Due to its high yield potential and adaptability to marginal lands, switchgrass (Panacum virgatum) has received considerable press for its potential to contribute to the growing cellulosic ethanol industry. Many producers have considered entering this new industry, but the limited information on nutrient management of switchgrass needs to be addressed. Therefore, The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation established a multisite (Frederick and Burneyville, Okla.) experiment to evaluate the effects of harvest systems and nitrogen application rates on biomass production.
Following the establishment of test sites in 2008, forage was harvested after seed set (October), after frost (December) or twice per year after boot stage (July) and frost. In addition, nitrogen was applied at six rates (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 pounds of nitrogen per acre). As expected, application of 160 pounds of nitrogen per acre significantly increased forage yields for all three harvest periods. In fact, compared to application of no nitrogen, switchgrass biomass increased by 49 percent when harvested after seed set, by 27 percent when harvested after frost and by 87 percent in the two harvest system. We also found that application of nitrogen beyond 160 pounds per acre did not significantly increase forage yields. Our research showed that for each pound of nitrogen applied, per acre yield increased by 13 pounds for after seed set harvest, 15 pounds for after frost harvest and 35 pounds for twice per year harvest.
Nutrient concentrations and removal rates varied significantly by harvest system. Quantifying this is important because of the soil nutrient mining associated with switchgrass for bioenergy production. Due to high amounts of nitrogen being available to the plant, application of 160 pounds nitrogen per acre increased the forage nitrogen concentration by 68 percent compared to unfertilized switchgrass. In addition, when compared to application of no nitrogen, application of 160 pounds nitrogen per acre increased nitrogen uptake by approximately 170 percent for after seed set harvest, 122 percent for after frost harvest and 147 percent for twice per year harvest.
Phosphorus and potassium concentration and removal rates at the boot stage harvest are much greater than from post-frost harvests. When compared to adding no nitrogen, application of 160 pounds nitrogen per acre increased phosphorus uptake by approximately 55 percent for after seed set harvest, 71 percent for after frost harvest and 50 percent for twice per year harvest. When switchgrass was harvested after seed set, after frost and twice per year, nitrogen fertilization at a rate of 160 pounds per acre increased potassium uptake by 49 percent, 31 percent and 110 percent, respectively, compared to no nitrogen application.
Nutrient removal (soil mining) was generally twice as high when switchgrass was harvested twice a year. Precipitation strongly affected biomass yields across the two years of experiments. When late summer precipitation is available, it supports regrowth, resulting in greater forage yields. However, harvesting twice per year increases nutrient removal and potentially increases fertilization requirements and costs.
As in any hay production enterprise, baling and removal of forage from the land results in depleting soils of critical nutrients. However, nutrients that are mined from the soil can be recycled back if the harvested hay is fed to livestock on the same site. However, with switchgrass production for bioenergy systems, the livestock recycling is absent. Therefore, it is critical to time harvest of biomass to minimize effects on soil nutrient concentrations or to apply nutrients that were removed from the soil. In order to have a sustainable switchgrass production system, harvest at the appropriate time accompanied by regular soil tests and application of necessary nutrients are needed. You can find this and past articles on the web at http://www.mycountrytractor.com/ for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Mycountrytractor.com is the destination for those looking for community info. Mycountrytractor is involved with county events and child involvement to help support local 4-H and FFA events. We have wonderful Agriculture information for our visitors for all your farming and ranching needs
Friday, June 11, 2010
Chute N The Bull 6-2-10
Everyone has heard the expression "good fences make good neighbors." This has never been truer than in today's world. Many counties have closed range laws, meaning that if livestock gets out of a pasture and causes damage such as an automobile accident, the owner of the livestock is liable. As more people move to the country from the city, we have seen a need for better understanding of proper fencing for various livestock species.
Several common types of fences are five to six strands of barbed wire fence, electric fence, woven wire fence (field fence), or pipe and cable. All of these have advantages and disadvantages.
Barbed wire is the typical material used to fence cattle. Five to six strands of barbed wire are adequate to keep cattle restrained for interior or exterior fences. More strands (eight to 10) can be used at closer intervals to keep goats in. Barbed wire fences are fast and economical to install. A disadvantage is that horse owners typically do not like barbed wire fences for fear of the animal being entangled and injured. Consideration should be given to this if there is a plan to sell the property in the future.
Electric fence is a very economical method of dividing pastures into smaller areas to improve rotational grazing. Electric fence can be installed with minimal equipment and relatively quickly. Another advantage is that it can be used as either a temporary or permanent fence. It can be installed as a temporary fence to determine future locations of permanent fences. Electric fences come in a variety of materials from high tensile wire, woven wire, electric braided rope or ribbons. A disadvantage is that electric fences are not usually recommended for use as perimeter fences. An important consideration is to make sure that you use a fence charger that has the highest number of joules available. Chargers are available that are powered by 110 volts, 12 volt battery or solar energy. Additionally, not installing enough grounding rods will result in less than satisfactory performance. Alternate a "hot" wire and ground wire on the fence so if an animal puts its head through, it will touch both wires at the same time, ensuring an unpleasant zap.
Woven wire fences are also called field fences. They are more expensive and harder to install than electric or barbed wire fences. Several variations are available including horse, no-climb, goat, hog or cattle fences. The differences between the variations are due to the spacing of the horizontal strands or the vertical strands (called stays). The spacing between the stays or vertical strands of wire can vary from 2 to 10 inches apart. The horizontal strands can be equally spaced, as small as 4 inches, or increase in size as you go from the bottom to the top of the fence. It is recommended to use one to two strands of barbed wire or electric fence at the top of the woven fence to deter animals from trying to reach over the top of the fence and pushing it down.
Pipe and cable fences are the most expensive and difficult to install, but are probably the strongest and most permanent. These fences typically require the services of a welder and take the greatest amount of time to install. Pipe fences are preferred in crowding situations, such as in corrals or working pens. Horse enthusiasts and professionals suggest that pipe fences are easier for horses to see and, thus, prevent injury. A common method of fencing in equine operations is to use pipe for the post and top-line with woven horse wire in the middle. Many fence builders will use a single strand of cable at the bottom of the woven wire to add strength to the fence.
No matter what type of fence you choose, it should be tall enough to discourage and prevent the animals from trying to jump over it. Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side, and livestock have 24 hours in a day to try to figure out a way to get out. It is our job to keep them in. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
Several common types of fences are five to six strands of barbed wire fence, electric fence, woven wire fence (field fence), or pipe and cable. All of these have advantages and disadvantages.
Barbed wire is the typical material used to fence cattle. Five to six strands of barbed wire are adequate to keep cattle restrained for interior or exterior fences. More strands (eight to 10) can be used at closer intervals to keep goats in. Barbed wire fences are fast and economical to install. A disadvantage is that horse owners typically do not like barbed wire fences for fear of the animal being entangled and injured. Consideration should be given to this if there is a plan to sell the property in the future.
Electric fence is a very economical method of dividing pastures into smaller areas to improve rotational grazing. Electric fence can be installed with minimal equipment and relatively quickly. Another advantage is that it can be used as either a temporary or permanent fence. It can be installed as a temporary fence to determine future locations of permanent fences. Electric fences come in a variety of materials from high tensile wire, woven wire, electric braided rope or ribbons. A disadvantage is that electric fences are not usually recommended for use as perimeter fences. An important consideration is to make sure that you use a fence charger that has the highest number of joules available. Chargers are available that are powered by 110 volts, 12 volt battery or solar energy. Additionally, not installing enough grounding rods will result in less than satisfactory performance. Alternate a "hot" wire and ground wire on the fence so if an animal puts its head through, it will touch both wires at the same time, ensuring an unpleasant zap.
Woven wire fences are also called field fences. They are more expensive and harder to install than electric or barbed wire fences. Several variations are available including horse, no-climb, goat, hog or cattle fences. The differences between the variations are due to the spacing of the horizontal strands or the vertical strands (called stays). The spacing between the stays or vertical strands of wire can vary from 2 to 10 inches apart. The horizontal strands can be equally spaced, as small as 4 inches, or increase in size as you go from the bottom to the top of the fence. It is recommended to use one to two strands of barbed wire or electric fence at the top of the woven fence to deter animals from trying to reach over the top of the fence and pushing it down.
Pipe and cable fences are the most expensive and difficult to install, but are probably the strongest and most permanent. These fences typically require the services of a welder and take the greatest amount of time to install. Pipe fences are preferred in crowding situations, such as in corrals or working pens. Horse enthusiasts and professionals suggest that pipe fences are easier for horses to see and, thus, prevent injury. A common method of fencing in equine operations is to use pipe for the post and top-line with woven horse wire in the middle. Many fence builders will use a single strand of cable at the bottom of the woven wire to add strength to the fence.
No matter what type of fence you choose, it should be tall enough to discourage and prevent the animals from trying to jump over it. Remember that the grass is always greener on the other side, and livestock have 24 hours in a day to try to figure out a way to get out. It is our job to keep them in. You can find this and past articles on the web at www.mycountrytractor.com for your reference. Extension programs serve of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.
Thank you,
Tommy Neyland
County Extension Agent
Texas Agrilife Extension Service
P.O. Box 188
Centerville, Texas 75833
903.536.2531 phone
903.536.3804 fax
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