Tree Canopy Effect on Grass and Grass/Birdsfoot Trefoil Mixtures in Eastern Nebraska. (C06-perry233302-poster)
Authors:
M.E.L. Perry* - Univ. of Nebraska W.H. Schacht - Univ. of Nebraska G.A. Ruark - USDA NAC
J.R. Brandle - Univ. of Nebraska L.E. Moser - Univ. of Nebraska
Abstract:
Silvopasture systems appear to be well suited to the eastern Great Plains. This study was conducted to determine yield and crude protein (CP) content of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii; BB), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis; SB) and mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus; BFT) under trees. The study was conducted in plantations of green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvancia) and Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) near Mead, Nebraska in 2001. Thirty-six plots representing a wide range of canopy cover were selected and seeded in April 2000 to BB, SB, or mixtures with BFT. Canopy leaf area, light transmission, and soil moisture were measured periodically throughout the growing season. Plots were harvested in June and September 2001. Yields did not decrease until high LAI (BB=2; SB=3.5) or low light transmission (BB=45%; SB=30%) was reached. Peak yields of BB and SB were 2060 and 1860 kg ha-1, respectively. Establishment of BFT was sporadic. Generally CP of grasses in September decreased by 5 g kg-1 for BB and 3 g kg-1 for SB with a 10% increase in light transmission or a 50%
decrease in LAI. Average CP levels for BB and SB in September were 166 and 242 g kg-1, respectively. Moisture generally did not explain much of the variability in yields or CP of either grass.
For silvopasture systems, BB and SB appear to be excellent candidates because of their shade tolerance.
Speaker Information: Michael Perry, Univ. of Nebraska, 430 Hawthorne Circle, Hastings, NE 68901;
Phone: 402-462-5540; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 3, 2003, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM Presentation Start: 4:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 427)
Keywords: Silvopasture systems; Big bluestem; Smooth bromegrass; Birdsfoot trefoil
