In vitro digestibility and crude protein and mineral concentrations of guinea grass accessions in a humid tropical region of Puerto rico

Abstract

The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content and mineral composition of ten Panicum maximum accessions were compared between seasons in Puerto Rico and evaluated in relation to grazing ruminants requirements. On short days, PRPI 13605 was superior (P<0.05) in IVOMD to all the other accessions. In terms of the CP content, accession PRPI 3634 was above 11% in both seasons, however, without differing (P>0.05) from most accessions. The mean macroelement content of the accessions was generally adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of Na and Mg. Phosphorus was less than the critical concentration (0.25%) for one‐half of the accessions in the short day season and 2 of 10 for the long day season. For all samples, Mn was high and Fe was generally adequate in relation to ruminant requirements. Most all samples contained deficient concentrations of Co, Cu, Se, and Zn. Forage Mo concentrations, therefore, did not result in conditioned Cu deficiencies. In this context, it is probable that Na, Se, Cu, Co, Zn, and perhaps Mg, will be needed even if intensive fertilization is practiced in the humid tropical region of Puerto Rico.     

In Vitro digestibility,crude protein content,and mineral concentrations of cynodon,brachiarin, and digitaria accessions in a humid tropical region of Puerto Rico

Abstract

The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content, and mineral composition of 11 grasses were compared between seasons in Puerto Rico and evaluated in relation to grazing ruminant requirements. Digitaria eriantha was the highest in IVOMD for both seasons, being higher (P<0.05) than 6 of 10 forages in the long‐day season and 4 of 10 in the shortday season. No differences (P>0.05) in CP content were observed among accessions at both seasons. Mean macroelement content of the accessions was generally adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg). Forage microelement concentrations of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were generally under the grazing ruminant requirements for the accessions evaluated during both seasons. Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) content were high in relation to requirements, especially during the short‐day season. Molybdenum (Mo) was not in excess for the accessions evaluated. The Zn concentrations were similar to the results reported from other experiments with higher fertilization levels. The selenium (Se) concentrations presented an apparent seasonal variation higher in the short‐day season, which is similar to other experiments with high fertilization levels.     

Variation of forage and extractable soil minerals over two grazing seasons in North Florida

Abstract

A two‐year experiment was conducted at a north Florida farm to evaluate the mineral status of bahiagrass forages and soils. Forage samples were collected every 28 d throughout the grazing season, and soils evaluated twice yearly. The minerals calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn) were uniformly below the dietary requirements for growing beef cattle in both years. Forage magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), crude protein (CP), and manganese (Mn) were generally adequate throughout the grazing season, with the exception of low P concentration at the end of the growing season for both years. Extractable soil concentrations of Ca, P, K, Mg and Zn were adequate but low in Cu. Although CP was adequate (>7.0%) throughout the grazing season, IVOMD values were relatively low. There was a general trend for forage P, K, and IVOMD to decrease (P<0.05) with time.     

Soil,forage, and serum nutrient changes as affected by deposition of volcanic sediments in northwestern nicaragua

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the mineral status of grazing cattle as affected by the eruption of the Cerro Negro Volcano in northwestern Nicaragua. A total of 14 composite soil and forage samples and 30 blood samples were collected at each collection period, before (August 1991) and after (August 1992) the volcanic eruption. Higher soil levels of calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), manganese (Mn) (P<0.01), zinc (Zn) (P<0.05), and lower organic matter (OM) (P<0.01) were found after the volcanic eruption. Phosphorus (P) was the only macromineral found deficient with 93 and 71% of the samples below a critical level before and after volcanic eruption, respectively. Forage Ca, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), P, Zn, copper (Cu), and selenium (Se) concentrations did not vary between collections. Forage crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility [(IVOMD) P<0.05], cobalt (Co), Mn, and Na (P<0.01) were lower after the eruption. Iron (Fe) was the only mineral in forages that increased (P<0.01) after the volcanic eruption. Of the six minerals evaluated in serum only Ca and Mg concentrations were higher (P<0.05) after the volcanic eruption. The macrominerals more likely to be deficient in this area are P and Mg. Trace elements most likely to limit cattle productivity are Zn, Mn, Cu, Se, and Co. Special attention should be given to supplementation of Cu, since both plant and animal tissue samples reflected a deficiency of this mineral.     

Seasonal variation of selenium,crude protein,and in vitro organic matter digestibility of Brachiaria humidicola from marajó island,brazil

Abstract

Nutritional content of Brachiaria humidicola grass in relation to crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and selenium (Se) as related to wet and dry seasons in the Amazon region of Marajó Island, Brazil, was determined. Twenty‐four samples, 12 from the dry and 12 from the wet season, were analyzed. Grass selenium concentrations were not influenced by season and the means were above the minimal requirement for beef cattle in both seasons (0.14 or 0.15 ppm). Factors other than rainfall may be involved. Crude protein concentrations were lower (P<.05) in the dry (3.5%) than in the rainy season (4.8%) and in both seasons were lower than the critical level for cattle (<7.0%). The IVOMD means were extremely low, 33.5% in the wet season and 33.6% in the dry season. These analytical values indicate that Brachiaria humidicola grown at Marajó Island has nutritional limitations for grazing buffalo and cattle production.     

Yield,in vitro digestibility,crude protein,and mineral concentration of eight Digitaria introductions in Puerto rico

Abstract

Dry matter (DM) yield, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) and mineral composition of eight Digitaria accessions were compared between long‐ and short‐day seasons in the semiarid southern region of Puerto Rico and evaluated in relation to grazing ruminant requirements. Digitaria milanjiana 6416 was consistently among the highest DM yielding accessions in both seasons. The mean IVOMD was similar in both seasons for most accessions. Concentrations of CP, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), and selenium (Se) were below the recommended levels for grazing ruminants in both seasons. This study suggests the need for livestock mineral supplementation, even under conditions of high pasture fertilization (NPK) and forage‐growing conditions in the semiarid southern region of Puerto Rico.     

Agronomic comparison of six bermudagrasses from Southern United States with five tropical grasses in central Puerto Rico

The dry matter yield (DMY), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and crude protein (CP) content of eleven grasses were studied during the years 1992 to 1994 under mob grazing conditions. Offered and consumed dry forage do not differ significantly (P<0.05) among the highest yielding accessions Cynodon nlenfuensis PRPI 2341, Cynodon plectostachium PRPI 11487, and Cynodon dactylon cv. Tifton 85. However, the commercial Cynodon nlenfuensis PRPI 2341 was consistently the highest yielding accession both years. Among the other grasses, Digitaria eriantha showed the lowest levels of refused dry forage, thus presenting the best forage acceptability by grazing animals. Digitaria eriantha also showed the highest levels of IVOMD in both the short and the long day seasons. It is concluded that none of the evaluated Cynodon dactylon accessions from southern United Sates, nor the digitaria and brachiaria species adapted better than the commercial accession Cynodon nlenfuensis PRPI 2341. Warm‐season perennial grasses are grown extensively in the southeastern United States. Among the grasses, one of the most widely grown is from the species Cynodon dactylon, commonly named bermudagrass (Eichhorn, 1984). The choice of a bermudagrass cultivar for establishment of pastures is an important decision for cattlemen seeking high weight gains of stocker steers throughout the warm grazing season of the southern United States (Greene et al., 1989). Selection of improved bermudagrass hybrids has dramatically increased forage yield over that of common bermudagrass. Improved forage quality has also resulted in improved performance of grazing animals fed harvested hybrid bermudagrass forage (Gates et al., 1989). Reports on average daily weight gains (ADG) of yearling steers grazing different bermudagrass hybrids varied between 0.68 to 0.79 kg animal^‐1 day^‐1 during the summer season of southern Louisiana (Faw et al., 1986). Hill et al. (1993) in Tifton, GA, found yearling ADG of 0.67 and 0.65 kg animal^‐1 day^‐1 for the recent bermudagrass releases Tifton 85 and Tifton 78, respectively. Forage quality dry matter yield and grazing performance support the hypothesis that Tifton 85 will likely become an important hay and grazing forage for the southern United States. In Puerto Rico, Cynodon nlenfuensis PRPI 2341 (stargrass) is at present the grass cultivar most frequently grown on dairy farms (Ramos‐Santana and Randel, 1996). Yearly ADG of 0.59 kg animal^‐1 day^‐1 has been reported for young steers grazing stargrass in the humid tropical zone of Puerto Rico (Vicente‐Chandler et al., 1983). At Ona, FL, lower ADG of 0.54 kg has also been obtained with stargrass (Mislevy, 1989). The objective of this paper is to compare the agronomic performance (dry matter yield and quality) of six of the most outstanding bermudagrass hybrids from the southern United States, with five tropical grasses from the cynodon, brachiaria, and digitaria genera under the tropical conditions of central Puerto Rico.     

Mineral Concentrations of Cool Season Pasture Forages in North Florida During Winter-Spring Grazing Season. I. Macrominerals and Forage Organic Constituents

Two experimental late fall-winter-spring grazing studies, each lasting two years, were conducted at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), Marianna, Florida to evaluate the organic constituents and macromineral concentrations of annual cool season pasture forages grazed by growing beef cattle. Eight 1.32 ha fenced pastures or paddocks were divided into two pasture land preparation/planting methods, four pastures for the sod seeding treatments and four for the prepared seedbed treatments. These pastures were planted with two different forage combinations: rye/oats mix with or without ryegrass for the first two years (Study 1), and oats with ryegrass or ryegrass only for the last two years (Study 2). Each of the four forage/land preparation combination treatments was assigned to two pastures each year, thereby giving two replicates per year. Forage samples were collected at the start of grazing and twice monthly thereafter until the end of grazing season for each year, pooled by month, and were analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). Blood plasma samples were also collected from the tester cattle during the spring season of year 2 of Study 2 and were analyzed for Ca, P, and Mg. Month differences were observed in forage concentrations of P and K (P < 0.0001), and Mg (P < 0.05) in both studies, Ca (P < 0.01) in Study 1 only, and Na (P < 0.05) only in Study 2. Year affected P, K, and Mg concentrations in Study 1 and Ca, P, and Na concentrations in Study 2. In Study 2, forage type by month interactions on Ca, K, and Mg concentrations were noticed (P < 0.01). Forage Ca was lower (P < 0.05) than the critical level for all months from the oat plus ryegrass pastures, and for early winter months and late spring months from ryegrass only pasture. Forage Na concentrations were consistently low throughout the grazing season and unaffected by forage type or land cultivation methods used in both studies. Low Mg concentrations of both forage types in Study 2 (also with high K concentrations) were indicative of a potential risk of grass tetany (hypomagnesemia) for grazing ruminants. Forage DM yields were highly variable with fluctuations among the experimental months and were found to be highest in the spring months, with decreasing yields towards the end of the grazing season in both studies (P < 0.0001). The CP concentrations were greater than the required levels and both CP and IVOMD decreased gradually by month in both studies (P < 0.0001). Normal blood plasma concentrations of Ca and P obtained were indicative of a good overall status of these minerals in the animal's body. Plasma Mg concentrations were slightly above the critical level for cattle from both forage types. In summary, the macrominerals most likely to be deficient in North Florida during the cool season would be Ca, Na, and Mg. Special attention should be given to supplementation of Mg since forages reflected a marginal deficiency of this mineral and high K concentrations were found.     

Mineral concentrations of forages and soils in Benue State,Nigeria. I. Macrominerals and forage in vitro organic matter digestibility and crude protein concentrations

Abstract

Macromineral composition of different forage species and soils and forage in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and crude protein concentrations in three agricultural zones of Benue State were studied. The zones consisted of Tiv zone (Zone A), Igala zone (Zone B), and Idoma zone (Zone C), each of which was made up of three sites. Site I was Fulani cattle migration routes across the state, site II represented grazing sites within home proximity, and site III were grazing reserves. Grazing animals were followed and forages corresponding to that consumed by them, and the corresponding soil samples were collected during the peak of the dry season (December‐January) and analyzed for nutrient composition. Forage IVOMD ranged from 21% to 79%, with values obtained in grass being lowest due to pronounced overmaturity. Only 10% of forage samples (exclusively from grasses), showed protein levels below the critical value of 7%. Most forage samples, as well as their corresponding soil samples were sufficient in calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) concentrations. Soil concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K were particularly high compared to critical requirements in all the zones studied. Approximately 94% and 76% of forages were deficient in phosphorus (P) and sodium (Na), respectively, and the deficiencies were similar in all classes of forage and sites of study for each of the zones investigated. Results of forage‐soil relationships indicated low and nonexisting correlations; therefore soil analyzes are not of great importance in the assessment of available macromineral supplies to grazing livestock. The macrominerals most needed for supplementation of grazing livestock during the dry season are P, Na, and K.     

Identification of nutritional status,emphasizing minerals,in northwestern zaire

Abstract

A study was conducted in northwestern Zaire during the beginning of the dry season (December 1994) at a specific ranch to determine the crude protein (CP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and mineral content of the principal pasture forages. This region is located in Zaire at 4°36'N latitude and 20°28'E longitude. Average rainfall is 1695 mm a year and mean monthly temperature is 25.5°C. Soils are red lateritic clays. Thirty forage samples were collected at 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐week regrowths of Imperata cylindrica and Savanna Stylosanthes (excluding 2‐week age) from low and high elevation grazing areas. Eighteen soil samples and a mineral supplement fed to cattle (primarily N'dama breeding) were collected for analysis. There were decreases (PO.05) in IVOMD as plants matured and deficiencies of protein, sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) at 4 weeks of regrowth. The mineral mixture fed to cattle provided less than 1% of the requirements for the deficient minerals. This study suggests the need for provision of a suitable free‐choice mineral supplement.     

Forage nutrient composition in the wet season in Benue state,Nigeria. I. Macrominerals and in vitro organic matter digestibility

Abstract

Seventy‐one forage samples were analyzed for their macromineral composition and forage in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) in three agricultural zones of Benue State, Nigeria. The zones consisted of Northern, Eastern, and Central zones, each of which were made up of four Local Government Areas. In each Local Government Area, grazing animals were monitored and forages corresponding to those consumed were collected during the peak of the wet season (June) and analyzed for their macromineral composition and IVOMD. Fewer number of forage samples were harvested from Northern and Eastern zones due to greater agricultural activities and infra‐structural land use which limited land space for grazing animals. Forage IVOMD ranged from 32% to 78.3% across all classes of forage and from 43.5% to 62.8% in the Local Government Areas. About 18% of total samples, exclusively from the Northern zone, showed forage IVOMD concentrations below 20%, probably resulting from grazing pressures and agricultural activities in the zone. Forages from the Northern zone were deficient in phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sodium (Na) based on their criteria of adequacy. No deficiency levels were indicated in forage calcium (Ca) or magnesium (Mg). Northern and Eastern zones were in greatest need of mineral supplementation programs.     

Mineral concentrations in leaves and stems of various forages of the Colombian paramo

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the elemental composition of two plant fractions (leaves and stems) of several forage species in three sheep farms of the paramo in Colombia. The elemental composition of the forage species, and the relationship between soil chemistry and the elemental composition of the forages were also determined. Sampling periods corresponded to the end of the rainy season (May‐June 1987), and the middle end of the dry season (February 1988). Leaves were higher (P<0.05) than stems in the following: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, molybdenum, crude protein, and IVOMD. Overall percentage of deficiencies were related to the requirements for sheep as follows: calcium (88%, 13%), phosphorus (50%, 27%), magnesium (85%, 41%), potassium (13%,3%), sodium (94%, 96%), iron (10%, 4%), copper (82%, 65%), manganese (7%, 0%), zinc (46%, 42%), cobalt (92%, 85%), selenium (77%, 65%), crude protein (45%, 8%) for stems and leaves, respectively.

Based on analyses, elemental, crude protein and IVOMD concentrations of forage species, tended to differ. Soil‐forage correlation coefficients of the same mineral for the rainy season were calcium (r = 0.81), magnesium (r = 0.89), potassium (r = 0.71), zinc (r = 0. 69). For the dry season, correlations were calcium (r = 0.61) and magnesium ( r = 0.58). Results indicated low correlation coefficients between most soil and forage elements, and that they are not of great value in assessing the elemental status of grazing sheep in the paramo.     

Mineral Concentrations of Cool Season Pasture Forages in North Florida During the Winter-Spring Grazing Season: II. Trace Minerals

Trace mineral concentrations of annual cool season pasture forages grazed by growing beef cattle during late fall-winter-spring grazing season were evaluated during two experimental cool season grazing studies, each lasting two years at the North Florida Research and Education Center (NFREC), Marianna, Florida. Eight 1.32 ha fenced pastures or paddocks were divided into two groups of pasture land preparation/planting methods, four pastures for the sod seeding treatments (SS) and four for the prepared seedbed treatments (PS). Two different pasture forages, small grains, (rye/oats mix) with or without ryegrass for the first two years (Study 1); and oats with ryegrass or ryegrass only for the last two years (Study 2) were planted in these pasture lands. Each of the four forage, type, and cultivation combination treatments was assigned to two pastures each year, thereby giving two replicates per pasture treatment per year. Forage samples were collected at the start of pasture grazing and twice monthly thereafter until the end of grazing season, pooled by month, and analyzed for copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), and selenium (Se). Liver biopsies and blood plasma samples were collected from the tester cattle only during the spring of year two of Study 2. Liver was analyzed for Cu, Fe, Mn, Co, Mo, and Se and plasma for Cu, Fe, Zn, and Se. Forage trace mineral concentrations were found to differ by month in Cu (P < 0.01), Fe and Zn (P < 0.0001) in both studies, and with Mn (P < 0.0001) in Study 2 only. Pasture forage type effects on Cu (P < 0.05), Fe and Zn (P < 0.01), and Se (P < 0.05) and forage type by month interactions on Cu and Mn (P < 0.0001), and Zn (P < 0.05) were observed in Study 2. Forage concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mo in Study 1 and Mn, Mo, and Se in Study 2 were affected (P < 0.05) by pasture land preparation/planting methods in that these minerals were found to be lower from forages of sod-seeded treatments than from those of prepared seedbed treatments. Forage Cu concentrations were lower than the minimum requirements (10 ppm, DM) for beef cattle among months in both studies. Oats-ryegrass pastures of Study 2 had surprisingly low Fe concentrations (P < 0.01) in all months of the winter-spring grazing season. Cobalt, Mn, Mo, and Se did not vary much month to month during the winter-spring grazing months. All mean forage Se concentrations were lower than the requirements (0.10 ppm, DM) for grazing beef cattle. There were no differences (P > 0.05) in mean Se values between the two studies. Liver Cu, Fe, Co, and Se concentrations were sufficient to indicate adequate status of these minerals in tester animals from both forage types. Liver concentrations of Mn and Mo were slightly low, indicating a low status or these minerals. Plasma concentrations of Cu, Fe, Se, and Zn were all above the recommended concentrations for beef cattle. In conclusion, trace minerals deficient in North Florida during the cool season were Cu, Co, and Se, and a special consideration should be given to include adequate amounts while supplementing the mineral mixtures to growing beef cattle since forage samples reflected deficient concentrations of these minerals.     

Frequency of defoliation and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on Andropogon gayanus Kunth. II. Macroelement concentrations

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in a semi‐arid region located in the State of Zulia, western part of Venezuela (10°32'N and 71°42'W, and 600 mm average annual rainfall), to evaluate ash and macroelement concentrations of Andropogon gayanus Kunth as affected by two frequencies of defoliation (every 42 and 63 days) and fertilization with three levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha^‐1‐year^‐1) and two levels of phosphorus (P) (0 and 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1#lbyear^‐1) in a factorial array using a split‐split‐plot experimental design with frequencies in the main plots, N in the sub‐plots, P in the sub‐sub‐plots, and two replications. Soil was a sandy‐loam Andisol with pH 5.5. Average soil calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and P contents were 0.6, 0.3, 0.1, and 0.17 meq#lb100 g^‐1 soil and 6 ppm, respectively. Data from six and four cuttings for the frequencies of 42 and 63 days were analyzed over the total duration of the study (252 days) as well as separately for periods with “high”; (168 days, 384 mm) and “low”; rainfall (84 days, 69 mm). In the overall analysis, forage ash content was increased (P≤0.05) by increasing the cutting interval, whereas macroelement concentrations were not affected (P>0.05). Mean Ca, P, Mg, and Na were: 0.20, 0.11, 0.10, and 0.029 with over 90% of the samples inadequate for grazing ruminants. Only mean K content (1.2%) was considered adequate. Nitrogen fertilization did not influence (P>0.05) macromineral composition. Applied P fertilizer increased (P<0.05) forage P concentration from 0.09 to 0.12% and reduced (P≤0.05) the Ca:P ratio, but within the normal range. Most macroelement concentrations in A. gayamts are extremely low, indicating the need for mineral supplementation to prevent deficiencies in ruminants consuming this species.     

Frequency of defoliation and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on Andropogon gayanus Kunth. I. Yield,crude protein content,and in vitro digestibility

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in a semi‐arid region located in the State of Zulia, western part of Venezuela (10°32'N and 71°42'W, 600 mm average annual rainfall), to evaluate dry matter (DM) yield and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and crude protein (CP) content of Andropogon gayanus Kunth as affected by three frequencies of defoliation (every 42, 63, and 84 days) and fertilization with three levels of nitrogen (N) (0, 100, and 200 kg N ha^‐1‐year^‐1) and two levels of phosphorus (P) (0 and 75 kg P₂O₅ ha^‐1.year^‐1) in a factorial array using a split‐split‐plot experimental design with frequencies in the main plots, N in the sub‐plots, and P in the sub‐subplots with three replications. Soil was a sandy loam Aridisol with a pH of 5.5. Average soil calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and P contents were 0.6, 0.3, 0.1 and 0.17 meq‐100g^‐1 soil, and 6 ppm, respectively. Data from six, four, and three cuttings for the frequencies of 42, 63, and 84 days were analyzed over the total duration of the study (252 days) as well as separately for periods with high (168 days, 384 mm) and low rainfall (84 days, 69 mm). Frequency of defoliation was the only factor that influenced (P≤0.05) the variables studied. In the overall analyses, the highest (P≤0.05) DM yield (3,656 kg#lbha^‐1.cutting^‐1) was obtained with harvests every 63 days. Mean IVOMD decreased (P≤0.05) from 54.2 to 51.7% with increasing harvest interval from 63 to 84 days, respectively. The average CP content was 7.9%. With low rainfall, mean DM yield was 2,209 kg#lbha^‐1, CP content declined (P≤0.05) from 7.5 to 3.9% as the cutting interval increased, and IVOMD decreased (P≤0.05) between 42 and 63 days. With high rainfall, the highest (P≤0.05) DM yield (4,872 kg#lbha^‐1) and IVOMD (56.5%) were found at 63 days of age. Mean CP content was 9.3%. These results confirm that A. gayanus is a highly productive forage grass. Lack of response to N and P fertilizers may be attributed partly to relatively low rainfall during the experiment, adaptation of the grass to low fertility soils, and long intervals between N applications and the next harvest.     

Seasonality of organic phosphorus mineralization in the rhizosphere of the native savanna grass, Trachypogon plumosus

Savanna ecosystems have low primary productivity, strong seasonality, and acid soils with low phosphorus (P) content. Organic P (Po) comprises around 50% of the total soil P and is plant-available only after mineralization. Rhizosphere processes mediated by plants, microorganisms and arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) are important for plant P nutrition. We studied P transformation rates, Po-fractionation, acid phosphomonoesterase activity (APA), AM status, dehydrogenase activity (DHA), and bacterial and fungal plate counts in the rhizosphere of the native dominant grass Trachypogon plumosus. We collected samples from three acid savanna soils differing in order and P content (Entisol, Vertisol and Ultisol) at Estación Experimental La Iguana (Northeastern Venezuela) during the dry, rainy and transitional seasons over a 2-year-period. Less available Po fractions (moderately labile, moderately and highly resistant) seem to be involved in short-term P-cycling transformations as they significantly varied with season. During the rainy season plant P content (576-1160 mg P kg⁻¹ dry weight) and APA (44-200 mg PNP kg⁻¹ dry soil) were higher, while microbial number and activity (DHA) were lower. The higher P availability in the Entisol (6-9 mg P kg⁻¹ dry soil) resulted in a better plant nutritional status and inhibited APA. T. plumosus seems to be highly dependent on AM symbiosis (45-71% AM colonized root length, 0.6-8 AM spores g⁻¹ dry soil), especially during the rainy season. Po mineralization processes, mediated by biological associations in the rhizosphere, are crucial for understanding seasonal P-cycling and fertility in acid savanna soils.     

Growth,yield and nutrient uptake of taro grown under upland conditions

There is a scarcity of basic information on dry matter accumulation by various plant organs, nutrient uptake, and yield of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] grown under upland conditions. These data are essential for the development of technological packages, growth simulation models, and decision support systems designed to promote agrotechnology transfer of the crop in the tropics. Two taro cultivars were planted and harvested for biomass about every six weeks during the growing season. At each harvest, plants were separated into various plant parts and their dry matter and nutrient content were determined. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) in total and edible dry matter content between cultivars. However, cultivar ‘Lila’ absorbed significantly smaller amounts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and zinc (Zn) than cultivar ‘Blanca’, suggesting that it had a higher nutrient‐use efficiency. Fresh corm yields were not significantly different and averaged 20,221 kg/ha for both cultivars.     

Cool‐Season annual legume effects on wheat forage nutritive value

Hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Thell.) is an important cool‐season winter forage used primarily for increasing weight gain on growing beef cattle in the southern Great Plains. ‘Karl’ hard red winter wheat grown alone or grown with either hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) or pea [(Pisum sativum L. subsp. arvense) var. ‘Austrian winter'] was sampled for forage nutritive value. The interplanted legume forage was also sampled for forage nutritive value. Ruminally degradable nitrogen (RDN):ruminally degradable organic matter (RDOM) ratios were highest for legume forage and exceeded the National Research Council (NRC) recommendation of 26.13 g RDN: 1 kg RDOM for peak ruminai microbial efficiency during March, April, and May sample periods over the 2‐year study. Wheat grown alone met the NRC requirement only during March. Wheat grown with either hairy vetch or pea had higher (P<0.05) RDN:RDOM ratios and crude protein (CP) values when compared to wheat grown alone during May. There were no differences (P>0.05) in dry matter (DM) yield between wheat grown alone or grown with the legumes except when analyzed by individual date, and then only for 1 of 6 sample dates. Undegraded intake protein (UIP) was generally higher (PO.05) for wheat compared to the legumes and higher (PO.05) for wheat grown alone during May compared to wheat grown with the legumes during May. The decline of the RDN:RDOM values to 40% below the NRC recommendation of wheat grown alone during May indicates a possible need for protein supplementation for growing beef cattle grazing wheat during this period. These data also indicate that interplanting legumes with wheat may enhance animal performance by providing forage of higher nutritive value. More information regarding grazing tolerance of these selected cool‐season annual legumes and subsequent animal performance is required.     

Effects of Rhizobial inoculant and nitrogen fertilizer on yield and nodulation of common bean

A two‐year field experiment was conducted to determine if using mixed strains of Rhizobium inoculant and starter nitrogen (N) fertilizer could improve yield and nodulation of four common bean varieties on a Vertisol at Alemaya, Ethiopia. A granular mixed inoculant of CIAT isolates 384, 274, and 632 and a starter N fertilizer at a rate of 23 kg N ha^‐1 (50 kg urea ha^‐1) were applied separately at planting. Inoculation with mixed strains and starter N fertilizer gave a significantly higher grain yield, nodule number, and dry matter yield for most varieties used. Both grain yield and dry matter yield showed a significant correlation (r=0.93 and r=0.87; P<0.05 for grain yield and dry matter yield, respectively, for 1991 crop season and r=0.90 and r=0.86; P<0.05 for grain yield and dry matter yield, respectively, for 1992 crop season) with nodule number. It is recommended that resource‐poor farmers adopt the practice of using a Rhizobium inoculant or starter N to improve common bean yields in the Hararghe highlands, Ethiopia.     

Evaluation of Diversity among North American Accessions of False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L.) for Forage and Biomass

False indigo (Amorpha fruticosa L.) is a perennial leguminous shrub native to North America. The species could potentially be used for livestock forage, biomass energy, reclamation of degraded environments, or as green manure. Future work with the species will depend upon knowledge of available accessions. Our objectives were to determine (1) the range of diversity among accessions, (2) the correlations among traits across locations, and (3) the distribution of variation among accessions. We studied 21 accessions grown at two locations and a subset of 15 accessions grown at a third location. We measured 47 morphological, agronomic, and phenological traits. All traits were influenced by accession in at least one location (p < 0.05). The mean dry matter (DM) biomass yield of accessions in August ranged from 53 to 1515 g plant⁻¹ and was correlated across locations. False indigo had a high second-year leaf concentration, averaging 660 g kg⁻¹ DM at one location in August. Forage quality of false indigo leaves was high, with average crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentrations in July of 205, 226, and 235 g kg⁻¹, respectively. Accession means of forage quality traits were poorly correlated across locations, indicating that it would be difficult to improve forage quality through selection. Diversity among accessions was often related to geographic origin. The two southern accessions were distinct from all other accessions, indicating that accessions from distant geographic regions will likely contribute valuable diversity to a plant breeding program.