Responses of eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L.] forage quality to nitrogen application and harvest system

Eastern gamagrass is a warm-season perennial with good forage yield and quality, but both may be increased with nitrogen (N) fertilization. The effects of N and harvest management on neutral- and acid-detergent fibers (NDF and ADF), lignin, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and crude protein (CP) were studied. Nitrogen (0, 50, or 100 kg ha^?1) was applied by broadcasting or knife placement, and forage was harvested from 1- or 2-cut systems. Data were obtained during four years of N treatment, and three intervening years with no N treatment. Neutral- and acid-detergent fibers and lignin were usually lower, and IVDMD and CP were generally higher in the 2-cut than in the 1-cut system. Increasing N affected forage quality in minor ways, except for CP. When 100 kg ha^?1 was applied, CP was increased over no N by 0.14 in the 1-cut system and by 0.25 in cut 1 of the 2-cut system.     

Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate and Harvest Season on Forage Yield,Quality, and Macronutrient Concentrations in Midland Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is a major forage for grazing and hay production in the southern United States. The objectives of this study were to determine effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization rate (0, 112, 224, 336, and 448 kg ha^?1), split spring and summer applications of N at the 224 and 448 kg ha^?1 rates, and harvest periods (spring and summer) on forage yield, crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and concentrations of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca in Midland Bermuda grass. Data were collected from 2002 to 2008 as part of an ongoing, long-term soil fertility experiment in southern Oklahoma. Repeated measures analysis of these long-term data showed that forage yield responses to N rate varied with year and harvest time with up to 2.5-fold yield differences among years. Nitrogen fertilization increased CP, TDN, and macronutrient P and Mg and decreased ADF and NDF. Crude protein was increased by ≥50%, and ADF and NDF dropped by up to 25% with the greatest N rate. In general, split N applications did not affect forage yield but produced low-quality forage compared to single N application in spring. Split application of 448 kg N ha^?1 gave forage with CP, TDN, ADF, and NDF similar to the Bermuda grass receiving 336 or 448 kg N ha^?1 as a single application. Spring forage had better forage quality than summer harvests. While N fertilization increased forage Mg and P concentrations by more than 50% during both spring and summer, it had no effect or slight increased K and Ca concentrations. In the southern Great Plains, despite the weather-dependent variability in forage yield of Bermuda grass, N application increase forage quality.     

Activity and Inhibition of Polyphenol Oxidase in Extracts of Bran and Other Milling Fractions from a Variety of Wheat Cultivars

Studies were conducted to compare polyphenol oxidase (PPO) specific activities in various milling fractions of a variety of wheat cultivars and determine the levels of activities in a number of cultivars from different localities and harvesting seasons. Substrate specificities were also investigated. Bran was singled out as the richest source of PPO activity, which may also influence the activity in the other milling fractions that are known to have some proportion of bran content. We showed by gel electrophoresis and spectrophotometrically that the protein responsible for PPO activity apparently exists as a single isoform in bran and that the observed enzyme activity is likely to be a tyrosinase type, not a laccase or peroxidase. The specific activity was not significantly different between the reduction shorts and break shorts from the same cultivar, indicating a similar level of bran contamination in these fractions. Very low levels of PPO activity were recorded in the flour of all cultivars studied. Bran was used, therefore, to determine the varietal differences in the PPO activities in a number of cultivars from different localities and seasons of harvest. Results showed that the most significant determinant of PPO activity was the genotype, and this may be influenced by seasonality. We also determined that, apart from substrate preferences by the PPO enzyme, some phenolic acids actually inhibit PPO. Furthermore, we found that bran of some cultivars extracted with acidified methanol inhibited PPO activity substantially, whereas other extracts had less inhibitory properties. Thus, these unknown compounds in wheat may inhibit endogenous PPO activity.     

Fatty acid composition of traditional and novel forages

Managing the fatty acid composition of grazing ruminant diets could lead to meat and milk products that have higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentrations, but forage fatty acid dynamics must be more fully understood for a range of forages before grazing systems can be specified. The fatty acid profiles of 13 different forages, including grasses, legumes, and forbs, grown under greenhouse conditions, were determined. Three separate harvests, at 3-week intervals, were made of each plant material. alpha-Linolenic [C18:3, 7.0-38.4 mg g(-1) of dry matter (DM)], linoleic (C18:2, 2.0-10.3 mg g(-1) of DM), and palmitic (C16:0, 2.6-7.5 mg g(-1) of DM) acids were the most abundant fatty acids in all species at each harvest, together representing approximately 93% of the fatty acids present. Concentrations of fatty acids declined as plants developed, but the fractional contribution of each fatty acid to total fatty acids remained relatively stable over time. Grasses had a uniform composition across species with a mean of 66% of total fatty acids provided by C18:3, 13% by C18:2, and 14% by C16:0. The fractional contribution of C18:3 to total fatty acids was lower and more variable in forbs than in grasses. Intake of fatty acid by grazing ruminants would be affected by the forage species consumed.     

Sowing a winter catch crop can reduce nitrate leaching losses from winter‐applied urine under simulated forage grazing: a lysimeter study

Grazing of winter forage crops is a common management option used in the dairy industry of New Zealand, particularly in the South Island, where they are used to feed nonlactating, pregnant dairy cows prior to calving. However, there is concern that the large crop yields per hectare grazed, combined with a high stocking density of cows, lead to large amounts of urinary nitrogen (N) deposited on bare, wet soil that, in turn, could lead to large nitrate leaching losses. We report the results of a simulated winter forage grazing event using field lysimeters planted with a kale (Brassica oleracea L.) crop. The effect of sowing a ‘catch crop’ of oat (Avena sativa L.) following the simulated winter forage grazing on nitrate leaching losses from urine applied at different times throughout the winter was measured. A catch crop sown between 1 and 63 days after the urine deposition in early winter reduced N leaching losses from urine patches by ~34% on average (range: 19–49%) over the winter–spring period compared with no catch crop. Generally, the sooner the catch crop was sown following the crop harvest, the greater the uptake of N by the catch crop and the greater the reduction in nitrate leaching losses. The results indicate that sowing of a catch crop following winter crop grazing could be an effective management strategy to reduce nitrate leaching as well as increase the N‐use efficiency of dairy winter forage grazing systems.     

Selenium Fertilization of Star Grass Pastures in Central Puerto Rico∗

Abstract

The experiment tested the efficacy of four selenium (Se) fertilization treatments and a control in the Se content of Star grass. Significant differences were observed among treatments and dates of evaluation but no interactions were observed. The highest soil Se application of 5.16 kg/ha of Selcote Ultra was significantly (P<0.01) superior in concentration to that of control and of the application of 0.861 and 1.72 kg/ha of the same product. Dates of harvest after Se application were significantly (P<0.05) higher from 2 to 6 weeks in relation to all tested dates after week 10. Although all treatments presented forage Se concentrations that meet the minimum requirements for grazing ruminants, it seems that forage Se content was elevated up to week 18.     

A Study on Seasonal Variability of Trace Elemental Status of Forages for Grazing Ruminants

An investigation was conducted to determine the trace- mineral concentrations of forages in relation to requirements of ruminants grazing in natural pastures in the province of Punjab, Pakistan during two different seasons. Animals were closely followed during grazing and forages corresponding to those consumed by the animals were taken and analyzed for copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and cobalt (Co) concentrations. The data on the trace- mineral concentrations showed that most of these minerals varied greatly as a function of seasons and sampling periods. The forage Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations were affected by seasonal changes but no influence of season was observed on the concentrations of forage Mn and Co concentration. Forage Zn and Co, during both seasons and at some sampling intervals, and forage Mn during summer were at marginal deficient levels, and in contrast, all other forage trace-minerals were within the required range for ruminants during both seasons. Based on these results, the supplementation of Zn, Co, and Mn would seem most important to support optimum livestock productivity.     

Habitat use and conservation of bumblebees (Bombus spp.) under different grassland management regimes

Declines in the natural populations of several bumblebee species across Britain and Europe are an increasing cause for concern. In this study the habitat use of bumblebees was investigated on Salisbury Plain Training Area, the largest remaining area of unimproved chalk grassland in north-west Europe. Habitat characteristics influencing the overall abundance, species richness and foraging activity of bumblebees included the diversity and abundance of flowering plant species (particularly of favoured forage plants such as Trifolium pratense), vegetation structure and height. It is suggested that different Bombus species respond to these habitat characteristics depending on their specific foraging and nesting requirements, the case of Bombus humilis being especially relevant. The effects of several grassland management practices were considered in terms of their suitability for the conservation of bumblebee habitats. Cattle grazing was shown to be preferable to both sheep grazing and the absence of any management, although the timing and intensity of such grazing was important. Small-scale disturbances caused by vehicle activity were also of value in producing locally abundant forage resources in less intensively managed grasslands.     

Effect of fertilization and harvest frequency on yield and quality of tall fescue and smooth bromegrass

Abstract

Fertilization and harvest frequency affect yield and quality of forages. The purposes of this experiment were to determine (i) the effects of fertilization and frequent harvesting on yield and quality of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and (ii) the efficiency of N in animal waste as compared with inorganic N fertilizer for forage production of these cool season grasses. ‘Fawn’ tall fescue and ‘Southland’ smooth bromegrass were grown in the greenhouse on Pullman clay loam topsoil (fine, mixed thermic Torrertic Paleustoll) under eleven fertilizer treatments and two harvest regimes. Nitrogen fertilizer increased yields, N and K concentrations and K/(Ca + Mg) ratios and decreased P, Ca, and Mg concentrations. Phosphorus and K fertilizers did not affect yields but applied P increased P and tended to decrease N and Ca concentrations. Applied K tended to increase Ca concentrations. Recovery of N from feedlot manure ranged from 0.8 to 14%, whereas, recovery from NH₄NO₃ averaged 64%. Harvesting at 3‐week rather than at 6‐week intervals reduced yields 25%; however, N and P removal were higher under the 3‐week harvest regime. Even though forage production was reduced under heavy utilization, the grasses required more N fertilizer under heavy than under lighter utilization. The two grasses produced similar yields under the 3‐week cutting regime and at N rates through 340 kg/ha under the 6‐week cutting regime. Tall fescue yields were higher with the higher N rates under the 6‐week cutting regime. Smooth bromegrass forage was higher than tall fescue forage in N, K, and Ca, whereas tall fescue forage was higher in P and Mg.     

Influences of continuous grazing and livestock exclusion on soil properties in a degraded sandy grassland, Inner Mongolia, northern China

Overgrazing is one of the main causes of desertification in the semiarid Horqin sandy grassland of northern China. Excluding grazing livestock is considered as an alternative to restore vegetation in degraded sandy grassland in this region. However, few data are available concerning the impacts of continuous grazing and livestock exclusion on soil properties. In this paper, characteristics of vegetation and soil properties under continuous grazing and exclusion of livestock for 5 and 10 years were examined in representative degraded sandy grassland. Continuous grazing resulted in a considerable decrease in ground cover, which accelerates soil erosion by wind, leading to a further coarseness in surface soil, loss of soil organic C and N, and a decrease in soil biological properties. The grassland under continuous grazing is in the stage of very strong degradation. Excluding livestock grazing enhances vegetation recovery, litter accumulation, and development of annual and perennial grasses. Soil organic C and total N concentrations, soil biological properties including some enzyme activities and basal soil respiration improved following 10-year exclusion of livestock, suggesting that degradation of the grassland is being reversed. The results suggest that excluding grazing livestock on the desertified sandy grassland in the erosion-prone Horqin region has a great potential to restore soil fertility, sequester soil organic carbon and improve biological activity. Soil restoration is a slow process although the vegetation can recover rapidly after removal of livestock. A viable option for sandy grassland management should be to adopt proper exclosure in a rotation grazing system in the initial stage of grassland degradation.     

Influence of combined grazing by wild boar and small ruminant on soil and plant nutrient contents in a coppice oak forest

Limited information is available about the impact of grazing on soil and plant nutrient contents in Mediterranean deciduous oak forests grazed by both livestock and wild life. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of wild boar and small ruminants grazing in a coppice oak forest in N Greece. Eight even‐aged stands of similar canopy cover and site quality were selected: four stands with long‐time grazing mainly by wild boar and four stands with long‐time grazing by sheep and goats. A plot of 150 m² in each of the stands was fenced in order to be protected from grazing. A similarly sized plot open to grazing was assigned next to the fenced plot. Species composition was recorded in fenced and grazed plots. Soil samples and individual plants of the dominant palatable grass species Dactylis glomerata and Brachypodium sylvaticum were collected in every fenced and grazed plot. These samples were analysed for contents of nutrients. The results indicated that grazing increased organic matter, C, and total N, P and Ca, while it had no effect on the plant nutrients Mg, Na, K and all micronutrients, and pH as well. Wild boar grazing had a significantly negative impact on the concentrations of Na, Fe, Zn, and Mn in the soil. Beside a decrease in K and Mn, grazing had minimal effects on the contents of plant nutrients. Conversely, wild boar grazing increased the contents of several nutrients such as N, Na, Cu and Fe in plant tissue. It seems that species composition was more affected by the topography and management than by the soil features as revealed by RDA analysis. The results of this study indicate that it is important to maintain moderate small ruminant grazing intensity for the sustainable multi‐disciplinary management of coppice oak forests. It is also important to control wild boar population in order to facilitate ecosystem process, soil preservation and forage quality.     

捡拾牦牛粪对高寒草甸植物功能群特征与生产力的影响

青藏高原高寒草甸广大牧区由于交通不便、能源短缺和生活习俗等原因,牛粪依然是当地牧民的主要生活能源来源,长期、大量地捡拾牛粪改变了粪斑的数量和面积,使养分在天然草地上无法回到草地生态系统进行再循环,因而对草地植物群落结构和生物量产生一定影响,从而增加了生态风险。为探讨捡拾牛粪对草地的生态影响,本文以青海省河南县高寒草甸生态系统为研究对象,通过对适度放牧草地上牦牛粪开展为期3年的不捡拾、一半捡拾和全部捡拾3个处理的试验研究,探讨捡拾牛粪对高寒草甸生态系统植物经济功能群落特征和生产力的影响。结果表明:牛粪不捡拾处理的草地生产力显著低于半捡拾和全捡拾处理,植物多样性显著低于半捡拾处理,禾草类优良牧草生物量显著高于半捡拾和全捡拾处理,莎草类优良牧草生物量显著高于全捡拾处理;牛粪半捡拾处理比不捡拾处理草地植被丰富度显著提高31.9%,植物多样性显著增加,群落生产力显著提高9.7%(42.6 g·m~(-2)),优良牧草和可食牧草生物量变化不显著;牛粪完全捡拾比不捡拾处理也显著增加草地植被的丰富度,增幅为10.7%,植物多样性显著增加,群落生产力显著提高4.1%(17.96 g·m~(-2)),但同时毒杂草显著增多,优良牧草和可食性牧草显著减少,牧草适口性变差。捡拾(半捡和全捡)牛粪会使禾草类和莎草类优质牧草生物量显著减少,莎草类在完全捡拾牛粪区生物量极显著减少70%以上;豆科植物生物量显著增加,在完全捡拾牛粪区生物量极显著增加,可达5倍以上;占总生物量74%~79%的杂类草和毒草的生物量也显著增加,且以半捡拾区增量最多。适度的牛粪捡拾可增加植被的丰富度和多样性,也提高了植被的生物量,并可保证牧草的营养品质和适口性。本项研究结果可以为高寒草甸牧区牛粪的适度捡拾和草地生态系统可持续管理提供科学依据。     

Increased plant nitrogen loss with increasing nitrogen applied in winter wheat observed with 15nitrogen

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer is generally the most costly input for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Therefore, it was important to maximize fertilizer use efficiency and minimize N losses to the environment. One of the mechanisms responsible for decreased N use efficiency (NUE) was plant N loss. The objectives of this experiment were to determine fertilizer N recovery in winter wheat when produced for forage and grain, and to quantify potential plant N losses from flowering to maturity in winter wheat. Two long‐term (>25 years) winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) N rate fertility experiments (Experiment 222 and Experiment 502) were selected to evaluate ¹⁵N fertilizer recovery. Percent ¹⁵N recovery was determined from all microplots in plant tissue at flowering, in the grain, and straw at harvest and in the soil. Fertilizer N(¹⁵NH₄ ¹⁵NO₃) was applied atratesof 0, 45, 90, and 135kg N ha^‐1 in Experiment 222, and 0, 22, 45, 67, 90, and 112 kg N ha^‐1 in Experiment 502. The ratio ofNO₃ ^‐to NH₄ ⁺ in wheat forage at flowering was positively correlated with estimated plant N loss. Estimated plant N loss (total N uptake in wheat at flowering minus N uptake in the grain and straw at maturity) ranged from a net gain of 12 kg N ha^‐1 to a loss of 42 kg N ha^‐1, and losses increased with increasing N applied.     

In Vitro digestibility,crude protein,and mineral concentrations of Leucaena leucocephala accessions in a wet/dry tropical region of venezuela

Abstract

An experiment was conducted on a commercial farm located in the western part of Venezuela (10.5°N and 72°W; mean annual rainfall of 1000 mm; mean annual temperature of 28°C; sandy‐loam Alfisol with pH of 5.5). The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate the in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content and mineral composition of four Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit accessions under rotational grazing by heifers over a 6‐month period covering dry and rainy seasons, using a split‐plot experimental design with two replications. Neither accessions nor the accession x season interaction affected (P>0.05) any of the variables. The mean IVOMD was 68.6%, whereas CP content during the rainy season (26.5%) was higher (P<0.05) than in the dry season (24.3%). Average mineral content of the accessions were adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of phosphorus [(P) 0.13%], sodium [(Na) 0.038%], copper [(Cu) 6.9 ppm], and zinc [(Zn) 19.7 ppm]. Forage P concentration may have been influenced by the low soil P content of the experimental site. The mean forage Ca:P ratio (11.3:1) was considerably wider than desirable. During the dry season, ash content increased (P<0.05), Na, iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co) decreased (P<0.05), but Fe and Co still remained above the critical levels. Mean concentrations of other elements were not affected (P>0.05) by season. Forage molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were low and, therefore, would not result in conditioned Cu deficiency. The four L. leucocephala accessions had similar feeding value for grazing ruminants and their quality was not markedly reduced in the dry season. Mineral supplementation of ruminants grazing this legume may be needed to correct specific deficiencies and imbalances.     

Multiple effects of reindeer grazing on the soil processes in nutrient-poor northern boreal forests

Reindeer grazing has a great influence on the ground vegetation of nutrient-poor northern boreal forests dominated by Cladonia lichens in Fennoscandia. Grazing may influence the soil processes in these systems either by influencing the quality of plant litter, or by indirect effects through the soil microclimate. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of reindeer on boreal forest soils, we analyzed litter decomposition, soil and microbial C and N, microbial community composition, and soil organic matter quality in three forest sites with old reindeer exclosures adjacent to grazed areas. There was no effect of grazing on soil C/N ratio, inorganic N concentrations, microbial biomass C, microbial community structure analyzed by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, and organic matter quality analyzed by sequential fractionation, in the soil organic layer. However, microbial N was enhanced by grazing at some of the sampling dates and was negatively correlated with soil moisture, which indicates that increased microbial N could be a stress response to drought. The effect of grazing on litter decomposition varied among the decomposition stages: during the first 1.5 months, the litter C loss was significantly higher in the grazed than the ungrazed areas, but the difference rapidly levelled out and, after one year, the accumulated litter C loss was higher in the ungrazed than the grazed areas. Litter N loss was, however, higher in the grazed areas. Our study demonstrates that herbivores may influence soil processes through several mechanisms at the same time, and to a varying extent in the different stages of decomposition.     

Maturity and quality of alfalfa as affected by phosphorus fertility

Abstract

Environmental stresses adversely affect alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) forage quality through altered plant development; however, the effects of soil nutrient stress on forage quality are not well known. The objective of this study was to determine what effect low soil phosphorus (P) had on alfalfa forage quality. Three preplant incorporated rates of P (0, 29, or 59 kg/ha) followed by five topdressed (during each production year) rates of P (0, 7, 15, 29, or 59 kg/ha)were applied to alfalfa established in two experiments in fall of 1988 and 1989. At each harvest in 1989 and 1990, mean stage by weight (MSW) was determined and forage samples were taken for neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) analysis. In the 0‐ to 15‐cm soil layer, soil P concentrations averaged 6, 11, and 22 mg/kg of dry soil with 0, 29, and 59 kg P, respectively, incorporated. Soil P was not changed in the 15‐ to 30‐cm soil layer. Alfalfa herbage increased in P concentration with increasing P fertility level at some, but not all, harvests analyzed. Alfalfa maturity at harvest and NDF concentration increased with increasing P fertilizer rate, whereas IVTD decreased. Differences among treatments in NDF and IVTD probably were due to differences in plant maturity.     

小麦品质性状的基因型和环境及其互作效应分析

对两年度三个试点13个小麦品种的16个主要品质性状进行分析,研究基因型和生长环境及其互作效应。结果表明,品质性状在不同小麦品种及不同试点间皆存在显著差异,其中硬度、PPO(多酚氧化酶)活性、AWRC(碱性水保持力)、稀懈值的变异系数较大;膨胀势、最终粘度、峰值粘度的变异系数较小。糊化温度、碱性水保持力、峰值时间、蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、PPO活性、黄色素含量、膨胀势、峰值粘度、稀懈值、回升值、Zeleny沉降值、硬度的环境效应大于基因型效应;SDS沉降值和最终粘度的基因型效应大于环境效应,保持粘度受环境效应影响较小。     

Effect of row spacing,growth stage,and nitrogen rate on spectral irradiance in winter wheat

Soil reflectance affects spectral irradiance measurements taken in winter wheat at early stages of growth when percent cover is low. The objective of this study was to determine the critical percent vegetation coverage needed for forage nitrogen (N) uptake calibration with indirect spectral irradiance measurements. Two field experiments were conducted at Tipton and Perkins, OK in October 1996. The effect of row spacing (15.2, 19.0, 25.4, and 30.5 cm) and growth stage (Feekes 4 and 5) under various N fertilizer rates (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg N ha^‐1) on spectral irradiance measurements from wheat was evaluated. The normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) was used to characterize wheat canopy irradiance. In general, NDVI decreased with increasing row spacing and increased with N fertilizer rate at Feekes growth stage 4. Row spacing and N rate were independent of each other since no significant interaction was found. High correlation (r=0.81–0.98) was observed between NDVI and vegetation coverage. Percent vegetation coverage was a good predictor of the other dependent variables including forage dry matter, and total N uptake, which could indirectly be determined using NDVI. The coefficients of variation (CV's) from NDVI values decreased with increasing vegetation coverage suggesting that less variable NDVI values (CV less than 10%) might be obtained from plots where vegetation coverage exceeds 50%.     

Effect of harvest method and feed value on the economic optimum nitrogen rate for corn

Abstract

Consideration of the harvest method and protein content of corn grain and forage may be important variables for estimating Economic Optimum Nitrogen (N) (EON) rates for corn. Corn grain yield, forage yield, grain protein and forage protein data from twenty five N response experiments conducted in Pennsylvania were analyzed to determine the effect of harvest method and a price adjustment based on grain and forage protein content on the EON rate. The value of the protein in this study was assumed to be that of substituting soybean meal in the ration for growing beef cattle or dairy cattle. There was no difference in the EON for corn harvested for grain compared to corn harvested for forage when the protein content was not considered. When price adjustments were made for the protein content of the grain and forage, the EON rates increased 10 kg/ha for grain and 22 kg/ha for forage. With the protein price adjustments, the EON was 14 kg/ha higher for forage than grain. These results support the recommendation for higher N rates for corn harvested for forage, where the protein value of the forage is considered, compared to corn harvested for grain. In situations where the amino acid composition of the grain is important, such as for poultry or swine, or where urea or anhydrous ammonia can be substituted in the ration for protein, it is unlikely that a higher EON level would result when protein content or quality is considered.     

CaCl_2和6-BA溶液处理对枣果软化褐变及相关酶活性的影响

试验探讨了鲜枣贮藏过程中果肉软化褐变与 PG活性、PPO活性的关系以及采前 Ca Cl2 和 6 - BA溶液处理对采后枣果果肉软化褐变、PG活性、PPO活性的影响。结果表明 ,枣果采后硬度逐渐下降且与贮藏时间呈极显著负相关 ,PG活性在贮藏期间呈起伏变化 ,与枣果软化无显著相关性。随贮藏时间延长果肉褐变指数逐渐增大 ,PPO活性逐渐升高 ,PPO活性与果肉软化褐变的发生相一致。采前用 1% Ca Cl2 、15 mg/kg6 - BA以及 1% Ca Cl2 +15mg/kg6 - BA对枣果进行喷雾处理 ,能降低采后枣果的 PG活性和 PPO活性 ,抑制果肉硬度的下降和果肉的褐变进程。 1% Ca Cl2 处理可使赞皇大枣贮藏末期的果肉硬度比对照增加 1.2 kg/cm2 ;1% Ca Cl2 +15 m g/kg6 - BA处理可使赞皇大枣贮藏末期的果肉硬度增加 1.5 kg/cm2 。 15 m g/kg 6 - BA处理对枣果软化褐变及 PG活性、PPO活性有一定影响 ,但效果不及 Ca Cl2 处理