are readily available data and integrative of grassland spatiotemporal variability.
Methods
Based on academic knowledge and expertise, we identified several simple vegetation criteria that we aggregated using a multicriteria analysis tool to construct indicators of the level of ESs provided by grasslands. In this study, the indicators were calculated from over 2000 botanical surveys spread over a wide biogeographical gradient.
Results
Analyses of correlation between the various indicators show that “forage supply” and “diversity conservation” were not correlated. “Forage availability” and “nitrogen availability for the vegetation” were positively linked together and negatively linked to the robustness of the plant community to extreme events. A temporal approach highlights that the “biodiversity conservation” score decreased from 1970 to 2010 and that “nitrogen availability for the vegetation” was lower in 1970 and 1980 than in 2000 and 2010.
Conclusions
These results show that our aggregation method based on a large data set of botanical surveys could be appropriate for studying temporal dynamics of ESs.
{"title":"A set of ecosystem service indicators for European grasslands based on botanical surveys","authors":"Simon Taugourdeau, Frédérique Louault, Alice Michelot-Antalik, Samir Messad, François Munoz, Denis Bastianelli, Pascal Carrère, Sylvain Plantureux","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12069","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12069","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Grasslands provide a wide range of ecosystem services (ESs). However, there is currently no method for easily diagnosing the level of ESs produced. Our aim was to develop ES indicators based on botanical surveys, which are readily available data and integrative of grassland spatiotemporal variability.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Based on academic knowledge and expertise, we identified several simple vegetation criteria that we aggregated using a multicriteria analysis tool to construct indicators of the level of ESs provided by grasslands. In this study, the indicators were calculated from over 2000 botanical surveys spread over a wide biogeographical gradient.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Analyses of correlation between the various indicators show that “forage supply” and “diversity conservation” were not correlated. “Forage availability” and “nitrogen availability for the vegetation” were positively linked together and negatively linked to the robustness of the plant community to extreme events. A temporal approach highlights that the “biodiversity conservation” score decreased from 1970 to 2010 and that “nitrogen availability for the vegetation” was lower in 1970 and 1980 than in 2000 and 2010.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>These results show that our aggregation method based on a large data set of botanical surveys could be appropriate for studying temporal dynamics of ESs.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"43-56"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12069","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140379847","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jesús F. Florez, Peggy Karimi, John J. J. Paredes, Natalia T. Ángel, Stefan Burkart
Background
Cattle farming plays a pivotal role in Africa's agricultural and livestock sector, poised for growth due to population expansion and rising per capita consumption of animal-sourced food. Forages are a primary source of feed for dairy cattle, significantly impacting production costs. While local forage varieties are preferred by dairy farmers, there has been an increase in the adoption of improved forages in recent years. However, the overall adoption rate is still low, for example, due to underdeveloped forage seed markets.
Methods
This study describes the dynamics, challenges, and potential of these markets in Kenya and selected East African countries, focusing on (i) market evolution over the past decade, (ii) forthcoming market prospects, and (iii) bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Data were gathered in 2022 through qualitative interviews with stakeholders representing six segments of the forage seed sector across six countries.
Results
We found a sustained growth of the improved forage seed market in recent years. The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices, regulatory difficulties, and limited producer knowledge.
Conclusions
The findings unveil positive dynamics in the region's forage seed market, fueled by the engagement and determination of stakeholders who recognize the manifold benefits that it holds for both the dairy industry and economic growth. The realization of this market's potential requires addressing prevailing challenges, including elevated seed costs, intricate variety registration processes, and a pervasive lack of awareness among farmers.
{"title":"Developments, bottlenecks, and opportunities in seed markets for improved forages in East Africa: The case of Kenya","authors":"Jesús F. Florez, Peggy Karimi, John J. J. Paredes, Natalia T. Ángel, Stefan Burkart","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12073","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12073","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Cattle farming plays a pivotal role in Africa's agricultural and livestock sector, poised for growth due to population expansion and rising per capita consumption of animal-sourced food. Forages are a primary source of feed for dairy cattle, significantly impacting production costs. While local forage varieties are preferred by dairy farmers, there has been an increase in the adoption of improved forages in recent years. However, the overall adoption rate is still low, for example, due to underdeveloped forage seed markets.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study describes the dynamics, challenges, and potential of these markets in Kenya and selected East African countries, focusing on (i) market evolution over the past decade, (ii) forthcoming market prospects, and (iii) bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Data were gathered in 2022 through qualitative interviews with stakeholders representing six segments of the forage seed sector across six countries.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>We found a sustained growth of the improved forage seed market in recent years. The main challenges for further growth are high seed prices, regulatory difficulties, and limited producer knowledge.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The findings unveil positive dynamics in the region's forage seed market, fueled by the engagement and determination of stakeholders who recognize the manifold benefits that it holds for both the dairy industry and economic growth. The realization of this market's potential requires addressing prevailing challenges, including elevated seed costs, intricate variety registration processes, and a pervasive lack of awareness among farmers.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"79-96"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12073","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140222430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Maria L. Silveira, Priscila Junia Rodrigues da Cruz, Joao Mauricio Bueno Vendramini, Elizabeth Boughton, Rosvel Bracho, Abmael da Silva Cardoso
Background
Grazing lands provide numerous ecosystem services, including the capacity to store large amounts of soil carbon (C); however, our understanding of the factors affecting soil C responses to management is inadequate.
Methods
In this paper, we synthesized information about the impacts of grazing land management on soil C within the southeastern region of the United States.
Results
Most studies (68%) demonstrated that proper management increased soil C stocks with an average C accumulation rate of 1.4 Mg C ha−1 year−1. The remaining (32%) studies showed no effect of management on soil C. None of the studies reported negative impacts of management on soil C. The largest increase in soil C (8 Mg C ha−1 year−1) was associated with the conversion of cropland to pastureland while overseeding legumes into grass pastures resulted in the lowest C sequestration rates (0.2 Mg C ha−1 year−1).
Conclusions
Considering the rates of soil C accretion and the extensive area occupied by grazing lands, data in this synthesis confirm that the adoption of improved management practices can increase soil C sequestration in the southeastern United States. In addition, because most improved management practices can also have co-benefits, they may be favorable for forage and livestock production and other ecosystem services.
{"title":"Opportunities to increase soil carbon sequestration in grazing lands in the southeastern United States","authors":"Maria L. Silveira, Priscila Junia Rodrigues da Cruz, Joao Mauricio Bueno Vendramini, Elizabeth Boughton, Rosvel Bracho, Abmael da Silva Cardoso","doi":"10.1002/glr2.12074","DOIUrl":"10.1002/glr2.12074","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Background</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Grazing lands provide numerous ecosystem services, including the capacity to store large amounts of soil carbon (C); however, our understanding of the factors affecting soil C responses to management is inadequate.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this paper, we synthesized information about the impacts of grazing land management on soil C within the southeastern region of the United States.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Most studies (68%) demonstrated that proper management increased soil C stocks with an average C accumulation rate of 1.4 Mg C ha<sup>−1</sup> year<sup>−1</sup>. The remaining (32%) studies showed no effect of management on soil C. None of the studies reported negative impacts of management on soil C. The largest increase in soil C (8 Mg C ha<sup>−1</sup> year<sup>−1</sup>) was associated with the conversion of cropland to pastureland while overseeding legumes into grass pastures resulted in the lowest C sequestration rates (0.2 Mg C ha<sup>−1</sup> year<sup>−1</sup>).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Considering the rates of soil C accretion and the extensive area occupied by grazing lands, data in this synthesis confirm that the adoption of improved management practices can increase soil C sequestration in the southeastern United States. In addition, because most improved management practices can also have co-benefits, they may be favorable for forage and livestock production and other ecosystem services.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":100593,"journal":{"name":"Grassland Research","volume":"3 1","pages":"69-78"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/glr2.12074","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140227872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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