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Yield and Quality of Creeping Bluestem as Affected by Time of Cutting
Author
Kalmbacher, R. S.
Martin, F. G.
Andrade, J. M. S.
Publisher
Society for Range Management
Publication Year
1981-11-01
Body

Creeping bluestem (Schizachyrium stoloniferum Nash.) is a rhizomatous native grass that is the dominant species on many Florida rangelands. To evaluate its grazing potential, dry matter yield, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), were measured in plants cut at 10 and 20 cm stubble heights during 70-day intervals from June to October (summer), August to December (summer-fall), and October to February (winter). Winter yields were significantly greater (2,090 kg/ha) than summer yields (1,600 kg/ha) with summer-fall yields intermediate (1,860 kg/ha). After 3 years there was a significant decline in dry matter in plants cut at 10 cm, but yield was sustained in plants cut at 20 cm. Herbage regrowth in July to August was high in IVOMD (37.8%). Crude protein and IVOMD percentages were also greater in November to December regrowth (7.5 and 36%, respectively) and January to February regrowth (6.8 and 37%, respectively). However, since forage yield was lowest at the time, yield of protein and digestible organic matter were lowest. Percent NDF, ADF, and ADL were not greatly affected by initial growth or regrowth periods and averaged 80.0, 42.3 and 5.8%, respectively. Creeping bluestem may be one of Florida's greater yielding native grasses, but will require protein and energy supplements to provide good livestock performance. This material was digitized as part of a cooperative project between the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. The Journal of Range Management archives are made available by the Society for Range Management and the University of Arizona Libraries. Contact lbry-journals@email.arizona.edu for further information. Migrated from OJS platform August 2020

Language
en
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.2307/3898101
Additional Information
Kalmbacher, R. S., Martin, F. G., & Andrade, J. M. S. (1981). Yield and quality of creeping bluestem as affected by time of cutting. Journal of Range Management, 34(6), 471-474.
ISSN
0022-409X
OAI Identifier
oai:repository.arizona.edu:10150/646286
Journal Volume
34
Journal Number
6
Journal Pages
471-474
Collection
Rangeland Ecology & Management (REM)
Journal Name
Journal of Range Management
Keywords
Florida