Grazing Tolerance of Warm‐Season Legumes in Peninsular Florida

Muir, James P.; Pitman, W. D.

doi:10.2134/agronj1991.00021962008300020007x

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Cultivated pastures are likewise diversity‐poor despite decades of agronomic research looking for new grass and forb, mostly legume, species (Aiken et al. , 1991a; Muir and Pitman, 1991; Pitman, 2009a). True tropicals such as Macroptilium atropurpureum that have had some success in frost‐free regions (Muir, 1993) do not persist in regions where temperatures dip below freezing for any length of time.…”

Section: Warm‐season Legumes For Grassland Diversity In Southern Nortmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable, low‐input, warm‐season, grass–legume grassland mixtures: mission (nearly) impossible?

Muir

Pitman

Foster

2011

Grass and Forage Science

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108

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Grazing lands in warm-temperate and subtropical North America have become less diverse. Pastures are typically grass monocultures, while rangelands are generally managed for the grass components. Overstocking, selective herbicides, fire exclusion and heavy rates of nitrogen fertilizer have contributed to near exclusion of native, warm-season legumes. The simplicity of managing grass monocultures, pasture production responses to nitrogen fertilizer and profitability of grass-only systems have limited interest in legume-based approaches. Changing economics and ecological concerns with ecosystem accumulation of industrial inputs contribute to an increasing interest in legumes. Unlike the development of temperate pasture legumes and recent research in the tropics, legumes tolerant of both freezing temperatures and hot weather have received less attention. Poor establishment, limited persistence and potential invasiveness limit currently available introduced species. Native, herbaceous, warm-season legume species occur throughout warm-temperate North America, but little attention has been directed to these plants as potential forage species. Some success with a few native legume species, primarily in the genus Desmanthus, suggests potential for expanded assessment of forage value of the many species available. Current assessments of native legumes, primarily for conservation purposes, provide an opportunity to expand evaluations of these species for pasture and rangeland potential while economics of livestock production and public interest in ecosystem health are supportive. Experiences with legumes of warm-temperate origin in North America, along with results with temperate and tropical pasture legumes globally, provide a starting point for future efforts at incorporating greater legume diversity in pastures and rangelands of subtropical and warm-temperate regions around the world.

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Section: Warm‐season Legumes For Grassland Diversity In Southern Nortmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable, low‐input, warm‐season, grass–legume grassland mixtures: mission (nearly) impossible?

Muir

Pitman

Foster

2011

Grass and Forage Science

Self Cite

108

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“…Because some publications use the old scientific name, in this publication the plant will be referred to as desmanthus. Desmanthus, a small shrub with high palatability and succulent regrowth (Muir and Pitman 1991), extends into the dry period when other species are dormant (Gardiner and Burt 1995). Desmanthus is readily consumed by cattle (Pitman et al 1988), showing potential as a forage plant (Grichar et al 1998) that could improve the diet quality of animals during dry seasons (Ortega et al 1996).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutritive Value of Desmanthus Associated With Kleingrass During the Establishment Year

Gonzalez-V

Hussey

Ortega-S.

2005

Rangeland Ecology & Management

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Seasonal variation in production and quality of warm-season grasses is a limitation for livestock productivity. The use of high quality forage legumes to aid in overcoming this problem can be a management alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient content of kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.)-bundleflower (Desmanthus sp.) mixtures during the establishment year. Plots were drilled at a 0.15 m row-spacing with kleingrass sown either alone or in association with Illinois bundleflower (Desmanthus illinoensis [Michx.] MacM.) or desmanthus (Desmanthus pubescens [L.] Willd), which was previously identified as Desmanthus virgatus. Spacings of 0.30, 0.60, and 0.90 m between rows of bundleflower were used. Plots were planted in April and nutritive value was determined on samples harvested at 60, 90, and 120 days after planting. Age reduced kleingrass crude protein (CP) and increased fiber concentration. The CP concentration of desmanthus leaves was greater than that of Illinois bundleflower; however, the CP on a whole-plant basis was greater in Illinois bundleflower. Associations had greater CP yield than did the kleingrass monoculture. The tannin content was higher in desmanthus than in Illinois bundleflower. In both legumes the leaves had the greatest tannin concentrations, with a mean of 2.1% and 1.69% in desmanthus and Illinois bundleflower, respectively. With the exception of calcium (Ca), mineral content declined with increased age in both legumes and the grass. Levels of potassium, sodium, copper, and manganese were greater in kleingrass than in the legumes, while the legumes had greater concentrations of Ca and magnesium (Mg). Phosphorus and zinc concentrations were similar for kleingrass and legumes. The legumes did not affect the nutrient content of kleingrass when established in association, and the high CP of both legumes and their high levels of Ca and Mg suggest that animals grazing kleingrass-desmanthus associations may benefit nutritionally. Resumen La variació n estacional de la producció n y calidad de los forrajes de verano se reconoce como uno de los factores que limitan la productividad de la las explotaciones ganaderas. El uso de leguminosas de alta calidad de forraje puede ser una alternativa de solució n a este problema. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el contenido de nutrientes de las asociaciones del zacate klein (Panicum coloratum L.) con dos especies de Desmanthus durante el periodo de establecimiento. El trabajo se realizó cerca de College Station, Texas, por un periodo de dos añ os. Se prepararon parcelas para sembrar con una distancia entre surcos de 0.15 m, sembrando el pasto klein solo o en asociació n con Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx) MacM. ó D. Pubescens (L) Willd, este ultimo previamente identificado como Desmanthus virgatus. La distancia entre surcos establecidos con las leguminosas fue de 0.30, 0.60, y 0.90 m. Las parcelas se sembraron en Abril de cada añ o, y el contenido de nutrientes se evaluó tomando muestras a los 60, 90, y 120 días después de la...

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