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The herbage mass and nutritional value of harvested forage are fundamental determinants of the production potential of pastoral systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth dynamics and accumulated herbage mass expressed in dry matter (DM) of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) and pasture brome (Bromus valdivianus Phil.) pastures, using thermal time (TT) as a defoliation criterion. Thirty plots (15 of L. perenne and 15 of B. valdivianus) were distributed in three field blocks and subjected to five defoliation frequencies (DF) determined by TT, expressed as the accumulated growing degree-days (AGDD; DF1 = 90, DF2 = 180, DF3 = 270, DF4 = 360, and DF5 = 450 AGDD) for one year (2016), at the Austral Agricultural Experimental Station of the Universidad Austral de Chile. Every three days, the total leaf length (TLL) was measured, and the leaf elongation rate (LER, cm L−1), leaf growth rate (LGR, cm L−1), leaf appearance rate (LAR, d L−1), phyllochron (AGDD L−1), and accumulated herbage mass per hectare (kg DM ha−1) were calculated. Defoliations were scheduled according to AGDD, and a sample was taken from each cutting to determine (dry matter ‘DM’, crude protein ‘CP’, neutral detergent fiber ‘NDF’, acid detergent fiber ‘ADF’, water-soluble carbohydrates ‘WSC’ and metabolizable energy ‘ME’). The pastures that were allocated to DF5 presented higher DM yields (12,600 kg DM ha−1 year−1), TLL (54.6 cm), and LER (0.63 cm d−1) compared to pastures with high DF (90 and 180 ADGG). B. valdivianus presented a lower phyllochron than L. perenne (74.4 vs 87.9 AGDD L−1, respectively). Concentrations of CP and ME decreased from the shortest DF (90 AGDD) to the largest DF (450 AGDD), dropping from 221 to 138 g kg−1 CP and from 2.6 to 2.4 Mcal kg−1 DM of ME. All variables were affected by the season (Ssn) (p < 0.001). The AGDD can be used as a defoliation criterion and a tool to balance yield with nutritive value according to the farmer’s needs.

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Salinity and trace mineral accumulation threaten the sustainability of crop production in many semi-arid parts of the world, including California's western San Joaquin Valley (WSJV). We used data from a multi-year field-scale trial in Kings County and related container trials to simulate a forage-grazing system under saline conditions. The model uses rainfall and irrigation water amounts, irrigation water quality, soil, plant, and atmospheric variables to predict Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.) growth, quality, and use by cattle. Simulations based on field measurements and a related container study indicate that although soil chemical composition is affected by irrigation water quality, irrigation timing and frequency can be used to mitigate salt and trace mineral accumulation. Bermuda grass yields of up to 12 Mg dry matter (DM)· ha −1 were observed at the field site and predicted by the model. Forage yield and quality supports un-supplemented cattle stocking rates of 1.0 to 1.2 animal units (AU)· ha −1. However, a balance must be achieved between stocking rate, desired average daily gain, accumulation of salts in the soil profile, OPEN ACCESSSustainability 2013, 5 3840 and potential pollution of ground water from drainage and leaching. Using available weather data, crop-specific parameter values and field scale measurements of soil salinity and nitrogen levels, the model can be used by farmers growing forages on saline soils elsewhere, to sustain forage and livestock production under similarly marginal conditions.