Comparison of continuous and rotational silvopastoral systems for established walnut plantations in southwest Missouri, USA
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Authors: J. W. Lehmkuhler, M. S. Kerley, H. E. Garrett, B. E. Cutter, and R. L. McGraw
Date: 1999
Journal: Agroforestry Systems
Volume: 44
Number:
Pages: 267-279
Summary of Methods: In this study the effects of continuous and rotational cattle grazing on understory forage production, forage quality, animal performance and tree growth were determined in an established walnut plantation. Compared to continuously grazed pastures, rotationally grazed pastures produced more live grass and legumes which improved forage quality and late season animal performance under this grazing system. Grazing did not enhance or reduce the growth of tree diameters during this study, however, height growth tended to be greater than normal in grazed pastures, suggesting that grazing may benefit tree growth. The results of this study indicate that rotational cattle grazing may be a beneficial use of understory resources in established walnut plantations, however, the author cautions that these results may not be applicable to other plantations with trees at different growth stages or in different areas and suggests that more research is required before grazing management recommendations can be made.
Article Summary / Main Points: None
Vegetation Types:
MLRA Ecoregions:
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Rangelands Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: forage quality, grazing system, forage composition, animal performance, forage production, browsing, tree production
Annotation: 48 Holstein steers with an average weight of 243 kg were utilized in this study. Emphasis was placed on maximizing the utilization of the forage in the rotational system while keeping the continuous stocking rate equal to that of the rotational. On June 3, stocking rates were set at 14.8 animals per ha for both systems. On June 17, stocking rates were reduced to 7.4 animals per ha due to lowered forage availability. Forage samples were obtained weekly by collecting all material clipped to a mean stubble height of 6.4 cm from three random areas.
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