Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: Ferreiro-Domínguez N., Rigueiro-Rodríguez A. and Mosquera-Losada M.R.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
Animal feed is the main cost on dairy farms. Maize can produce quality silage for dairy cattle at less cost than silage from grass, and at the same time increases milk yield and milk protein content. Moreover, supplementation with concentrates can be reduced and profitability is improved. The correct use of amendments and fertilisers could improve maize production and its nutritional content and also reduce costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on forage maize production of different application rates of an amendment (5, 15, 25 and 35 Mg ha‑1) and an organo-mineral fertiliser (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha‑1) developed with organic matter from industrial wastes and with inorganic sulphur from a refinery, in comparison with the mineral fertilisation usually carried out in the area where the experiment was conducted (Spain). The results obtained did not show a significant effect of the different rates of the amendment on maize production, probably because the amount of N applied to the soil was similar. However, high rates of the organo-mineral fertiliser increased the production of forage maize, probably by the soil fertility improvement associated with this treatment.
management
Effect of cutting frequency of four red clover cultivars on forage yield and persistence
Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: Hejduk S.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
Red clover (Trifolium pratense L) is the most important perennial legume cultivated in Central and Northern Europe. Its lack of persistence is the main limiting factor which hampers its wider use in permanent grassland. Once the plants in the 2nd or 3rd harvest year disappear, the remaining grass sward needs more nitrogen fertilizing, over-seeding or renovation. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the effect of four red clover cultivars and two cutting frequencies on dry matter (DM) yield and clover persistence in mixture with grasses. The highest DM forage yield in the 3rd harvest year and persistence index was achieved by the cultivars Astur and Amos for 3- and 4-cut management, respectively (15.7 vs 16.6 Mg ha‑1 and 0.82 vs 0.95, respectively). There was a significant interaction between cultivar and cutting frequency in the 3rd harvest year, when only cultivar Amos increased yield and persistence index under 4-cut management. The cultivar Amos, in comparison with other cultivars, demonstrated the best results under more frequent cutting management and should be recommended, in preference, for intensively harvested permanent grasslands and/or leys.
Working with farmers to make the most of soil nutrients for eco efficiency – The PROSOIL PROJECT
Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: McCalman H.M., Powell H.G. and Buckingham S.E.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
Working with key industry stakeholders and farmers, the PROSOIL project aims to achieve a better understanding of soil and nutrient management to optimise farm productivity. Linked to IBERS research that is scientifically determining the impact of improving soil health on forage and livestock productivity and quality, farmer participation is a key part of the dissemination. Eight commercial development farmers (CDF), who volunteered during a series of events, are working with IBERS Grassland Development Centre to explore the effects of their farming practices on soil health and productivity by making field-scale measurements. The farms represent different agriculture sectors including three dairy farmers who use a range of systems for recycling animal manures and other soil nutrients. Results from the CDF, including the implications of nutrient management methods, and a survey of Welsh dairy farmers’ soil nutrient management practices will be presented. Findings are disseminated through a range of knowledge exchange methods, from indirect factsheets to active learning through participation that encourages farmers to actively adopt and evaluate soil management approaches when they meet, discuss and share results.
Forage pea yield after application of different rates of pig and cattle manure
Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: Mosquera-Losada M.R., Rigueiro-Rodríguez A., Ferreiro-Domínguez N.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
Animal production should be mostly based on farm resources as this reduces animal product costs. Forage legumes like peas are adequate for fulfilling part of the animals’ protein needs. Fertiliser prices have also added to high input costs for farmers in recent years, and this make the use of manures produced on farms more important. This study aims at evaluating the effect of two different rates of pig and beef cattle manure on forage pea yield, compared with the traditional mineral fertiliser used in the area. An analysis of the manures was carried out showing that pig manure has a higher level of nutrients than cattle manure. Both manures resulted in a higher seed yield than was obtained by using mineral fertiliser.