Journal Description
Grasses
Grasses
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all fundamental and applied fields of grass, published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: first decisions in 16 days; acceptance to publication in 5.8 days (median values for MDPI journals in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Grasses is a companion journal of Agriculture and Agronomy.
Latest Articles
Impact of Salt and Alkali Stress on Forage Biomass Yield, Nutritive Value, and Animal Growth Performance: A Comprehensive Review
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 355-368; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040026 - 11 Dec 2024
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This review investigates the impact of saline and alkaline soils on forage biomass yield, nutritive value, and their subsequent effects on animal growth performance, which are critical for sustainable livestock production. Soil salinity and alkalinity, driven by environmental factors and human activities, significantly
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This review investigates the impact of saline and alkaline soils on forage biomass yield, nutritive value, and their subsequent effects on animal growth performance, which are critical for sustainable livestock production. Soil salinity and alkalinity, driven by environmental factors and human activities, significantly affect forage yield and quality, with notable consequences for ruminant nutrition. While some forage species exhibit enhanced crude protein (CP) content and improved leaf-to-stem ratios under salt stress, others suffer from reduced growth and biomass yield. Saline-affected forages are often characterized by lower acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels, enhancing their digestibility and making them a potentially valuable feed resource. However, high salinity levels pose significant challenges to consistent forage production in arid and semi-arid regions. Cultivating salt-tolerant forage species has emerged as a promising solution, offering a sustainable approach to addressing the dual challenges of soil salinity and livestock feed shortages. This review emphasizes the need for further research on salinity tolerance mechanisms and the development of resilient forage varieties. By integrating salt-tolerant forages and adopting effective management practices, livestock producers can ensure a reliable and high-quality feed supply while enhancing the growth performance of ruminant animals in salt-affected areas.
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Open AccessArticle
Forage Seed Systems to Close the Ruminant Feed Deficit in Eastern Africa
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Stefan Burkart and Solomon Mwendia
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 333-354; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040025 - 4 Dec 2024
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This study examines key challenges and opportunities for improving ruminant productivity in East Africa, with a focus on enhancing access to forage seeds critical for livestock systems in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Despite high potential for increased livestock production, the
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This study examines key challenges and opportunities for improving ruminant productivity in East Africa, with a focus on enhancing access to forage seeds critical for livestock systems in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. Despite high potential for increased livestock production, the region faces a significant feed deficit—nearly 40% of annual feed demand remains unmet—due to the limited availability and affordability of forage seeds. The research identifies a critical gap in quality seed access, with many farmers relying on outdated materials. We propose the promotion of recently improved forage varieties and local seed production as a solution to reduce dependence on costly imports and enhance adoption. Our analysis suggests that bridging the forage deficit would require the cultivation of 2 million hectares and the involvement of 1.5 million farmers, highlighting the scale of intervention needed. Additionally, the regional forage seed market presents an economic opportunity, potentially valued at USD 877 million over the next decade, underlining the importance of government policies, the development of seed systems, and market incentives. The study concludes with recommendations for fostering seed production, improving seed distribution, and addressing socio-economic barriers to ensure widespread adoption and enhance livestock productivity in the region.
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Open AccessArticle
Configuration of Low-Cost Miniature Heat Pulse Probes to Monitor Heat Velocity for Sap Flow Assessments in Wheat (Triticum durum L.)
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Oscar Parra-Camara, Luis A. Méndez-Barroso, R. Suzuky Pinto, Jaime Garatuza-Payán and Enrico A. Yépez
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 320-332; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040024 - 14 Nov 2024
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Heat velocity (Vh) is a key metric to estimate sap flow which is linked to transpiration rate and is commonly measured using thermocouples implanted in plant stems or tree trunks. However, measuring transpiration rates in the Gramineae family, characterized by thin
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Heat velocity (Vh) is a key metric to estimate sap flow which is linked to transpiration rate and is commonly measured using thermocouples implanted in plant stems or tree trunks. However, measuring transpiration rates in the Gramineae family, characterized by thin and hollow stems, is challenging. Commercially available sensors based on the measurement of heat velocity can be unaffordable, especially in developing countries. In this work, a real-time heat pulse flux monitoring system based on the heat ratio approach was configured to estimate heat velocity in wheat (Triticum durum L.). The heat velocity sensors were designed to achieve optimal performance for a stem diameter smaller than 5 mm. Sensor parameterization included the determination of casing thermal properties, stabilization time, and time to achieve maximum heat velocity which occurred 30 s after applying a heat pulse. Heat velocity sensors were able to track plant water transport dynamics during phenological stages with high crop water demand (milk development, dough development, and end of grain filling) reporting maximum Vh values in the order of 0.004 cm s−1 which scale to sap flow rates in the order of 3.0 g h−1 comparing to reports from other methods to assess sap flow in wheat.
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Open AccessArticle
Effect of Different Irrigation Programs on Structural Characteristics, Productivity and Water Use Efficiency of Opuntia and Nopalea Forage Cactus Clones
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Jandis Ferreira Nunes de Araujo, João Pedro Alves de Souza Santos, Luciana Sandra Bastos de Souza, Carlos André Alves de Souza, Cléber Pereira Alves, Alexandre Maniçoba da Rosa Ferraz Jardim, Danielle da Silva Eugênio, Leonardo Francelino de Souza, José Edson Florentino de Morais, Wilma Roberta dos Santos, Glayciane Costa Gois, Fleming Sena Campos, Marcos Vinícius da Silva, Abelardo Antônio de Assunção Montenegro and Thieres George Freire da Silva
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 307-319; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040023 - 11 Nov 2024
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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,
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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 (WUEFM and WUEDM) 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, WUEFM and WUEDM (p < 0.05). Adopting the OEM clone, regardless of the irrigation schedule, is the strategy that achieves the best production.
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Open AccessArticle
Biological Nitrification Inhibition by Australian Tussock Grass and Its Impact on the Rhizosphere Ammonia-Oxidizing Microbiome
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Yi Zhou, Ruey Toh, Nasir Iqbal, Maarten Ryder, Jishun Li and Matthew D. Denton
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 297-306; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040022 - 7 Nov 2024
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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:
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Potassium Fertilization Alters the Morphogenetic, Structural, and Productive Characteristics of Panicum maximum Cultivars
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Emmanuel Lievio de Lima Véras, Gelson dos Santos Difante, Alexandre Romeiro de Araújo, Denise Baptaglin Montagner, Gabriela Oliveira de Aquino Monteiro, Carolina Marques Costa Araújo, Antonio Leandro Chaves Gurgel, Manuel Cláudio Motta Macedo, Jéssica Gomes Rodrigues and Juliana Caroline Santos Santana
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 287-296; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040021 - 1 Nov 2024
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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,
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Associative Effects on Degradability, Fermentation Parameters, and In Vitro Methane Production as a Result of Variation in the Ruminants Diets Constituents
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Danielle Ferreira Baffa, Tadeu S. Oliveira, Alberto Magno Fernandes, Michele Gabriel Camilo, Ismael N. Silva, Elon Souza Aniceto, José Ribeiro Meirelles Júnior and Elvanio José Lopes Mozelli Filho
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 274-286; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040020 - 23 Oct 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Seed Germination Responses to Temperature and Osmotic Stress Conditions in Brachiaria Forage Grasses
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Francuois L. Müller, Jabulile E. Leroko, Clement F. Cupido, Igshaan Samuels, Nothando Ngcobo, Elizabeth L. Masemola, Fortune Manganyi-Valoyi and Tlou Julius Tjelele
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 264-273; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040019 - 17 Oct 2024
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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
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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.
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How the Inclusion of Pigeon Pea in Beef Cattle Diets Affects CH4 Intensity: An In Vitro Fermentation Assessment
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Althieres José Furtado, Flavio Perna Junior, Rolando Pasquini Neto, Adibe Luiz Abdalla Filho, Sophia Aparecida Morro Chamilete, Patrícia Perondi Anchão Oliveira and Paulo Henrique Mazza Rodrigues
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 253-263; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040018 - 11 Oct 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Evaluation of Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Different Grasses Irrigated with Treated Mine Water
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Mziwanda Mangwane, Ignacio Casper Madakadze, Florence Veronica Nherera-Chokuda, Sikhalazo Dube, Mthunzi Mndela, Ngoako Letsoalo and Tlou Julius Tjelele
Grasses 2024, 3(4), 240-252; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3040017 - 8 Oct 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Water Conservation Practices and Nitrogen Fertility for the Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Creeping Bentgrass Putting Greens
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Kristina S. Walker and Katy E. Chapman
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 221-239; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030016 - 18 Sep 2024
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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
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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 (CH4,), 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.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Turfgrass Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Effects of Grazing and Shrub Management on Species Composition and Soil Properties in Patagonian Grasslands
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Braian Vogel, Lucia Molina, César M. Rostagno and Ludmila La Manna
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 205-220; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030015 - 11 Sep 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Exogenous Melatonin Alleviates Osmotic Stress by Enhancing Antioxidant Metabolism, Photosynthetic Maintenance, and Hormone Homeostasis in Forage Oat (Avena sativa) Seedlings
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Jingbo Yu, Xingyu Luo, Qingping Zhou, Zhou Li and Shiyong Chen
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 190-204; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030014 - 3 Sep 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Dynamics of Mulatto Grass Regrowth Depending on Rotational Cattle Grazing Management
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Carlindo Santos Rodrigues, Márcia Cristina Teixeira da Silveira, Leandro Martins Barbero, Salim Jacaúna Sousa Júnior, Veridiana Aparecida Limão, Guilherme Pontes Silva, Sila Carneiro da Silva and Domicio do Nascimento Júnior
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 174-189; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030013 - 3 Sep 2024
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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—LI95% and LI
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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—LI95% and LIMax) 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 LI95% relative to LIMax, of 161.7 and 120.2 kg DM ha−1·day−1, respectively. Pastures managed with LI95% 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 LIMax showed higher SGR and LSR in the final regrowth phase. Thus, the LAI was higher in pastures managed at LI95% compared to those managed at LIMax, of 163.9 and 112.7 kg DM ha−1·day−1, respectively. Mulatto grass pastures, which were managed at LI95% 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.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Sorghum–Legume Mixtures to Improve Forage Yield and Nutritive Value in Semiarid Regions
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Leonard M. Lauriault, Murali K. Darapuneni and Gasper K. Martinez
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 163-173; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030012 - 14 Aug 2024
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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
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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.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Forage in Sustainable Agriculture)
Open AccessArticle
Morphogenesis, Structure, and Tillering Dynamics of Tanzania Grass under Nitrogen Fertilization in the Amazon Region
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Nauara Moura Lage Filho, Airton da Conceição dos Santos, Suianne Lorena da Silva e Silva, João Victor Costa de Oliveira, Vitor Hugo Maués Macedo, Antônio Marcos Quadros Cunha, Aníbal Coutinho do Rêgo and Ebson Pereira Cândido
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 154-162; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030011 - 7 Aug 2024
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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,
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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.
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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
The Interaction of Wildfire with Post-Fire Herbivory on Arid and Semi-Arid U.S. Rangelands: A Review
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Janessa Kluth, Samuel Wyffels, Jed Eberly, Lance Vermeire, Clayton Marlow and Timothy DelCurto
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 143-153; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030010 - 22 Jul 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Changes in Species Composition, Diversity, and Biomass of Secondary Dry Grasslands Following Long-Term Mowing: A Case Study in Hungary
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Judit Házi, Dragica Purger, Károly Penksza and Sándor Bartha
Grasses 2024, 3(3), 130-142; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3030009 - 17 Jul 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessArticle
Ecogeography and Climate Change in Forage Grasses from Arid and Semi-Arid Regions of Mexico
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Gabriela Ramírez-Ojeda, Edith Ramírez-Segura, Luis Ángel Barrera-Guzmán and Abieser Vázquez-González
Grasses 2024, 3(2), 110-129; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3020008 - 29 May 2024
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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
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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.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Multispectral Sensors to Model Forage Yield for Grasses of Semiarid Landscapes
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Alexander Hernandez, Kevin Jensen, Steve Larson, Royce Larsen, Craig Rigby, Brittany Johnson, Claire Spickermann and Stephen Sinton
Grasses 2024, 3(2), 84-109; https://doi.org/10.3390/grasses3020007 - 17 May 2024
Cited by 2
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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
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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.
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