Grazing management and nitrogen fertilization effects on vaseygrass persistence in limpograss pastures
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Authors: Y. C. Newman, and L. E. Sollenberger
Date: 2005
Journal: Crop Science
Volume: 45
Number: 5
Pages: 2038-2043
Summary of Methods: Effects of grazing management and N fertilization on the persistence of vaseygrass (Paspalum urvillei), a weedy species in limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) pastures were examined at the Beef Research Unit at the University of Florida Gainesville (29° 38' N; 82° 22'W). Six treatments combinations of grazing regimes (continuous or rotational), stubble height (15 cm or 30 cm) and fertilizer application rates (50 or 150 kg N ha-1) were applied to 16 plots in a split-plot design. Treatment effects were measured on Vaseygrass grass density and percent cover of Vaseygrass, limpograss and other plants before treatments were imposed and following the final grazing period of the second year.
Article Summary / Main Points: Continuous grazing for two years decreased vaseygrass cover by 15% while increasing limpograss cover. Grazing pastures to a 15 cm stubble height increased vaseygrass density while grazing to a 30 cm stubble height decreased vaseygrass density. Regardless of grazing regime cover of limpograss and other plant species increased as vaseygrass decreased in pastures though continuous grazing had greater effects on cover than rotational grazing.
Vegetation Types: Other (includes Forest and Eastern)
MLRA Ecoregions: 154 South-Central Florida Ridge 155 Southern Florida Flatwoods
Agrovoc Control Words: Weeds Fertilizer application Grazing
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: grazing system, grazing intensity, vaseygrass, paspalum urvillei, limpograss, hemarthria altissima, fertilization, weedy species
Annotation: Continuous grazing to a moderate stubble height for one to two years to reduce vaseygrass and then change to rotational grazing until vaseygrass populations become a problem again then revert back to continuous grazing is the best management alternative. It was surmised that when the site was grazed to a 15 cm stubble height that there was greater germination of vaseygrass seeds due to increased light penetration to soil surface which was not measured. Future research in this area is needed.
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