Forage herbs improve mineral composition of grassland herbage

Provision of an adequate mineral supply in the diets of ruminants fed mainly on grassland herbage can present a challenge if mineral concentrations are suboptimal for animal nutrition. Forage herbs may be included in grassland seed mixtures to improve herbage mineral content, although there is limited information about mineral concentrations in forage herbs. To determine whether herbs have greater macro‐ and micromineral concentrations than forage legumes and grasses, we conducted a 2‐year experiment on a loamy‐sand site in Denmark sown with a multi‐species mixture comprised of three functional groups (grasses, legumes and herbs). Herb species included chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), caraway (Carum carvi L.) and salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor L.). We also investigated the effect of slurry application on the macro‐ and micromineral concentration of grasses, legumes and herbs. In general, herbs had greater concentrations of the macrominerals P, Mg, K and S and the microminerals Zn and B than grasses and legumes. Slurry application indirectly decreased Ca, S, Cu and B concentrations of total herbage because of an increase in the proportion of mineral‐poor grasses. Our study indicates that including herbs in forage mixtures is an effective way of increasing mineral concentrations in herbage.     

Effects of functional groups and species richness on biomass constituents relevant for combustion: results from a grassland diversity experiment

Grassland biomass has been identified as a potential energy source. The combustion of mature and fibrous biomass, as occurs in extensive grasslands managed with low cutting frequencies, is one possible conversion technique. This study tested the relationship between plant diversity and biomass constituents relevant for combustion, as they determine energy content, energy yield and emission and corrosion risks. The biomass from a biodiversity experiment, with a species richness (SR) gradient of 1–60 species from Central European mesophilic grasslands divided into four functional groups (grasses, legumes, small and tall herbs), was harvested twice a year (in 2008 and 2009). The higher heating value (HHV) was estimated from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen contents to give insight into the energy potential of the species mixtures. The potential risk of emission and corrosion was assessed by analysing ash content, potassium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogen, sulphur and chloride content. HHV was independent of SR, and the overall mean was 18·13 MJ kg^?1 DM. Biomass and gross energy (GE) yield were positively affected by SR. The presence of legumes in a mixture resulted in increased HHV, biomass yield and GE, irrespective of the level of SR. Annual GE varied between 59 (average of monocultures) and 152 GJ ha^?1 year^?1 (mixture of sixty species). The concentration of ash‐forming elements was generally high, suggesting a pre‐treatment of the biomass prior to combustion. Emission‐ and corrosion‐related constituents were clearly affected by the different functional groups, and sulphur and nitrogen both declined with SR. The results of this study show that high SR in experimental grassland communities is beneficial for the energy output and that legumes play a key role for the energy potential. However, identifying a functional group as being solely beneficial or disadvantageous for fuel quality was difficult.     

Chemical composition and in vitro total gas and methane production of forage species from the Mid Rift Valley grasslands of Ethiopia

There is increasing interest in sustainable land use in the tropics to optimize animal production while also reducing methane (CH₄) emissions, but information on nutritive value and CH₄‐emission potential of tropical forage species is limited. Samples of 24 grasses and five other forages were collected during the main rainy season on randomly positioned quadrats in semi‐arid grassland in the Mid Rift Valley of Ethiopia. Samples were pooled by species, analysed for chemical composition and incubated with rumen fluid to determine total gas and CH₄‐emission potentials using a fully automated in vitro gas production apparatus. Organic matter digestibility (OMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) contents were calculated from chemical composition and gas production data. Large variability was observed among forages for all nutritional variables considered. The grasses Eleusine multiflora, Pennisetum stramineum, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Eragrostis aspera, Cenchrus ciliaris and Eragrostis cilianensis showed relatively high OMD (68–72%) and ME values (9·1–10·2 MJ kg^?1 dry matter). Melinis repens, E. multiflora and the non‐legume forb Zaleya pentandra showed relatively low CH₄ to total gas ratios; these species may have potential for use in low CH₄‐emission forage diets. Acacia tortilis fruits had high content of crude protein and moderate ME values, and may be an ideal feed supplement for the grazing ruminant. Sodium content was below the recommended level for ruminants in all the forage species. Overall, the pasture stand during the main growing season was evaluated as having moderate nutritional quality.     

Contribution of Medicago sativa to the productivity and nutritive value of forage in semi‐arid grassland pastures

The inclusion of legumes in semi‐arid native grasslands may promote the productivity and nutritive value of forage. This study was designed to assess the effect of legumes (the introduced legume Medicago sativa or the native legume Dalea purpurea) and soil P fertility (addition of 0, 50, or 200 P₂O₅ kg/ha at seeding) on the dry matter and nutrient content of native grasses mixtures, compared with the commonly used introduced forage grass Bromus biebersteinii grown with M. sativa. Plant harvests were performed in September 2008, July 2009 and September 2009. Plants nutrient content, δ¹⁵N value and dry matter were analysed. Results show that the M. sativa enhanced the N and P concentrations of native grass mixtures early in the summer, as well as the N concentration in Bouteloua gracilis in late summer of the driest year, 2009. The higher AM fungal diversity promoted by M. sativa was positively correlated with the dry matter and nitrogen uptake of M. sativa and with the P concentration of native grasses, in early summer. Overall, this study shows that M. sativa promoted beneficial AM fungal taxa and improved forage production in the semi‐arid prairies.     

Variability in grass forage quality and quantity in response to elevated CO2 and water limitation

Global climate change is expected to alter carbon dioxide concentration ([CO₂]) and water availability, with uncertain impacts on agriculture. Forage quality and quantity in grazing systems are of particular concern because C₃ and C₄ plants respond differently to altered environmental conditions. In a growth chamber, we compared crude protein content, biomass recovery and total crude protein across a set of perennial C₃ and C₄ grasses from the northern U.S. Great Plains under elevated [CO₂] and simulated drought. Simulated 95% confidence intervals indicate both C₃ and C₄ grasses increased forage quality and quantity under elevated [CO₂]. C₄ grasses were generally resistant to water limitation while forage quality and quantity of C₃ grasses declined under simulated drought. Our results are consistent with literature on forage quantity responses to elevated [CO₂] and drought, but forage quality responses contradict expectations. We suggest measuring plant functional traits might better elucidate response mechanisms and ameliorate methodological differences even if traits are not directly applicable to grazing management.     

Interactions between elevated atmospheric CO2 and defoliation on North American rangeland plant species at low and high N availability

Although common disturbances of grazing lands like plant defoliation are expected to affect their sensitivity to increasing atmospheric CO₂ concentration, almost no research has been conducted to evaluate how important such effects might be on the direct responses of rangelands to CO₂. This growth chamber experiment subjected intact plant–soil cylinders from a Wyoming, USA, prairie to a 3‐way factorial of CO₂ (370 vs. 720 μL L^?1), defoliation (non‐clipped vs. clipped) and soil nitrogen (control vs. 10 g m^?2 added N) under simulated natural climatic conditions. Above‐ and below‐ground biomass and N dynamics of the functional groups C₃ grasses, C₄ grasses and forbs were investigated. CO₂ and defoliation had independent influences on biomass and N parameters of these rangeland plants. Growth under CO₂‐enriched conditions enhanced above‐ground biomass 50% in C₃ grasses alone, while shoot N concentration declined 16% in both C₃ and C₄ grasses. Plant‐soil ¹⁵N uptake was unaffected by CO₂ treatment. In contrast, defoliation had no effect on biomass, but increased tissue N concentration 29% across all functional groups. Without additional N, forage quality, which is in direct relation to N concentration, will decline under increasing atmospheric CO₂. Increased dominance of C₃ grasses plus reduced forage quality may necessitate changes in grazing management practices in mixed‐species rangelands.     

Diversity of condensed tannin structures affects rumen in vitro methane production in sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) accessions

Sainfoin is a non‐bloating temperate forage legume with a moderate‐to‐high condensed tannin (CT) content. This study investigated whether the diversity of sainfoin accessions in terms of CT structures and contents could be related to rumen in vitro gas and methane (CH₄) production and fermentation characteristics. The aim was to identify promising accessions for future investigations. Accessions differed (P < 0·0001) in terms of total gas and CH₄ productions. Fermentation kinetics (i.e. parameters describing the shape of the gas production curve and half‐time gas production) for CH₄ production were influenced by accession (P ≤ 0·038), but not by PEG. Accession, PEG and time affected (P < 0·001) CH₄ production, but accession and PEG interaction showed only a tendency (P = 0·08). Increase in CH₄ due to PEG addition was not related to CT content. Further analysis of the relationships among multiple traits (nutritional composition, CT structure and CH₄ production) using principal component analysis (PCA) based on optimally weighted variables revealed differences among accessions. The first two principal component axes, PC1 (57·6%) and PC2 (18·4%), explained 76·0% of the total variation among accessions. Loading of biplots derived from both PCAs made it possible to establish a relationship between the ratio of prodelphinidin:procyanidin (PD:PC) tannins and CH₄ production in some accessions. The PD:PC ratio seems to be an important source of variation that is negatively related to CH₄ production. These results suggested that sainfoin accessions collected from across the world exhibited substantial variation in terms of their effects on rumen in vitro CH₄ production, revealing some promising accessions for future investigations.     

CO2 fertilization does not affect biomass production and nutritive value of a C4 tropical grass in short timeframe

Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) is a consequence of recent anthropogenic environmental changes, and few studies have evaluated its effects on tropical grasses used in Brazilian pastures, the main feed source for major part of ruminant livestock. This study evaluated forage production, chemical composition, in vitro total gas production and organic matter degradability of Brachiaria brizantha under contrasting CO₂ atmospheric conditions in a free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) facility. The forage plants were sown in each of the 12 octagonal rings of the FACE facility: six under ambient atmospheric CO₂ concentration of approximately 390 μmol/mol, hereafter referred to as control (CON) plots, and other six rings enriched with pure CO₂ flux to achieve a target CO₂ concentration of 550 μmol/mol, hereafter called elevated CO₂ (eCO₂) plots. Soil samples were collected to determine carbon and nitrogen concentrations. After seventy days of sowing, a standardization cutting was performed and then at regular intervals of 21 days the forage was harvested (ten harvest dates) and forwarded to laboratorial analyses. Forage above‐ground biomass production (dry matter (DM): 6,143 vs. 6,554 kg/ha), as well as morphological characteristics (leaves: 71% vs. 68%; stem: 28% vs. 31%), chemical composition (crude protein: 162.9 vs. 161.8; neutral detergent fibre: 663.8 vs. 664.3; acid detergent fibre: 369.5 vs. 381; lignin: 60.1 vs. 64.1 g/kg DM; total C: 45.9 vs. 45.9; total N: 2.8 vs. 2.8; total S: 0.2% vs. 0.2%), organic matter in vitro degradability (573.5 vs. 585.3 g/kg), methane (5.7 vs. 4.3 ml/g DM) and total gas (128.3 vs. 94.5 ml/g DM) production did not differ significantly between CON and eCO₂ treatments (p > .05). The results indicated that at least under short‐term enrichment, B. brizantha was not affected by eCO₂.     

Seasonal dynamics of bioenergy characteristics in grassland functional groups

Semi‐natural grasslands (SNG) are considered as bioenergy resources, either for combustion or for biogas production. To provide information on the seasonal (June–August) dynamics of herbage quantity and chemical composition, we studied the effects of factors on the proportions of four plant functional groups, chemical composition and total biomass yield at twelve sites representing three Estonian SNG types. Biomass yield increased only in alluvial meadows with the largest contribution of sedges/rushes (39%). Grasses dominated in dry‐to‐mesic meadows (62%) and other forbs in wooded meadows (55%). Concentration of fibre was highest in grasses and sedges/rushes (682 and 645 g NDF kg^?1), and lignin was highest in legumes and other forbs (103 and 113 g kg^?1). Legumes contained more C and N (447 and 25 g kg^?1) and grasses more Cl (1 g kg^?1). The highest concentrations of Mg, K and ash were in other forbs (4, 18 and 80 g kg^?1), and Ca in legumes (16 g kg^?1). The results are discussed in the context of suitability of different functional groups and SNG types for bioenergy conversion. Grasses and sedge‐/rush‐rich biomass are considered suitable for methane production. Biomass harvesting in July and minimizing the problems with N and Cl during combustion need to be considered. Forb‐rich biomass should be pre‐treated before direct combustion.     

Effects of including bioactive legumes in grass silage on digestion parameters,nitrogen balance and methane emissions in sheep

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of feeding sheep with silage mixtures containing bioactive legumes on intake and digestive parameters. The bioactive legumes used were sainfoin (SF, Onobrychis viciifolia) and red clover (RC, Trifolium pratense), which contain condensed tannins (CT) and polyphenol oxidase respectively. Five treatments were assigned to two groups of sheep according to a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square design. The five types of silages tested were, on a dry matter (DM) basis: pure timothy grass silage (Phleum pratense, control, T), three binary mixtures of T‐SF, T‐RC and RC‐SF (500 g/kg each) and a ternary mixture of T‐RC‐SF (500, 250 and 250 g/kg respectively). The daily voluntary DM intake of silage mixtures containing both SF and RC was greater than for pure T silage, while the presence of SF resulted in lower organic matter digestibility compared to pure T. The rumen disappearance rate measured in situ increased linearly with the presence of SF and RC in silage. The nitrogen (N) digestibility was greater for pure T and T‐RC than for T‐SF, and the amount of N retained daily by the animals was greater for RC‐containing silages than for T and T‐SF. The methane (CH₄) yield was greater for pure T than for the silage mixtures containing SF. We conclude that the presence of RC in silage could boost performances through intake and N retention, while SF‐based mixtures appear to have reduced negative environmental impacts through the reduction of CH₄ emissions.     

Comparison of feed intake,body weight gain,enteric methane emission and relative abundance of rumen microbes in steers fed sainfoin and lucerne silages under western Canadian conditions

Beef cattle are major contributors of enteric methane (CH₄) emissions in Canada. Feeding forages containing condensed tannins (CT) has been suggested as a means of reducing enteric CH₄ emissions and improving production efficiency. Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) is one of the CT‐containing legumes, which has also been recognized to have several additional beneficial properties. This study compared sainfoin silage (SS) and lucerne (Medicago sativa) silage (LS) with respect to animal performance, enteric CH₄ production, abundance of selected rumen microbes and selected serum parameters in yearling steers during a Canadian winter. Sainfoin silage in our study contained approximately 12 g CT kg^?1 dry matter (DM), a level which did not adversely affect silage palatability as steers fed SS experienced higher DM intake. However, animals fed LS and SS had similar body weight gain over the course of the trial. Feeding SS resulted in lower blood urea nitrogen concentrations and relative abundance of methanogenic archaea in rumen fluid. Yet, microbial population shifts fell short of exerting significant influence on enteric CH₄ emissions. This study suggests that under western Canadian growing and animal‐rearing conditions, sainfoin is not yet competitive with lucerne forage with respect to enteric CH₄ emissions or animal productivity warranting further research and development.     

Phenotyping of Urochloa humidicola grass hybrids for agronomic and environmental performance in the Piedmont region of the Orinoquian savannas of Colombia

In the low fertility acid soils of the Orinoquian savannas of Colombia, Urochloa humidicola cv. Tully or Humidicola is one of the most widely planted tropical forage grasses for improving livestock productivity. Low nutritional quality of this grass limits sustainable livestock production in this region. In this study, we conducted a phenotypic evaluation under field and greenhouse conditions of one of the first hybrid populations of U. humidicola generated from the forage breeding program of CIAT. Our objective was to identify a set of new hybrids of U. humidicola that combine improved productivity and nutritional quality plus the biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) trait/ability to reduce nitrogen (N) losses via leaching and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. To this end, we tested 118 hybrids (planted in pots) in the greenhouse for over 6 months and measured potential nitrification rates (NR) using soil microcosm incubation. NR values observed ranged from 0.27 to 5.75 mg N-NO₃⁻ kg soil⁻¹ day⁻¹. Later, 12 hybrids with different levels of NR were selected and field-tested in the Orinoquia region over a 4 years period (2013–2017) for dry matter production, nutrition quality (crude protein, in vitro digestibility and fibres content) and NR in each year. In the rainy season of 2018, two hybrids with superior agronomic performance and contrasting field level NR (Uh08/1149 and 0450) were subjected to analysis of soil-borne N₂O emissions after fertilization during 13 days. The NR values recorded were not directly correlated with the forage quality parameters evaluated, however, the two grasses with the lowest NR values were among those with the highest biomass production, crude protein content, and N uptake. The grass hybrid Uh08/1149 and the germplasm accession CIAT 16888 were found as materials with superior forage value, with production of 14.1 and 14.6 tons dry matter ha⁻¹ year⁻¹ (up to 8% higher than the cv. Tully), crude protein of 11.5 and 9.1% per cut (up to 20% higher than the cv. Tully), and N uptake of 31.6 and 25.7 kg N ha⁻¹ cut⁻¹ (up to 30% higher than the cv. Tully). Additionally, these two grasses are likely to exhibit high-BNI ability, with potential to improve N use efficiency in managed pastures.     

Changes in soil organic carbon pools in a long‐term trial with perennial fodder crops in acid soils of north‐east India

Efficient estimation of soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital for understanding and monitoring the effect of perennial fodder crops in conserving SOC. In subtropical regions, there is limited information on SOC accumulation and its allocation into different pools under long‐term grasses and legumes. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of SOC in a 20‐year‐old field trial with seven perennial grass species and a legume in a Typic Paleudalf soil under subtropical climate in north‐east India by analysing oxidizable organic C (C_oc) and its fractions of very labile (C_VL), labile (C_L), less labile (C_LL) and non‐labile (C_NL), microbial biomass C (C_mic) and mineralizable C (C_min). Growing perennial fodder crops increased SOC in the 0–0.60 m soil depth from 19.9%–39.6% compared with the conventional cultivation with maize (Zea mays). The relative efficacy of the fodder species to SOC accumulation was Setaria sphacelata = Brachieria rosenesis > Panicum maximum cv. Makunia = Arachis pintoi > Panicum maximum cv. Hamil > Paspalam conjugalum = Pennisetum purpureum > Thysanolaena maxima. Among the analysed fractions, C_VL, C_L, C_LL and C_mic were influenced most by the fodder crops and the active pools (C_VL+C_L) constituted 71.6% of the SOC. The results indicate that under the tested subtropical climate, soil under perennial grasses and legumes conserves organic C and that most of the SOC is in labile pools of short residence time.     

Effect of soya bean oil supplementation and forage type on methane production and fibre digestibility using the in vitro gas production system

We aimed to evaluate the effect of soya bean oil (SBO) supplementation with different forages on in vitro gas production kinetics, methane (CH₄) emissions and potentially digestible neutral detergent fibre (pdNDF) digestibility (IVpdNDFD). Samples of whole‐crop maize silage (MS; Zea mays), sugarcane (SC; Saccharum sp.), perennial ryegrass (RG; Lolium perenne), guinea grass (GG; Panicum maximum) and palisadegrass (PG; Brachiaria brizantha) were incubated with three concentrations of SBO (0, 30 and 60 g/kg of dry matter). The interaction between forage species and SBO inclusion affected molar proportion of acetate, acetate‐to‐propionate ratio, asymptotic gas and IVpdNDFD. Acetate‐to‐propionate ratio numerically decreased from 3.56 to 3.44 and 3.77 to 3.56 for MS and SC respectively. Soya bean oil inclusion at 60 g/kg DM decreased 21.2% and 12.9% of IVpdNDFD for MS and SC respectively. Soya bean oil increase did not affect IVpdNDFD for RG, GG and PG. Soya bean oil inclusion decreased quadratically the asymptotic gas (294–265 ml/g OM) for MS and increased linearly (275–283 ml/g OM) for GG. Lower and greater CH₄ production was observed for RG and SC respectively. Methane production decreased quadratically by SBO increase. Soya bean oil inclusion linearly decreased CH₄ concentration in total gas at 48 hr of incubation from 133 to 128 ml/L. In conclusion, MS and SC are more sensitive to adverse effects of SBO supplementation from 30 to 60 g/kg DM on rumen fermentation when compared to RG, GG and PG.     

Forage legumes in grass pastures in tropical Brazil and likely impacts on greenhouse gas emissions: A review

Beef cattle producers seldom use fertilizers for their pastures in tropical regions of Brazil. Slowly, this is changing but because of the need for repeated applications, N fertilizer is rarely applied. The introduction of a forage legume is an appropriate solution for this problem, but until recently adoption has been very low as the legumes generally have not persisted in the sward. We report research on how grazing management can affect the persistence of stoloniferous legumes in pastures of Brachiaria spp. and the problems of establishing and maintaining crown-forming legumes such as Stylosanthes spp. With suitable management, milk or bovine carcass yields can be equal or greater from mixed than from grass-alone pastures fertilized with 120 or 150 kg Nha^-1 year⁻¹. In addition to savings in CO₂ emissions from fossil fuels for the production and distribution of N fertilizers, nitrous oxide emissions from cattle excreta and legume residues are lower than those from N-fertilized brachiaria grass monocultures. Other studies indicate that enteric methane emissions from cattle may be mitigated when forage legumes are included in their diet. The use of forage legumes in mixed pastures for tropical regions is emerging as a feasible strategy to keep meat and milk production at acceptable levels with reduced greenhouse gas emission rates.     

Forage chain arrangement for sustainable livestock systems in a Mediterranean area

Mediterranean forage systems suffer from limited availability of fresh forage because of water deficits and extreme temperatures. Consequently, fresh forage is unavailable for at least 6–7 months a year, and farmers must buy feed to support livestock production. With the aim of overcoming these limitations, a 2‐year trial was conducted on three distinct sites in Sicily (at 10, 600 and 1200 m elevation) with thirty‐four varieties of forage species belonging to nine biennial/perennial and thirteen annual species. Results showed that by integrating grasses and legumes, species from environments with different climatic conditions enable the season of forage production to be extended from mid‐April to mid‐November. Quality traits of forage in different areas varied in relation to species and varieties. In general, the sown‐forage quality was better than in pastures and fallows in the same areas commonly used to feed animals. This also leads to a reduction in the use of supplementary feeds. Among the tested species, Lolium multiflorum and Medicago sativa emerged as the most promising for filling the forage‐deficit periods, and Trifolium spp. and Vicia sativa were found to be superior for increasing forage quality. The results are discussed in the context of adapting Mediterranean forage supplies for ensuring greater sustainability of livestock production in mountain, hill and plain areas. The proposed forage chain arrangement represents part of local potential adaptation to climate limitations and climate change.     

In vitro fermentation patterns and methane production of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) hay with different condensed tannin contents

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is a perennial legume recently reappraised for some positive characteristics leading to highly satisfactory animal performance. Sainfoin’s characteristics may be partly explained by the presence of moderate levels of condensed tannins (CTs) able to protect dietary protein from microbial degradation in the rumen. Decreased CH₄ emissions have been reported for ruminants consuming CT‐containing forage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CT content on the in vitro fermentation characteristics and kinetics and methane production of four samples of O. viciifolia cut at different phenological stages. Sainfoin hays and one sample of alfalfa hay were incubated at 39°C in anaerobiosis using the in vitro gas production technique. The chemical composition, tannin content and fermentation characteristics and kinetics of sainfoin samples were significantly affected by phenological stage. After 48 h, the CH₄ production in sainfoin hays showed a tendency to increase with the advancement of phenological stage [from 38·6 to 49·8 mL g⁻¹ of degraded organic matter (OM)]. The best period to cut sainfoin for hay making is between early and late flowering, when the forage combines high OM digestibility, low CH₄ production and more efficient microbial fermentation.     

Effects of shrub encroachment on herbage production and nutritive value in semi-arid Mediterranean grasslands

There is limited information on the effects of the increase in the density of shrubs on herbage production and nutritive value of natural grasslands in the Mediterranean region, currently facing major land use changes. Herbage production of drymatter (herbaceous fractions, of plant functional groups and by species), crude protein (CP), neutral‐detergent fibre (NDF), acid‐detergent fibre (ADF), acid‐detergent lignin (ADL) and hemicellulose concentrations and in vitro organic matter digestibility were determined at the time of peak of annual growth across four types of grassland vegetation each characterized by different shrub cover regimes. A sharp reduction in herbage production and a reduction in nutritive value were found as a result of the increase in shrub cover. These changes appeared to be closely related to the shift in plant functional groups detected as shrub density increased. Herbage production from grasses and legumes was found to be more sensitive to shrub cover changes than herbage production from forbs, whereas, as grassland types became denser, annual species were gradually replaced by perennials and C₄ grasses by C₃ ones. The impact of shrub encroachment on Mediterranean grasslands is discussed in relation to their use by livestock.     

Biomass from landscape management of grassland used for biogas production: effects of harvest date and silage additives on feedstock quality and methane yield

Biogas production from grassland biomass harvested during landscape management may help to maintain species‐rich grassland biotopes, but extensive management and late harvests often result in low‐quality biomass. Biogas production from the vegetation of Alopecuretum pratensis, Molinietum caeruleae and Caricetum gracilis, three typical grassland biotopes in north German nature reserves, was investigated in relation to harvest date. In addition, the A. pratensis vegetation was investigated for ensiling and the application of bacterial silage additives. Results indicate that biogas production might be a reasonable utilization pathway for grassland biomass from landscape management if the first cut occurs up to late summer. Methane yields of grassland biomass decreased substantially with later harvest, from up to 309 l_N kg^?1 organic dry matter (ODM) in May to below 60 l_N kg^?1 ODM in February, in correlation with increasing crude fibre contents. Caricetum gracilis vegetation was the least suitable feedstock for biogas production. It showed a rapid decline in methane yields with later harvest and 25% lower methane yields compared with other types of grassland vegetation. Application of silage additives is recommended for adequate preservation of grassland biomass from landscape management by ensiling. Addition of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria improved acidification during ensiling if sufficient fermentable sugar was available. The use of inoculant and molasses enhanced methane yields by 3–55%. Additional carbohydrate source is necessary to ensure proper ensilage when grasses are harvested after late autumn.     

Establishment techniques affect productivity,nutritive value and atmospheric N2 fixation of two sunn hemp cultivars

Nitrogen fertilization is a common practice for sustaining forage production in forage systems in southeastern United States. Warm-season annual legumes may be an alternative forage to warm-season perennial grasses that do not require N fertilization. Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) is a fast-growing, warm-season annual legume native to India and Pakistan. The objective of this 2-year study was to assess the herbage accumulation (HA), atmospheric N₂ fixation (ANF) and nutritive value of sunn hemp. Treatments were the factorial arrangement of two sunn hemp cultivars (“Crescent Sun” and “Blue Leaf”), three seeding rates (17, 28 and 39 kg seed/ha) and seed inoculation (inoculated or non-inoculated seeds), distributed in a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Crescent sun had greater HA (3,218 vs. 1764 kg DM/ha) and ANF (41 vs. 25 kg N/ha). Blue leaf had greater crude protein (CP) (188 vs. 176 g/kg) and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) concentrations (564 vs. 531 g/kg) than crescent sun. Non-inoculated seed had greater CP than inoculated seed, 188 and 177 g/kg, respectively, and inoculation did not affect HA. Intermediate seeding rate (28 kg/ha) decreased HA (2002 kg DM/ha), while HA from high and low seeding rates (17 and 39 kg/ha, respectively) did not differ (2,863 and 2,615 kg DM/ha respectively). Planting non-inoculated crescent sun at 17 kg/ha seeding rate is a feasible management practice to produce sunn hemp in subtropical regions; however, inoculation should always be recommended for proper establishment.