Extending the Grazing Season Using Spring Small Grains Planted in the Summer in the Northern Great Plains. (3423)
Authors:
V.N. Owens* - South Dakota State Univ.
A. Schultz - South Dakota State Univ.
R.J. Pruitt - South Dakota State Univ.
Abstract:
The grazing season in the northern Great Plains is often limited in the fall. Our objectives were to determine establishment success of spring small grains planted during summer and fall, and to evaluate their potential to extend the grazing season.
The experiment was conducted in 2002 and 2003 and consisted of a split-split-plot arrangement of a randomized complete block design with planting date (1 and 15 Aug. and Sep.) as whole plots, small grain species (barley, wheat, oats, and
triticale) as subplots, and harvest date (15 and 31 Oct. and Nov.) as split-split plots.
Dry matter (DM) yield was determined by harvesting 1-m from the middle four of eight rows within a sub-sub-plot. Sub-samples were obtained to determine DM, NDF, ADF, and CP. No measurable forage was produced when planted after 15 Aug. Snow prohibited us from harvesting 31 Nov. 2003. As a result of timely precipitation during planting in 2002, yields were higher in 2002 (2573 kg/ha) than 2003 (1949 kg/ha). Production was higher when planted 1 Aug. than 15 Aug. In 2002 yield increased to the 15 Nov. harvest, while in 2003 yields declined
significantly between 31 Oct. and 15 Nov. Forage quality was high for all
treatments with NDF, ADF, and CP ranging from 373 to 406, 171 to 215, and 155 to 182 g/kg, respectively across years. It appears that summer-sown spring small grains may work well for extending the grazing season in this environment.
Speaker Information: Vance Owens, South Dakota State Univ., Plant Science Dept.
244C NPB, Box 2140-C, Brookings, SD 57007; Phone: 605-688-6088; E-mail:
Session Information: Tuesday, November 2, 2004, 1:00 PM-3:00 PM Presentation Start: 1:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1558)
Keywords: small grain forage; extending grazing season; forage quality; forage production