Grassland Research最新文献

The XXV International Grassland Congress was held in Covington, Kentucky, USA, May 14–19, 2023. The theme of the conference was Grassland for Soil, Animal, and Human Health. More than 400 presentations were delivered to an estimated audience of 650 delegates from more than 50 countries. Here, we outline the general themes presented, as well as a few specific details from some presentations that were invited plenary and keynote speeches. In addition, a select few presentations have now been published in a virtual special issue of Grassland Research—https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/toc/10.1002/(ISSN)2770-1743.xxv-igc-vi.

Grasslands are essential to ruminant livestock, biodiversity, and a wide range of ecosystem services. This conference brought together scientists, professionals, policymakers, and citizens to share knowledge for making well-educated decisions now and into the future. Our collective health depends on a healthy environment, and it was the aim of the International Grassland Congress that scientific inquiry would translate into better human, livestock, ecological, and soil health conditions well into the future.

The first International Grassland Congress was held in Leipzig, Germany in 1927, a gathering of 16 scientists from six European countries seeking ways to improve grassland agriculture. With this humble beginning, interest in the science of grassland agriculture has grown. The International Grassland Congress now has become the ultimate destination for those interested in the science and ecology of grassland agriculture, policy issues, sociological impacts, and much more. Digital technology has brought the diversity of interested parties closer, and yet, the International Grassland Congress continues to provide a unique forum for face-to-face connections, serendipitous interactions, and intentional networking. Participants of past congresses have learned in depth about research issues, developed collaborations, and shared best-practice strategies. Our common cause of improving life on Earth has been and continues to be strengthened through these interactions.

Three internationally recognized plenary speakers reviewed the foundations of grassland agriculture and offered ideas for the future. Prof. Richard Bardgett from the University of Manchester focused on soil biodiversity for soil health. Mixed plant communities with diverse root systems can resist drought through soil microbial mediation (Bardgett & Caruso, 2020). Dr. Sara Place from Colorado State University reflected on animal health from a sustainability context. The status quo is unlikely to meet the challenges of the coming decades, and therefore, investment in research and development for sustainable ruminant systems will be required (Place, 2024). Dr. Frédéric Leroy argued for an alternative view of grasslands and human health. Currently, in the United States, the business-as-usual perspective

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) is one of the primary perennial forages in the southeastern USA. Newer hybrid cultivars have superior production and nutritive value compared to common ecotypes. However, there are many challenges facing bermudagrass production in the region. First, the bermudagrass stem maggot (BSM; Atherigona reversura Villeneuve) has severely damaged bermudagrass throughout the region. Strategically timed pyrethroid applications significantly reduce adult BSM populations, but efforts are needed to develop integrated pest management plans. Second, an increasing number of producers are noting challenges with green-up following winter dormancy. This may be attributed to disease, unbalanced soil fertility, and weed pressure. Perhaps one of the most limiting factors for continued production is the deficit of sprigs and trained personnel to sprig hybrid bermudagrasses. This research is critically important as the need for cold-tolerant bermudagrass is increasing as tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S. J. Darbyshire) is declining due to changes in temperature and precipitation throughout the northern parts of the region. Plant breeders are investigating hybrid bermudagrass at latitudes >35° with respect to freeze or cold tolerance. Despite the many challenges facing hybrid bermudagrass in the southeastern USA, researchers are working to ensure its persistence, productivity, and availability for the future.

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.