Browsing Journal of Range Management, Volume 25, Number 4 (July 1973) by Issue Date
Now showing items 1-20 of 24
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Herbage Yields in Relation to Soil and Water and Assimilated NitrogenSoil water, herbage assimilated nitrogen, and herbage were measured in the field and used to estimate the effectiveness of nitrogen fertilization to increase yields in cheatgrass communities. The application of regression analysis to estimate the amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed to increase herbage in relationship to available soil moisture is presented. When herbage nitrogen is in the range of 0.5 to 0.7% at the end of the spring growing season, nitrogen rather than soil water appears to limit herbage production.
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Livestock Grazing on Public Lands: Unity for Political, Economic, and Ecological ReasonsThe increased pressure on public lands due to conflicting interests, combined with the increased concern on the part of each individual for the environment, makes it imperative that each land use alternative be carefully examined. Decisions on land use must take into consideration the economic importance of the ranching industry to the nation, the social and political climate of the times, and most importantly, sound ecological principles. A careful examination of long-range research can only lead to the conclusion that: (1) on vast areas of public lands, livestock grazing, under proper management, is compatible with other uses, (2) on a limited number of sites, grazing by domestic livestock is detrimental to the resources and competitive with other uses, and (3) on other sites, grazing by livestock can be the most beneficial use to society for economic, social, and ecological reasons.
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Influence of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T on In Vitro Digestion of Forage SamplesThe influence of 2,4-D [(2,4-dichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] and 2,4,5-T [(2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy) acetic acid] on in vitro digestion of dried ground corn silage (Zea mays L.) and bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) foliage was determined using a modification of the Tilley and Terry method for determining in vitro dry matter digestibility of forage plants. Neither herbicide influenced the digestion of plant samples when treated with a herbicide concentration range of 10-8 to 10-4 M. Solutions containing 10-4 M of either herbicide did not influence the growth of microbial populations in incubated rumen liquor. The influence of rumen microorganisms on degradation of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T was also investigated. Samples containing sucrose or plant material, buffered rumen liquor, and 10-4 M concentrations of either herbicide were incubated for 10 day periods. Data from periodic quantification of herbicide remaining in the samples indicated that neither herbicide used in these experiments was degraded by the rumen microorganisms. Results indicate that: (1) 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T do not alter the rumen microbial functions or development and (2) these herbicides are not readily degraded in the rumen by the rumen microorganisms.
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Modified Step-point System for Botanical Composition and Basal Cover EstimatesInstructions for use and assembly are presented for a modified step-point sampler. Modifications were made to eliminate bias and to increase ease of use.
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Seasonal Changes in Quality of Some Important Range GrassesHolocellulose, hemicellulose, and in vitro fiber digestibility were significantly different between cool and warm season grasses. A significant class x date interaction for protein and lignin suggested that each forage could be expected to follow a different growth pattern during the growing season. Sugars (xylose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose) were found as hemicellulose components in all grasses at all cutting dates. Xylose was the most prominent structural sugar in all grasses studied. In vitro dry matter digestibility could be most easily adapted to routine studies of forages, but cannot be expected to define the contributions of individual parameters making up plant dry matter. The nutritive differences among grasses at various sampling dates suggest the value of a mixture of desirable grasses. This would assure grazing animals continued nutrition throughout the grazing period.
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Chromatographic Identification of Big Sagebrush SeedPaper and thin-layer chromatography of big sagebrush seed provides a rapid, simple means of identifying more palatable forms of this shrub. Methanol extraction of seed for 24 hr followed by two-dimensional paper (n-butanol:acetone:water, 4:1:3; acetic acid: water; 15:85) or single-dimensional thin-layer chromatography (chloroform:methanol:water; 85:10:5) reveals distinctive differences between Artemisia tridentata subsp. tridentata and the more palatable subsp. vaseyana and wyomingensis. A bright, iridescent blue spot characterizes the more palatable subspecies; the same spot is much smaller and duller in A. tridentata subsp. tridentata.
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AID's Interest in Range Management and Livestock Production in te Tropics and SubtropicsGrassland resources in the tropics and subtropics of South America, Asia, and Africa occupy nearly one billion hectares of land, roughly twice as great as all arable lands in these areas. These support about four billion sheep units of ruminant livestock. One major hope for more nearly meeting animal protein needs for peoples of the tropics and subtropics is by increasing supplies of meat from ruminants grown on permanent grasslands in four ecological zones-humid tropics, savannas, sahelians, and semidesert. The five major categories of limiting factors that control progress in livestock production on rangelands are (1) feed supplies and animal nutrition, (2) animal disease control and prevention, (3) livestock husbandry and management, (4) animal breeding, and (5) efficient marketing systems. A "Range Code," consisting of 12 principles, is presented to evaluate similarities and differences between the tropics and temperate zones. Group action by "associations" of pastoral groups is suggested as a method of improving the potential for more efficient livestock production and marketing without disturbing private ownership of livestock.
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Aspen Regrowth in Pastures of the Peace River RegionLow-cost methods are required for converting wooded areas of Canada's Peace River region to productive pasture. Methods of circumventing the costly procedures of breaking the soil and removing roots preparatory to seeding were investigated. Various tillage implements (mouldboard plow, Rome disc-at 3 depths, rotovator, one-way disc, and tandem disc) were compared as to effectiveness for seed-bed preparation. In addition, seed was both drilled and broadcast. Forage yields varied greatly, from an average of 1,184 lb/acre on the plowed plots to 103 lb on the check area. It was concluded that all methods tried tend to enhance tree establishment. Because of this, none of the methods tested would bring about an economically viable pasture.
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Calculating Grazing Intensity for Maximum Profit on Ponderosa Pine Range in Northern ArizonaThe profit formula is based on forage production, digestibility and utilization, animal weight and daily gain, costs per animal day, and beef prices. Rangeland producing 500-1,000 lb forage per acre would produce maximum profit with moderate utilization.
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Cultural, Seasonal, and Site Effects on Pinyon-Juniper Rangeland PlantingsPlanting season and cultural treatment effects on emergence and survival of three range species were determined for two cold, dry pinyon-juniper sites in north central Arizona. Plowing was the most effective seedbed preparation for controlling plant competition. Furrow drilling also eliminated a large amount of competition. Emergence and survival (E & S) of Luna pubescent and Nordan crested wheatgrass averaged highest with fall planting, but summer planting was best for E & S of fourwing saltbush. E & S averaged highest on plowed seedbeds and decreased progressively on undercut, undercut-strip, presprayed, sprayed, and control seedbeds. Surface drilling on tilled seedbeds increased E & S over furrow drilling for fourwing saltbush and usually for Nordan crested wheatgrass. Drilling in wide, shallow furrows increased Luna pubescent wheatgrass E & S. Furrow drilling increased E & S for all species on nontilled seedbeds. There were some significant interactions among treatment combinations. Practical application of results is discussed.
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'Horizontal’ WellsForty-five horizontal wells were constructed on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation during 1967-69. This paper describes site selection, drilling equipment, and the construction process and lists the advantages of the horizontal well system over more conventional systems.
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Calculating Yearlong Carrying Capacity: An Algebraic ApproachEstimates of yearlong carrying capacity obtained by three different techniques are compared in terms of accuracy as measured by actual carrying capacity of a northern Utah cattle ranch. A new "algebraic" approach appears superior to two established techniques currently in use.
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Evaluation of Eastern Redcedar Infestations in the Northern Kansas Flint HillsAssociations among cattle stocking rate, precipitation, and eastern redcedar invasion, and possibly redcedar control measures were investigated. Redcedar numbers generally decreased as stocking rate increased. Precipitation had only a slight effect on invasion rate. Fire, cutting, and fenuron granules appear to effectively kill redcedar.
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Nutritive Value of Hay from Nitrogen-Fertilized Blue Grama RangelandWether lambs were used in a feeding study (voluntary consumption, nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy, and nitrogen retention) to evaluate the nutritive value of hays harvested from unfertilized and nitrogen-fertilized blue grama rangeland. Fertilization increased consumption by 29%; increased digestibility of dry matter, protein, and energy by about 5%; and increased the retention of nitrogen by about 7%, although the percentage retention of absorbed nitrogen (biological value) was apparently depressed.
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Pine Sawdust as a Roughage Replacement in Gestating Beef Heifer RationsNo abortive tendencies were noted with Angus X Hereford crossbred heifers when fed a corn-roughage ration containing 25% sawdust during the last one-third of the pregnancy period. Inclusion of sawdust in the ration did not affect the calving difficulty score or birth weights.
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Nitrogen and Paraquat Saves Range Forage for Fall GrazingChemical curing of N-fertilized crested wheatgrass was examined in 3 years. Both N and paraquat, singly and in combination, significantly influenced various stand components. The combined treatments increased fall herbage yield 40%, crude protein concentration 68%, and crude protein yield 148% above that of the control.
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Sheep Production on Natural Pastures by Roaming Bedouins in LebanonStudies have been conducted with 2,589 Awasi sheep belonging to nine family groups having an average of 11 members each to investigate the husbandry practices and production of livestock by roving Bedouins in Lebanon. The natural pasture plants grazed by the sheep were identified and analyzed for chemical composition. The growth rate of lambs and the yield and composition of ewe's milk were also determined in a selected sheep population. The study shows that natural pastoral resources contribute significantly to sheep production by the Bedouins. The traditional methods used under the circumstances do not seem to impede the yield of animal product.
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Small Lysimeters for Measurement of Water Use and Herbage YieldSmall weighing lysimeters provide a useful tool for investigating simultaneously soil water use and plant productivity in annual grasslands. Details of construction, sensitivity and accuracy of weighing, and field and harvest techniques are given. PVC irrigation pipe is used for both the lysimeter and its sleeve-5 inch and 6 inch nominal diameter, respectively. Weight changes equivalent to .002 inch (.05 mm) can be detected, allowing diurnal water use to be determined if desired. Comparisons using shoot harvest and soil water use for Spring, 1971, show good agreement between the lysimeters and the field.
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Use of Molasses Containing Urea as a Supplement to Pangolagrass Pastures in Northeast MexicoSupplements of molasses, molasses + 3% urea, and molasses + 6% urea at a level of approximately 1 kg/head/day on pangolagrass pasture during the winter and spring months resulted in significantly increased weight for 3/4 Zebu x 1/4 Criollo bulls. Urea was more effective during the winter months when forage availability was at its lowest, than during the spring months. It is suggested that the use of pangolagrass pasture with molasses and urea supplementation when appropriate could significantly increase production from rangeland.