Grasses

The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics, yield and water use efficiency of forage cactus under daytime and nighttime irrigation in a Brazilian semiarid region. The experiment followed a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme, with ten replications: three clones of forage cactus (“IPA Sertânia”—IPA, “Miúda”—MIU, “Orelha de Elefante Mexicana”—OEM) and two irrigation schedules (daytime and nighttime). Irrigation was applied once a week using a graduated cylinder. The structural characteristics (i.e., plant height and width, total number of cladode—TNC; cladode number per emergence order—CN1, CN2 and CN3; cladode area—CA; cladode area index—CAI), productive characteristics (fresh mass production per plant—FM and dry mass—DM) and water use efficiency (WUE_FM and WUE_DM) were obtained from the plant harvests. Our results showed that the irrigation schedules did not lead to significant differences in most of the response variables (p > 0.05), except for the TNC (13.2 und), CN2 (7.4 und) and CAI (1.58 m² m⁻²) of MIU. It was observed that OEM presented the highest yield, WUE_FM and WUE_DM (p < 0.05). Adopting the OEM clone, regardless of the irrigation schedule, is the strategy that achieves the best production. Full article

Certain plant species have developed the ability to express biological nitrification inhibition (BNI), suppressing the activity of nitrifying microbes and thereby reducing the conversion of ammonium to nitrate. This study assessed the BNI capacity and the rhizosphere ammonia-oxidizing microbiome of two grass species: the endemic Australian Barley Mitchell grass (Astrebla pectinata) and the introduced koronivia grass (Urochloa humidicola), using soils from both agricultural land and native vegetation. In agricultural soil, koronivia grass exhibited significantly higher BNI capacity compared with Barley Mitchell grass. However, in native soil, this trend was reversed, with Barley Mitchell grass demonstrating a significantly greater BNI capacity than koronivia grass (52% vs. 38%). Koronivia grass significantly altered the composition of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteria community in its rhizosphere, leading to a decrease in the Shannon index and bacteria number. Conversely, Barley Mitchell grass reduced the Shannon index (1.2 vs. 1.7) and population size (3.28 × 10⁷ vs. 7.43 × 10⁷ gene copy number g⁻¹ dry soil) of the ammonia-oxidizing archaea community in its rhizosphere to a greater extent. These findings suggest that Australian Barley Mitchell grass may have evolved mechanisms to suppress soil archaeal nitrifiers, thereby enhancing its BNI capacity and adapting to Australia’s nutrient-poor soils. Full article

The objective was to evaluate the effects of potassium fertilization on the morphogenetic, structural, and productive characteristics of Panicum maximum (cvs. Tanzania, Quênia, Mombaça, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani). The design was in randomized blocks with four doses of potassium (K) 0, 205, 410, and 820 mg dm⁻³, divided into 5 applications. The analyzed variables were leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), stem elongation rate (SER), leaf senescence rate (LSR), leaf life span (LLS), phyllochron (PC), number of live leaves (NLL), final leaf length (FLL), tiller population density (TPD), and forage mass (FM). LAR increased by 0.00216 leaves tiller on day-1 (p = 0.0354) and LER increased by 0.00980 cm tiller on day-1 for each milligram of K (p = 0.0402). There was an increase in FLL of 0.16, 0.08, and 0.07 days for the cultivars Mombaça, Massai, and Tamani, respectively, for each milligram of K applied (p = 0.0034). The TPD of the cultivar Tamani increased linearly by 0.074 tillers/pot for each milligram of K (p = 0.0226), and the cultivar Massai showed a quadratic behavior. The TPD of the other cultivars was not influenced by the increase in the K doses. For forage mass (FM), the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia increased by 0.16 and 0.39 g DM/pot for each milligram of K added to the soil. The cultivars Tanzânia, Zuri, Massai, and Tamani showed maximum point at doses of 261.35, 279.45, 300.57, and 275.86 mg dm⁻³ K, respectively. Potassium fertilization linearly increased leaf appearance and elongation, with maximum productivity reached at a K dose of 430 mg dm⁻³, except for the cultivars Mombaça and Quênia, which responded up to a K dose of 820 mg dm⁻³. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different forage sources and forage-to-concentrate ratios on digestibility, energy concentration, fermentation parameters, and in vitro estimate of methane. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design using a 3 × 6 factorial arrangement with three forages varying the chemical composition (pineapple crop waste silage [PS], corn silage [CS], and Tifton hay [TH]) associated with concentrate feed (C) in six combinations, using triplicates for each ratio. We evaluated in vitro digestibility, metabolizable and net energy, pH, redox potential, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and methane production. The in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) decreased (p = 0.0011) with the inclusion of concentrate. It was also affected by the forage source, but this fact was only observed in CS up to the 50:50 ratio. In TH, this fact occurred from the 80:20 ratio, and this behavior was not observed in the PS. Data on methane production, VFA, and fermentation parameters varied according to forage source and concentrate inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of concentrate reduces methane production, increasing the system’s energy contribution. Overall, the different forage sources and the inclusion of concentrate change digestion and fermentation parameters. Full article

Brachiaria forages are known to be drought-tolerant as mature plants, but no information about drought tolerance at the seed germination stage is currently available. This study aimed to determine the impacts of different temperature and moisture conditions on the seed germination characteristics of five Brachiaria genotypes. Brachiaria seeds were germinated under constant temperatures of 5 °C–45 °C at increments of 5 °C. Within each temperature treatment, five osmotic treatments (0 MPa, −0.1 MPa, −0.3 MPa, −0.5 MPa, and −0.7 MPa) were applied, and germination was recorded daily for 20 days. The results showed that seed germination in all Brachiaria species was significantly negatively impacted (p < 0.05) by osmotic stress as well as by high and low temperatures. For all species, germination only occurred between 15 and 40 °C. Under optimum moisture conditions (0 MPa), the optimum germination temperatures for B. humidicola were 15 to 35 °C, for B. brizantha and B. nigropedata, they were 15 to 20 °C, for B. decumbens, they were 15 to 25 °C, and for the hybrid Brachiaria species, the optimum germination temperature was only 20 °C. In all species, seed germination decreased as moisture conditions became more limiting. Only B. humidicola germinated optimally at a high temperature (35 °C). At these temperatures, the species had more than 82% germination when moisture was not a limiting factor (0 MPa), but at low osmotic stress conditions (−0.1 MPa) at 30 °C, the germination of this species decreased to 67%. In conclusion, the results from this study indicate that the seed germination and early seedling establishment stages of Brachiaria grasses are only moderately tolerant to drought stress. Further work on early seedling responses to temperature and moisture stresses is needed to quantify early seedling responses to these stresses and to develop more detailed planting time guidelines for farmers. Full article

Tropical pastures intercropped with legumes have been gaining prominence for increasing the efficiency of livestock production systems when compared to pasture monocultures. Here, our objective was to understand the fermentation processes that tropical grass and legumes underwent when included in ruminant diets, which have previously been found to optimize animal performance while reducing the intensity of enteric CH₄ emissions. For this purpose, three areas containing pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) and Urochloa spp. were sampled. Samples were dried, grounded, chemically analyzed, and included in five proportions (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of pigeon pea in the diet. The diets were then analyzed using an in vitro fermentation technique. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS statistical software, considering bottles as replicates, and our results suggest that a 25% inclusion of pigeon pea is optimal for balancing CH₄ mitigation and fermentation efficiency, highlighting the importance of more studies with this legume due to its benefits, especially as a supplement during drought periods that impact the production and quality of tropical pastures. It is important to consider that pigeon pea’s secondary compounds may have positively modulated the fermentation process and reduced CH₄ emissions. However, excessive legume inclusion can negatively affect digestibility and animal health, impairing animal performance and the sustainability of pasture-based production systems. Full article

Coal mining is known to have negative impacts on the environment, necessitating land rehabilitation after mining activities. Amongst the problems associated with coal mining is the accumulation of acid mine drainage characterized by large amounts of heavy metals and high acidity. The impact of these environmental problems on the ecosystem around mining areas underscores a need to devise strategies that will ensure sustainable restoration of the ecosystem integrity to ensure environmental protection. Of these, treatment of acid mine drainage using calcium sulfate dihydrate, which is subsequently used for irrigation during phytoremediation, holds great promise for restoration of open-cast mines. However, although grasses are used for rehabilitation of coal mined areas, the impacts of treated mine water on the germination, seedling emergence, and plant growth of grasses are not well known. The aim of the study was to evaluate the germination and early seedling growth responses of different forage grasses to treated mine water. Seven forage grass species were selected, with four species represented by two varieties while others were represented by one variety, totaling 11 forage grasses. For each plant entry, 100 seeds were placed in J.R. Petri’s dishes lined with Whatman No. 2 filter paper and watered with distilled and mine water to assess germination. For the seedling establishment experiment, only five species were studied, in which twenty seeds per species were sown in pots containing mine soil and irrigated using distilled and treated mine water. The final germination percentage (FGP), germination rate index (GRI), corrected germination rate index (CGRI), and T₅₀ were determined for the germination trail and total biomass was assessed for the seedling growth trail. The highest FGP for all grasses was attained under controlled conditions, using distilled water, ranging from 38–94%. All grasses germinated when watered using treated mine water and had a FGP ranging from 20–91%. Relative to distilled water, GRI and CGRI were highest only for L. multiflorum cv AgriBoost when seeds were watered using the treated mine water. All grasses watered with treated mine water produced high biomass for the first two weeks, after which biomass production started to decline. Two grasses, Eragrostis curvula cv Ermelo and Lolium multiflorum cv Archie, showed tolerance to treated mine water irrespective of its high electrical conductivity (557 mS∙m⁻¹). Therefore, these grasses could be used in the rehabilitation of coal-mined areas irrigated with treated mine water. Full article

Irrigation practices that conserve water use have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions but may adversely affect turfgrass appearance. The purpose of this study was to identify irrigation practices and N fertilizers that will decrease carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH_4,), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions while evaluating turfgrass color and quality. In both years, supplemental rainfall (SRF) soil moisture content was higher than business as usual (BAU) irrigation and syringing (SYR). Higher soil moisture led to increased fluxes in both soil CO₂ and soil N₂O. In 2017, the SRF fluxed lower soil CO₂ as soil moisture reached levels that restricted respiration. Soil moisture was also an important predictor of soil N₂O flux with BAU and SRF having higher soil N₂O fluxes. SRF produced the greenest turf from May to July, whereas SRY and SRF produced the greenest turf from August to October in 2016. Both BAU and SRF had the greenest turf in 2017. BAU had the highest turfgrass quality ratings in 2016 followed by SRF and SRY, respectively, whereas in 2017 SRF and SRY had higher turfgrass quality ratings. When adopting water conservation practices to reduce GHG emissions, soil moisture content and site-specific rainfall should be closely monitored to prevent overwatering. Full article

Historical sheep farming in the Patagonian drylands has led to reduced grass cover, soil erosion, and shrub encroachment, compromising ecosystem function. Effective restoration requires managing shrub cover, bare soil, and patch connectivity through various strategies. This study evaluates rehabilitation interventions in a grass-steppe ecosystem, comparing grazed and ungrazed areas. Over three years, we tested the following: (a) mechanical shrub cutting with biomass redistribution, and (b) enhancing patch connectivity with Pinus spp. branch piles, alongside controls, in eighteen 5 m × 5 m plots invaded by Mulinum spinosum. Half of the plots were fenced to exclude grazing, resulting in six treatment combinations. We monitored soil properties, vegetation cover, and species composition. The treatments explained twice as much of the variation in community composition as the annual climatic variations (0.26 vs. 0.13). Livestock exclusion increased perennial grass cover more than the grazed plots did (2.14 vs. 1.42 times the initial measure). All treatments reduced the amount of bare soil except the grazed controls. Shrub cutting, especially with grazing, increased the lasting litter coverage by 5–10% and decreased the bare soil equivalently. Organic matter increased except in the non-intervened interpatches (0.95 times). The enclosures with cut shrubs trapped erodible particles, showing a 5% increase. Our study highlights that grazing destabilizes communities, while enclosures stabilize them, with interventions improving soil fertility and mitigating erosion. Full article

Melatonin (MT) is a multifunctional hormone that enhances crop resilience against various abiotic stresses. However, its regulatory mechanism of osmotic tolerance in forage oats (Avena sativa) plants under water-limited scenarios is still unclear. This study aimed to delineate the impact of MT pretreatment on the morphological, physiological, and biochemical functions of oat seedlings under osmotic stress. Our findings demonstrated that exogenous treatment of MT noticeably elevated leaf area while decreasing the root/shoot ratio of oat seedlings subjected to osmotic stress. Osmotic-induced 38.22% or 48.37% decrease in relative water content could be significantly alleviated by MT pretreatment on day 7 or day 14, respectively. MT treatment also significantly mitigated osmotic-induced decreases in photosynthetic parameters including net photosynthetic rate, stomatic conductance, and intercellular CO₂ concentration as well as various chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, which could contribute to enhanced accumulations of free proline and soluble sugars in seedlings after being subjected to a prolonged duration of osmotic stress. Furthermore, MT markedly improved antioxidant enzyme activities including superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and peroxidase along with the accumulation of ascorbic acid contributing to a significant reduction in reactive oxygen species under osmotic stress. In addition, the MT application induced a 978.12%, 33.54%, or 30.59% increase in endogenous MT, indole acetic acid, or gibberellic acid content under osmotic stress but did not affect the accumulation of abscisic acid. These findings suggest that an optimal concentration of MT (100 μmol·L⁻¹) could relieve osmotic stress via improvement in osmotic adjustment, the enzymatic antioxidant defense system, and endogenous hormonal balance, thereby contributing to enhanced photosynthetic functions and growth of oat seedlings under water-limited conditions. Full article

This study was carried out to characterize the dynamics of forage accumulation during the regrowth of Mulatto grass submitted to rotational grazing strategies. The treatments corresponded to combinations between two pre-grazing conditions (95% and a maximum light interception during regrowth—LI_95% and LI_Max) and two post-grazing conditions (post-grazing heights of 15 and 20 cm), according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement and randomized complete block design, with four replications. Rates of leaf growth (LGR), stems growth (SGR), total growth (TGR), leaf senescence (LSR), grass accumulation (GAR) (kg·ha⁻¹·day⁻¹), and the senescence/canopy growth ratio during different stages of regrowth. There was no difference between the management strategies for TGR. However, a higher GAR was reported for pastures managed with LI_95% relative to LI_Max, of 161.7 and 120.2 kg DM ha⁻¹·day⁻¹, respectively. Pastures managed with LI_95% have a lower SGR in the intermediate and final regrowth period, reflecting the efficient control in the stalks production. On the other hand, in pastures managed, the LI_Max showed higher SGR and LSR in the final regrowth phase. Thus, the LAI was higher in pastures managed at LI_95% compared to those managed at LI_Max, of 163.9 and 112.7 kg DM ha⁻¹·day⁻¹, respectively. Mulatto grass pastures, which were managed at LI_95% pre-grazing, corresponded to approximately 30 cm in height, showed higher LAI, and ensured a low SGR throughout the regrowth period, constituting a more efficient management strategy. Full article

In a continued search for legumes to grow with forage sorghum (FS) [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] in semi-arid environments, studies in 2019 and 2022 at New Mexico State University Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM USA, evaluated FS mixed with cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], lablab (Lablab purpureus L.), both previously evaluated, and a native legume, big-pod sesbania (Sesbania macrocarpa), for yield and nutritive value in four randomized complete blocks each year. At harvest legume proportions of approximately 15% of the dry matter yield, there were no differences in the yield (mean = 15.97 Mg ha⁻¹, p > 0.40) or land equivalency ratio between sole FS and any mixture or among mixtures; however, the crude protein of FS+Lablab was greater than sole FS, with FS+Cowpea and FS+Sesbania intermediate (67, 77, 87, and 79 g kg⁻¹ for sole FS, FS+Cowpea, FS+Lablab, and FS+Sesbania, respectively; 5% LSD = 14). The neutral detergent fiber digestibility of FS+Sesbania was less than all other treatments (p = 0.0266). Although the sesbania did not improve forage yield or nutritive value when grown with FS and harvested near sesbania maturity, perhaps growing with a shorter season grass and harvesting earlier may show benefit, as sesbania’s nutritive value is known to be greater at earlier stages. Full article

Nitrogen fertilization is one of the main management strategies for continuous pasture management with high productivity. We examined the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the morphogenic, structural, and tillering dynamic characteristics of Tanzania grass in the Amazon region in the state of Pará, Brazil. The study was conducted using a randomized block design with six treatments (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 kg N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) and five replicates. The treatments were performed during the rainy season in 2016 and 2017 using urea as the nitrogen source. The leaf elongation rate was increased by 68.5% compared with that of the control treatment (p < 0.01). The leaf appearance rate and number of alive leaves increased with higher doses of nitrogen (p < 0.01, each). The regrowth period was reduced by approximately 13 days under 500 kg N ha⁻¹ (p < 0.01), thus providing more production cycles. Nitrogen fertilization was also associated with a higher tillering rate (p < 0.01); however, the rate of this increase decreased with increasing nitrogen dose. Higher nitrogen doses thus improved the development of Tanzania grass; however, this became less pronounced at doses < 300 kg N ha⁻¹. Full article

In the United States, rangelands comprise 30% of the total land cover and serve as a valuable resource for livestock, wildlife, water, and recreation. Rangelands vary in climate and are often subject to disturbances like drought and wildfire. Historic wildfire trends have indicated an increase in wildfire size and frequency, raising societal and ecological concerns about the management of these lands, both pre- and post-wildfire. While there has been investigation into the effects of grazing prior to a wildfire on fire severity and plant mortality, there is limited research related to grazing post-wildfire even though current management paradigms suggest deferring grazing rangeland for two years after a wildfire to avoid additional stress on native plant species. Based on the diversity found across rangeland ecotypes and history with wildfire, the two-year deferment recommendation may need to be reconsidered for some ecosystems. Species found in perennial bunchgrass rangelands like Pseudoroegneria spicata (bluebunch wheatgrass) and Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue) may be less susceptible to post-fire grazing than initially thought, necessitating the need for research into different rangeland ecosystems. Full article

The focus of our study was the changes in the composition of semi-natural dry grasslands in Hungary. Maintaining the favorable condition of grasslands is not only important from a theoretical nature conservation point of view, but it also has important economic implications. Since these valuable habitats were created with the help of humans, their preservation also requires active treatment. Our current experiment was aimed at investigating the suppression of tall grass, Calamagrostis epigejos L. Roth. In Hungary, in the Cserhát Mountains, eight permanent plots were mown twice a year. We surveyed the vegetation twice a year between 2001 and 2011. The effects of treatment were studied with repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). After 10 years, the C. epigejos cover of the mown plots decreased significantly, from the initial average of 62.38 to 7.50%. Surprisingly, we noticed a decrease in the control plots as well. While percentage cover of C. epigejos decreased in all plots, the decrease was significantly stronger in the mown plots. Regular treatment caused an increase in the number of species and diversity. Species richness increased continuously in both treatment types, which indicates the combined effect of vegetation succession and treatment. The biomass growth of other Poaceae and Fabaceae species, which are important from a grassland management perspective, was also facilitated by mowing. Our results allow us to conclude that long-term regular mowing is recommended for preservation from the perspective of the richness and variety of grassland management functional groups and the functioning of the ecosystem in semi-arid regenerating grasslands. Full article

Arid and semi-arid areas are highly productive ecosystems that have a great diversity of species, among which grasses stand out. These species have ecological, environmental, and economic importance. The objective was to identify the ecological descriptors of 15 native species of grasses and diversity patterns through multivariate analysis techniques (principal component analysis, PCA, and cluster analysis, CA), in addition to identifying potential distribution areas (current and future) and regions of high and low diversity from 3841 accessions and 21 climatic variables. Among the main results, the extreme values, coefficient of variation, and median for each species could be determined. PCA determined that, with 10 variables, it was possible to explain 54.36% of the variation between the analyzed species. CA resulted in the formation of four statistically significant groups, with specific climatic characteristics. Regarding potential distribution areas and climate change, a reduction in distribution is expected (2050) on most of the current surface, with a possible opportunity zone in the north of the country. Finally, two hotspots (high diversity areas) and four coldspots (low diversity areas) were identified among the analyzed species. These results can be used to create strategies for sustainable use and the conservation of these resources. Full article

Forage yield estimates provide relevant information to manage and quantify ecosystem services in grasslands. We fitted and validated prediction models of forage yield for several prominent grasses used in restoration projects in semiarid areas. We used field forage harvests from three different sites in Northern Utah and Southern California, USA, in conjunction with multispectral, high-resolution UAV imagery. Different model structures were tested with simple models using a unique predictor, the forage volumetric 3D space, and more complex models, where RGB, red edge, and near-infrared spectral bands and associated vegetation indices were used as predictors. We found that for most dense canopy grasses, using a simple linear model structure could explain most (R² 0.7) of the variability of the response variable. This was not the case for sparse canopy grasses, where a full multispectral dataset and a non-parametric model approach (random forest) were required to obtain a maximum R² of 0.53. We developed transparent protocols to model forage yield where, in most circumstances, acceptable results could be obtained with affordable RGB sensors and UAV platforms. This is important as users can obtain rapid estimates with inexpensive sensors for most of the grasses included in this study. Full article

Grasslands cover approximately 40% of the Earth’s surface. Thus, they play a pivotal role in supporting biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods. These ecosystems provide crucial habitats for specialized plant and animal species, act as carbon sinks to mitigate climate change, and are vital for agriculture and pastoralism. However, grasslands face ongoing threats from certain factors, like land use changes, overgrazing, and climate change. Geospatial technologies have become indispensable to manage and protect these valuable ecosystems. This review focuses on the application of Google Earth Engine (GEE) in grasslands. The study presents a bibliometric analysis of research conducted between 2016–2023. Findings from the analysis reveal a significant growth in the use of GEE and different remote sensing products for grassland studies. Most authors reported grassland degradation in most countries. Additionally, China leads in research contributions, followed by the United States and Brazil. However, the analysis highlights the need for greater involvement from developing countries, particularly in Africa. Furthermore, it highlights the global distribution of research efforts, emphasizes the need for broader international participation. Full article

Gelatin industry residues are increasingly used as fertilizer and soil conditioner. However, correct residue dosage is critical for grass development and minimizing environmental impacts. This randomized block design study determined adequate dosage of mixed gelatin sludge (MGS) for Marandu grass production in wet/dry seasons in Brazil. Five MGS levels (0–200% of required nitrogen) were compared to mineral fertilizer. Agronomic/productivity characteristics, bromatological composition, macro/micronutrient composition of leaves, and soil chemical attributes were evaluated. Agronomic/productivity characteristics were influenced by MGS dose in both dry/rainy seasons, except for leaf blade pseudostem ratio and percentage of leaves/pseudostem. Bromatological composition was influenced by MGS doses in dry/rainy seasons except for dry/mineral material quantities. Marandu leaf tissue chemical composition was significantly influenced by MGS dose, except for potassium, boron, and iron. Chemical composition of four soil layers between 0 and 50 cm influenced MGS dose, except for pH, organic matter, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. GMS dose for Marandu production should be 200% of nitrogen requirement. MGS application increased productivity/quality of Marandu grass. Macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus) and micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, sulfur, copper, and zinc) increased in Marandu grass and in the soil (calcium, sulfur, and sodium). The increased sodium level was not limiting. Full article