Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

4 pages, 209 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Unveiling Innovations in Grasslands Productivity and Sustainability

by Mohamed Abdalla

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2537; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102537 - 30 Sep 2023

Viewed by 585

Abstract

Grasslands represent a vital ecosystem, covering roughly 40 [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

24 pages, 3091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Grazing by Cattle and Sheep for Semi-Natural Grasslands in Sweden

by Anders Glimskär, Jan Hultgren, Matthew Hiron, Rebecka Westin, Eddie A. M. Bokkers and Linda J. Keeling

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2469; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13102469 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1394

Abstract

Despite their importance for biodiversity and other ecosystem services, many semi-natural grasslands deteriorate or have even disappeared due to insufficient grazing and neglect. Preservation of grassland habitats depends on a good understanding of sustainable grazing management as well as effective agricultural policy measures [...] Read more.

Despite their importance for biodiversity and other ecosystem services, many semi-natural grasslands deteriorate or have even disappeared due to insufficient grazing and neglect. Preservation of grassland habitats depends on a good understanding of sustainable grazing management as well as effective agricultural policy measures that ensure long-term economic sustainability for the farmer. Through meta-evaluation and synthesis of previous investigations and discussion of scientific literature, we aimed to evaluate factors that determine the extent to which cattle and sheep in Sweden graze semi-natural grasslands instead of more productive land and what this means for biodiversity and sustainability. We also aimed to propose which practises and policy measures may be the most cost-effective to promote habitat quality and the sustainable use of grasslands. Results from a nationwide survey of Swedish farmers’ attitudes towards agri-environmental payment schemes are discussed in relation to farm characteristics and other factors influencing the use of cattle and sheep for sustainable grazing. This study supports recommendations by environmental economists that payments should be targeted more strongly at the most valuable grasslands, emphasising the need for a more detailed and nuanced framework for classifying grasslands in Europe. A comparison with independent estimates of the area of agricultural land from nation-wide, sample-based monitoring shows that the data from official statistics normally used for nationwide evaluations are partly biased and of insufficient quality, underscoring the need for more sophisticated and precise methods for monitoring both overall trends and detailed environmental effects related to the preservation of semi-natural grasslands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 2882 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Driving Factors of Precipitation-Use Efficiency across Diverse Grasslands in Chinese Loess Plateau

by Zongping Ren, Hailiang Qiao, Ping Xiong, Jianbo Peng, Bo Wang and Kaibo Wang

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092296 - 30 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 799

Abstract

Understanding the characteristics of the precipitation-use efficiency (PUE) of grassland ecosystems and its drivers is critical for predicting how ecosystem functions will respond to future climate change. In this study, we investigated several covarying biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., biomass, coverage, diversity, precipitation, [...] Read more.

Understanding the characteristics of the precipitation-use efficiency (PUE) of grassland ecosystems and its drivers is critical for predicting how ecosystem functions will respond to future climate change. In this study, we investigated several covarying biotic and abiotic factors (e.g., biomass, coverage, diversity, precipitation, temperature, and humid index (HI)) of 81 sites across a broad natural grassland gradient in the Loess Plateau of China to determine how PUE changes along a precipitation gradient and to assess the effects of biotic and abiotic factors on PUE. Our results showed that HI, below-ground biomass (BGB), vegetation coverage, and species diversity were the most important biotic factors in controlling PUE. HI had a higher positive indirect effect on PUE mainly through its influence on community characteristics. Our results suggest that precipitation and community characteristics are both important for the precipitation-use efficiency of natural grasslands across the arid and semiarid areas of the Loess Plateau. Additionally, improving the vegetation structure and increasing species diversity can help enhance the adaptability of grassland ecosystems to climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecological Stoichiometric Characteristics of Plant–Soil–Microorganism of Grassland Ecosystems under Different Restoration Modes in the Karst Desertification Area

by Shuzhen Song, Kangning Xiong and Yongkuan Chi

Agronomy 2023, 13(8), 2016; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13082016 - 29 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1161

Abstract

C, N and P are the key biogenic elements of terrestrial ecosystems, and their biogeochemical processes regulate nutrient cycling and play a key role in restoring degraded ecosystems. In this paper, the grassland ecosystem under artificial restoration measures (Dactylis glomerata (DG), Lolium [...] Read more.

C, N and P are the key biogenic elements of terrestrial ecosystems, and their biogeochemical processes regulate nutrient cycling and play a key role in restoring degraded ecosystems. In this paper, the grassland ecosystem under artificial restoration measures (Dactylis glomerata (DG), Lolium perenne (LP), Lolium perenne + Trifolium repens (LT)), and the natural restoration measures (NG) in a typical karst plateau desertification control area of southwest China, were taken as the research object. The C, N, and P concentrations and the ecological stoichiometry of the plant–soil–microorganism system in grasslands under different restoration measures in the karst desertification area were explored. We established the following findings: (1) Compared with NG, the C, N and P concentrations of plants and soil in DG, LP and LT were higher, and LT was the highest. (2) The microbial biomass carbon (MBC), microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) and microbial biomass phosphorus (MBP) concentrations in LT was also the highest. (3) The C:N ratio of plant and soil indicated that the N mineralization and nutrient release rate of DG, LP and LT were stronger than that of NG, and the plant growth of NG was most seriously limited by nitrogen. The N:P ratio in plant and soil indicated that the grassland was limited by P in the four treatments. (4) The result of correlation analysis showed that the cycling process of C, N and P in the plant–soil–microorganism system was coupled, and that the elements closely affected each other. In general, the effect of artificial restoration on a degraded ecosystem was relatively better than the natural restoration for increasing plant, soil and microbial nutrient concentrations, especially in the mixed-seed ecosystem of leguminous and gramineous forage. However, in the future, grassland management, appropriate N fertilizer or N-fixing plants and P fertilizer should be considered to improve the limitation of plant N and P, so as to realize the sustainable development of grasslands and the restoration of degraded ecosystems in the karst desertification control area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 3668 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the ECOSSE Model for Estimating Soil Respiration from Eight European Permanent Grassland Sites

by Mohamed Abdalla, Iris Feigenwinter, Mark Richards, Sylvia Helga Vetter, Georg Wohlfahrt, Ute Skiba, Krisztina Pintér, Zoltán Nagy, Stanislav Hejduk, Nina Buchmann, Paul Newell-Price and Pete Smith

Agronomy 2023, 13(7), 1734; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13071734 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1151

Abstract

This study used the ECOSSE model (v. 5.0.1) to simulate soil respiration (Rs) fluxes estimated from ecosystem respiration (R_eco) for eight European permanent grassland (PG) sites with varying grass species, soils, and management. The main aim was to evaluate the strengths [...] Read more.

This study used the ECOSSE model (v. 5.0.1) to simulate soil respiration (Rs) fluxes estimated from ecosystem respiration (R_eco) for eight European permanent grassland (PG) sites with varying grass species, soils, and management. The main aim was to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the model in estimating Rs from grasslands, and to gain a better understanding of the terrestrial carbon cycle and how Rs is affected by natural and anthropogenic drivers. Results revealed that the current version of the ECOSSE model might not be reliable for estimating daily Rs fluxes, particularly in dry sites. The daily estimated and simulated Rs ranged from 0.95 to 3.1 g CO₂-C m⁻², and from 0.72 to 1.58 g CO₂-C m⁻², respectively. However, ECOSSE could still be a valuable tool for predicting cumulative Rs from PG. The overall annual relative deviation (RD) value between the cumulative estimated and simulated annual Rs was 11.9%. Additionally, the model demonstrated accurate simulation of Rs in response to grass cutting and slurry application practices. The sensitivity analyses and attribution tests revealed that increased soil organic carbon (SOC), soil pH, temperature, reduced precipitation, and lower water table (WT) depth could lead to increased Rs from soils. The variability of Rs fluxes across sites and years was attributed to climate, weather, soil properties, and management practices. The study suggests the need for additional development and application of the ECOSSE model, specifically in dry and low input sites, to evaluate the impacts of various land management interventions on carbon sequestration and emissions in PG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 476 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Impact of Rotational Pasture Management for Farm-Bred Fallow Deer (Dama dama) on Fodder Quality in the Context of Animal Welfare

by Mariusz Kulik, Katarzyna Tajchman, Antoni Lipiec, Maciej Bąkowski, Aleksandra Ukalska-Jaruga, Francisco Ceacero, Monika Pecio and Żaneta Steiner-Bogdaszewska

Agronomy 2023, 13(4), 1155; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13041155 - 19 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1636

Abstract

Extensive breeding of farmed cervids, similarly to other livestock, affects the vegetation of grasslands in different seasons. For this reason, the impact of the rotational grazing of fallow deer on the chemical and species composition of the pasture sward was assessed, along with [...] Read more.

Extensive breeding of farmed cervids, similarly to other livestock, affects the vegetation of grasslands in different seasons. For this reason, the impact of the rotational grazing of fallow deer on the chemical and species composition of the pasture sward was assessed, along with the possibility of using these animals for grasslands conservation. The species composition of the pastures was analysed through the botanical-weight method. A quality index and mineral concentration test by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry were used to evaluate the feed. The highest proportion of valuable grasses, such as Dactylis glomerata, Poa pratensis and Lolium perenne, was recorded in the summer pens (65.7–66.1%), while the smallest proportion was recorded in the control area (46.1%). The estimated yield potential was relatively large, from 5.74 to 7.02 t ha⁻¹ dry matter. The lowest total protein content occurred in the control area in the spring and autumn. The summer pens, including the sown one, had a better fodder quality, depending on the species composition. All pens were characterised by a high production potential and similar floristic composition, without the participation of undesirable plant species, which confirms the hypothesis that, under extensive grazing conditions, fallow deer can be used for grassland conservation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 1706 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Long-Term Effects of Alternative Management Practices in Conventional and Organic Agricultural Systems on Soil Carbon Stocks Using the DayCent Model

by Caio Fernandes Zani, Mohamed Abdalla, Geoffrey Denis Abbott, James Arnold Taylor, Marcelo Valadares Galdos, Julia Mary Cooper and Elisa Lopez-Capel

Agronomy 2023, 13(4), 1093; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13041093 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1880

Abstract

Recently, many countries have introduced policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing synthetic nitrogen fertiliser and promoting diversified crop rotation. While such management changes might represent an opportunity for the agricultural sector to mitigate the impacts of climate change through carbon [...] Read more.

Recently, many countries have introduced policies that promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as reducing synthetic nitrogen fertiliser and promoting diversified crop rotation. While such management changes might represent an opportunity for the agricultural sector to mitigate the impacts of climate change through carbon (C) sequestration in soils, there are still uncertainties due to the scarcity of reliable long-term data to prove this assumption. In this study, we applied the DayCent model using empirical data from a farm-scale study and an experimental trial study at Nafferton farm in the UK, to assess the long-term effects of contrasting agricultural systems (conventional vs. organic), grazing regimes (non-grazed vs. grazed), arable systems with ley phases, mineral vs. compost fertility sources and conventional vs. organic crop rotation on soil C stocks (0–0.20 m depth). The simulations showed that grazing and higher ley time proportions can increase soil C stocks for a period of at least 30 years, regardless of the agricultural system used (average increase in rates of 0.25 ± 0.02 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹). Compost fertiliser promoted soil C accumulation for the same period (average increase in rates of 0.3 Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹), but its magnitude was dependent on the choice of crops in the rotation. However, ley time proportions higher than 40% of the full crop rotation did not improve soil C accumulation further. We conclude that the DayCent model can be used to identify the quantity of and the effective period for which management practices can be used to target mitigation efforts, but the balance between sustainability and productivity aspects warrants further research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicted Soil Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Climate × Management Interactions in Temperate Grassland

by Arlete S. Barneze, Mohamed Abdalla, Jeanette Whitaker, Niall P. McNamara and Nicholas J. Ostle

Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 3055; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12123055 - 02 Dec 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1398

Abstract

Grassland management practices and their interactions with climatic variables have significant impacts on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Mathematical models can be used to simulate the impacts of management and potential changes in climate beyond the temporal extent of short-term field experiments. In [...] Read more.

Grassland management practices and their interactions with climatic variables have significant impacts on soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Mathematical models can be used to simulate the impacts of management and potential changes in climate beyond the temporal extent of short-term field experiments. In this study, field measurements of nitrous oxide (N₂O), carbon dioxide (CO₂), and methane (CH₄) emissions from grassland soils were used to test and validate the DNDC (DeNitrification-DeComposition) model. The model was then applied to predict changes in GHG emissions due to interactions between climate warming and grassland management in a 30-year simulation. Sensitivity analysis showed that the DNDC model was susceptible to changes in temperature, rainfall, soil carbon and N-fertiliser rate for predicting N₂O and CO₂ emissions, but not for net CH₄ emissions. Validation of the model suggests that N₂O emissions were well described by N-fertilised treatments (relative variation of 2%), while non-fertilised treatments showed higher variations between measured and simulated values (relative variation of 26%). CO₂ emissions (plant and soil respiration) were well described by the model prior to hay meadow cutting but afterwards measured emissions were higher than those simulated. Emissions of CH₄ were on average negative and largely negligible for both simulated and measured values. Long-term scenario projections suggest that net GHG emissions would increase over time under all treatments and interactions. Overall, this study confirms that GHG emissions from intensively managed, fertilised grasslands are at greater risk of being amplified through climate warming, and represent a greater risk of climate feedbacks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 869 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Fodder Yields and Nutritive Value of Some Forage Grasses as Animal Feeds through Intercropping with Egyptian Clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.)

by Asmaa M. S. Rady, Marwa F. A. Attia, Ahmed E. Kholif, Sobhy M. A. Sallam and Einar Vargas-Bello-Pérez

Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102589 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2021

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of improving the feeding value of Egyptian clover (EC), ryegrass (R), triticale (T), barley (B), and oats (O) monoculture, or Egyptian clover mixed with ryegrass (EC+R), oats (EC+O), barely (EC+B), and triticale (EC+T) at 75:25% [...] Read more.

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of improving the feeding value of Egyptian clover (EC), ryegrass (R), triticale (T), barley (B), and oats (O) monoculture, or Egyptian clover mixed with ryegrass (EC+R), oats (EC+O), barely (EC+B), and triticale (EC+T) at 75:25% seeding rate, respectively, during two successive winter seasons of 2018/19 and 2019/20. Harvesting of plots was carried out at 5 cm stubble height after 60, 100, and 140 days from sowing. The in vitro nutritive value and ruminal fermentation of the monoculture and intercropping containing EC were evaluated. Green forage yield of EC was higher than other plants with about 160% of fresh forage compared with T, O, or EC+T intercropping. The highest crude protein (CP) concentration was noted in EC, while the lowest (p < 0.001) concentration was observed in T, which had the highest fiber fractions content. Ryegrass had the highest net in vitro gas production (GP), while EC+R had the lowest GP (p < 0.05). The EC increased dry matter and organic matter degradability. EC and R reduced protozoal count, while total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetate, and propionate were increased with B and EC+T intercropping (p < 0.05). Overall, intercropping of EC with grass of triticale or ryegrass at mixing rates of 75:25% resulted in improving fresh and dry forage yields. The legume–grass intercropping improved the protozoa count partitioning factor as an index of microbial protein synthesis and total VFA concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 1538 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Legume Overseeding along with P Fertilization Increase Forage Production of Temperate Natural Grasslands

by Gonzalo Rama, Mariano Oyarzabal, Gerónimo Cardozo, Felipe Lezama and Santiago Baeza

Agronomy 2022, 12(10), 2507; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12102507 - 14 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1433

Abstract

Legume overseeding along with P fertilization is a common practice used in natural temperate and subtropical grasslands to increase forage production. This practice has been evaluated at experimental plots but not at the paddocks level of commercial farms. The latter are realistic evaluation [...] Read more.

Legume overseeding along with P fertilization is a common practice used in natural temperate and subtropical grasslands to increase forage production. This practice has been evaluated at experimental plots but not at the paddocks level of commercial farms. The latter are realistic evaluation units to generate knowledge for livestock management. In this study, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), a proxy of forage production, was used to evaluate the effect of this practice on grazed paddocks in Uruguay. Twenty paired paddocks under similar grazing conditions were selected with natural grassland (NG) and natural grassland with legume overseeding and P fertilization (NG-LP). Paired paddocks were compared in terms of EVI mean and its temporal variability. After nine years of the intensification practice, mean annual EVI of NG-LP was 4% higher than that of NG, while the mean winter–spring EVI of NG-LP was 7.5% higher. EVI intra- and inter-annual variability of NG-LP was 8–11% higher than that of NG. Additionally, forage production was estimated using a radiative transfer model. Differences between NG-LP and NG were amplified six to seven times. Legume overseeding along with P fertilization increased forage production in pastoral livestock paddocks, particularly in the period of forage deficit, while it also increased intra and inter-annual variability of forage production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 3479 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Extreme Weather and Grazing Management Influence Soil Carbon and Compaction

by Anish Subedi, Dorcas Franklin, Miguel Cabrera, Subash Dahal, Dennis Hancock, Amanda McPherson and Lawton Stewart

Agronomy 2022, 12(9), 2073; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12092073 - 30 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1442

Abstract

Understanding the influence of cattle grazing on soil carbon and bulk density during extreme dry to wet periods can help us design more resilient and sustainable grazing systems for low-input management scenarios. A study was conducted to evaluate changes in loss-on-ignition (LOI) carbon [...] Read more.

Understanding the influence of cattle grazing on soil carbon and bulk density during extreme dry to wet periods can help us design more resilient and sustainable grazing systems for low-input management scenarios. A study was conducted to evaluate changes in loss-on-ignition (LOI) carbon and bulk density (BD) in the top 20 cm soil layer when eight continuous grazing (CG) pastures were converted to either continuous grazing with hay distribution (CHD-4) or strategic grazing (STR-4). STR included lure management of cattle with movable-equipages, exclusion and over-seeding erosion-vulnerable areas, and a relaxed rotational grazing. Changes in relationships between cattle density (CD), LOI, and BD were evaluated for change in grazing management from 2015 to 2018. Reduction in LOI carbon (0–5, 5–10, 10–20 cm) and BD (5–10 cm) were observed in both CHD and STR pastures in 2018. CD in 2015 had either no relationship or a negative relationship on LOI while in 2018, CD positively influenced LOI in CHD (0–5 cm) and STR (0–5 and 5–10 cm) pastures. STR had lower BD with higher CD further away from concentrated flow paths mirroring cattle movement. Exclusions in the STR pastures had the greatest reduction in BD. Even with reduced carbon in the 0–5 cm soil layer the reduction in BD in the 5–10 cm soil layer helped build resilience in grazing systems that experience extreme weather events such as going from very dry to extensively wet. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1699 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Profiles of Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community of Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) Ensiled with Sucrose

by Zhenping Hou, Xia Zheng, Xuelei Zhang, Li Yan, Qing Chen and Duanqin Wu

Agronomy 2022, 12(8), 1853; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12081853 - 05 Aug 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1262

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of added sucrose on the fermentation quality and microbial community of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) silage. The three sucrose supplementation levels utilized were 0, 0.5, and 1.0%, and kudzu was silaged for [...] Read more.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of added sucrose on the fermentation quality and microbial community of kudzu (Pueraria lobata) silage. The three sucrose supplementation levels utilized were 0, 0.5, and 1.0%, and kudzu was silaged for 15, 30, and 60 days. Sucrose supplementation significantly decreased the pH levels, acid detergent fiber, ammonia nitrogen content, and relative abundance of Pantoea in the silages (p < 0.05). The addition of 1% sucrose to kudzu silage at 60 days had the lowest acid detergent fiber content, the highest crude protein, and the highest relative feed value. Additionally, the sucrose-supplemented silage had a lower pH than that of the control group at each time point. The dominant genera in all groups were Klebsiella, Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus, and Weissella, and the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae was lower in the 1% sucrose-supplemented group than in the control group. These results showed that sucrose addition could improve the quality of kudzu silage and increase its beneficial microbial community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Tytanit and Nitrogen on Cellulose and Hemicellulose Content of Festulolium braunii and on Its Digestibility

by Elżbieta Malinowska and Beata Wiśniewska-Kadżajan

Agronomy 2022, 12(7), 1547; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12071547 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1145

Abstract

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effects of the foliar application of Tytanit, at the same time comparing it with the effects of mineral nitrogen, on the cellulose and hemicellulose content and its effect on Festulolium braunii digestibility. The experiment [...] Read more.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the effects of the foliar application of Tytanit, at the same time comparing it with the effects of mineral nitrogen, on the cellulose and hemicellulose content and its effect on Festulolium braunii digestibility. The experiment was founded in the spring of 2014 in the field of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce, Poland. The plant used in the experiment was the Felopa variety of Festulolium braunii. The effects of Tytanit foliar application at a concentration of 0.2% and 1% and of mineral nitrogen at a dose of 80 and 160 kg/ha were studied in the experiment. During its full use (2015–2017), Festulolium braunii was harvested three times. The content of cellulose and hemicellulose was determined by near-infrared reflection spectroscopy (NIRS) using the NIRFlex N-500. The higher dose of 1% Tytanit contributed to an increase in cellulose content of Festulolium braunii (334.8 g kg⁻¹), at the same time decreasing hemicellulose content (175.0 g kg⁻¹), lignification degree (7.1%), dry matter digestibility (59.71%), and total digestible nutrient content (52.99%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Other

19 pages, 2559 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Effects of Nitrogen Fertilisation on Plant Species Richness in European Permanent Grasslands: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Richard M. Francksen, Samantha Turnbull, Caroline M. Rhymer, Matthew Hiron, Conny Bufe, Valentin H. Klaus, Paul Newell-Price, Gavin Stewart and Mark J. Whittingham

Agronomy 2022, 12(12), 2928; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12122928 - 23 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2002

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilisation is a common form of agricultural intensification, aimed at increasing biomass, which can affect plant species diversity and ecosystem functioning. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis of nitrogen fertilisation studies in European permanent grasslands, we asked: (i) what relationship form exists [...] Read more.

Nitrogen fertilisation is a common form of agricultural intensification, aimed at increasing biomass, which can affect plant species diversity and ecosystem functioning. Using a systematic review and meta-analysis of nitrogen fertilisation studies in European permanent grasslands, we asked: (i) what relationship form exists between nitrogen application rate and change in plant diversity, compared to zero fertilisation controls; and (ii) how grassland, management and study characteristics affect this relationship. Meta-analysis of 34 control-treatment effects from 14 studies conducted across nine European countries revealed a negative linear relationship between nitrogen fertilisation rate and change in plant species richness, equivalent to approximately 1.5 species/m² lost for every 100 Kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ of nitrogen added. Fertilisation induced reductions in plant species richness were greater when defoliation rates were lower. We found some evidence that grasslands with a higher baseline plant diversity lost more species when fertilised compared to more species poor grasslands, although uncertainty was high. Due to the diverse grassland types included in the analysis, the variability in fertilisation-driven changes in plant diversity was high. We identified several remaining limitations to our understanding, including uncertainty about non-linear effects, which could aid efforts to optimise the trade-off of plant diversity and increasing grassland yields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Editorial, Research, Review

16 pages, 1325 KiB

Open AccessPerspective

An Overview of Permanent Grassland Grazing Management Practices and the Impacts on Principal Soil Quality Indicators

by Filippo Milazzo, Richard M. Francksen, Mohamed Abdalla, Simone Ravetto Enri, Laura Zavattaro, Marco Pittarello, Stanislav Hejduk, Paul Newell-Price, René L. M. Schils, Pete Smith and Tom Vanwalleghem

Agronomy 2023, 13(5), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13051366 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2852

Abstract

Grasslands are at risk of degradation due to unsustainable management practices and climate change. Here, we review the principal soil quality indicators (SQIs) to evaluate the sustainability of different grassland management practices globally. We discuss the importance of SQI assessment and the Soil [...] Read more.

Grasslands are at risk of degradation due to unsustainable management practices and climate change. Here, we review the principal soil quality indicators (SQIs) to evaluate the sustainability of different grassland management practices globally. We discuss the importance of SQI assessment and the Soil Quality Minimum Dataset (MDS) specifically in the context of grasslands. We then review two potential solutions, the first of which is adopting grazing management, whereby sustainable grazing management plans (GMPs) offer great potential. The other solution is the development and adoption of novel grassland species, which may improve either drought resistance or infiltration rates, erosion and flooding. Sustainable grassland soil management can promote ecosystem service delivery and improve the resilience of the entire grassland ecosystem to anthropogenic change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advance in Grassland Productivity and Sustainability

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (15 papers)

Editorial

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI