Annual/Termination Reports:

[05/06/2011] [09/06/2012] [12/01/2014] [07/26/2015]

Report Information

Participants

Participants: (corresponds to posted picture);

Front row, left to right (on knees);

Tim Dietz (Michigan State University);

Chuck West (University of Arkansas);

Marvin Hall (Pennsylvania State University);

Paul Peterson (University of Minnesota);

Rich Leep (Michigan State University);

Francisco Contreras-Govea (New Mexico State University);

Back row, left to right (standing);

Ben Tracy (Virginia Tech);

Jim Kells (Michigan State University, NCCC31 Administrative Advisor);

Dave Barker (Ohio State University);

Howard Skinner (USDA-ARS, University Park, Pennsylvania);

Ken Albrecht (University of Wisconsin-Madison);

Jeff Volenec (Purdue University, Local Arrangements);

Joe Moyer (Kansas State University);

Suzanne Cunningham (Purdue University);

Anowar Islam (front, University of Wyoming);

Bill Lamp (back, University of Maryland, 2011 NCCC-31 Chair);

Tom Griggs (West Virginia University);

Mark Sulc (Ohio State University);

Xuejun Dong (North Dakota State University, 2012 NCCC-31 Chair);

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of annual meeting (recorded by Xuejun Dong):

Ecophysiological Aspects of Forage Management
Time: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 to Thursday, March 31, 2011
Place: Becker Center of Agriculture, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Wednesday, March 30, 2011
8:20 a.m. Chair Bill Lamp called meeting to order

Ø Introduction

Ø Welcome remark by Linda Lee, Associate Head, Department of Agronomy, Purdue University

Ø Administration update by Jim Kells: Jim said that this is his second meeting to NCCC31. The project has been renewed and good for 5 years. There is requirement for mid-term report, but this year will be an easy year for the group. Jim reminded the group to submit the annual report within 90 days following the meeting. He also pointed out that if the next meeting is going to be held out of the region (North-central regions), a strong justification is needed for doing that.

Ø Bill Lamp appointed the following personnel to serve on respective committees:

ü Location committee: Mark Sulc, Anowar Islam, and Francisco Contreras

ü Nomination committee: Paul Peterson, Joe Mayer, and Tom Griggs

ü Resolution committee: Ken Albrecht, Ben Tracy, and Marvin Hall

Ø Other discussions:

ü Jeff Volenec indicated that he has been serving on the NCCC31 group for 30 years and happy to see its continued growth

ü Bill Lamp suggested to recruit more female members (now there three of them); Linda is the contact person for updating names

ü Jeff Volenec suggested to consider recruiting new members from 1890 schools to increase diversity

ü Bill Lamp said he would like to contact Vance Owen (SD) and John Grabber (WI) to come back to the annual meetings

ü Jim Kells reminded the group that new faculty members are encouraged to join NCCC31, but there is only on official representative for each state
State reports

Ø 9:00 a.m Wisconsin: Ken Ablbrecht highlighted an ongoing research entitled Stocker steer performance on tall fescue and meadow fescue with nitrogen fertilizer or in mixture with white clover. The purpose was to gain information on livestock performance on tall fescue and meadow fescue pastures and to determine the role that white clover can play as a replacement of N fertilizer. Data collected started 2010 and the experiment will run through the 2012 growing season. Ken also outlined several completed studies including applying kura clover living mulch in corn production.

Ø 9:23 a.m. New Mexico: Francisco Contreras reviewed main issues in forage research in Southeastern New Mexico. Several completed/ongoing projects were highlighted: (a) in using warm-season annual legumes for forage production, it was found that lablab performed better than cowpea in Southern high plains by providing higher dry matter yield and nutritive value; (b) winter small grains for silage can be harvested at soft dough maturity stage without affecting significantly nutritive value, and barley and winter wheat had better nutritive value than winter triticale; (c) first year data of alfalfa samples were used to calibrate PEAQ and indicated usefulness in predicting alfalfa nutritive value in southwest USA.

Ø 9:42 a.m. North Dakota: Xuejun Dong reported an ongoing greenhouse study comparing the effect of drought on biomass partitions between two introduced grasses (Kentucky bluegrass and smooth brome) and two native grasses (western wheatgrass and green needlegrass), suggesting that under drought stress the biomass investment to roots decreased in two introduced grasses but increased in two native grasses. However, drought responses in biomass investment in belowground rhizomes and shoot base (crowns) are similar between the two groups of grasses. He also reported his effort of summarizing CO2 flux from managed U.S. grasslands, suggesting a tight linkage between CO2 source/sink strength and precipitation.

Ø 10:20 a.m. West Virginia: Tom Griggs reported an ongoing study on impacts of winter grazing and hay feeding on the reproductive performance of heifers in West Virginia. This is an intensively managed grazing system over the year-round grazing cycle on a perennial cool-season pasture considering animal performance and herbage production. A higher fall ADG was obtained under higher herbage allowance treatment, compared with lower allowance one. However, there was limited impact of herbage allowance on herfer reproduction performance. In addition, the common winter grazing season and intake compensation in following spring and summer grazing may have diluted the effect of herbage limitation in prior season on AGD and animal reproduction. The work illustrates the role of proper growing season pasture management and stockpiling for winter-season hay feeding, which can reduce the cost of winter feeding.

Ø 10:45 a.m. Pennsylvania-PSU: Marvin Hall introduced the newly built biomass harvester at Penn state University- College of Agriculture. Enabled with a weigh system and able to harvest an 8 ft wide swath of tall grasses, the harvester has the maneuverability of harvesting small biomass plots for reducing variability in the research and maximizing the ability for detecting treatment effects. Marvin also introduced several other ongoing studies including (a) a warm-season grass production trial on abandoned strip mines in order to increase land productivity while improving the environment; (b) using slow release nitrogen fertilizer for orchardgrass; (c) determining the cost of delaying spring cool-season grass harvest; and (d) the evaluation of a portable NIR instrument for rapid monitoring of forage quality.

Ø 11:05 a.m. Pennsylvania-USDA: Howard Skinner reported an ongoing study on the effect of nitrogen fertilizer application on net ecosystem exchange (NEE) from two long-term maintained perennial pastures in Pennsylvania. Past 6 years of data suggests that the pasture was almost carbon neutral. However, with nitrogen application in 2009 and 2010 at a rate of 200 kg N/ha/yr, both gross production and ecosystem respiration increased, but the former increased more, enabling the fertilized pasture to change from a slight carbon source of 33 g CO2 m-1 yr-1 to a net sink of -101 33 g CO2 m-1 yr-1. The study is to be continued for another year.

Ø 11:25 a.m. Indianna: Jeff Volenec updated study trials on miscanthus, switchgrass, and sorghum. Sorghum has remarkably higher nitrogen use efficiency than miscanthus. Sorghum also has high water use efficiency and high heat tolerance. Jeff also introduced a project of water quality study: productivity and environmental impact of US cropping systems and heighted the trade-off between increased crop production and reductions in environmental pollution. Water use efficiency is a major issue, with higher biomass closely scaling with high water use; to a large extent, energy problem is a water problem. Finally, the ongoing studies at his lab are integrating experimental data with modeling and scaling field plot data to landscapes.

Ø 1:00 p.m. Michigan: Jim Kells and Rich Leep gave a report entitled Effect of weed management following round-up-ready (RR) alfalfa stand establishment on forage productivity and stand longevity. The field treatment was started on August 13, 2003 by applying glyphosate and hexazinane (Velpar). The weed removal had positive effect (???) on forage quality, but did not impact stand persistence. Can continued weed removal from established alfalfa increase the productive life of the stand? The answer from this study is probably NOT.

Ø 1:20 p.m. Wyoming: Anowar Islam highlighted his field trail of evaluating Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) in Wyoming. Aside of its values as food ingredient with multitude of health benefits, Fenugreek has high nutritive value at all growth stages and does not create the bloat problem. As a result, it is potentially an attractive forage crop. Unfortunately, information on its cultivation in central high plains of Wyoming is lacking. In 2010, a trial was setup in two locations in Wyoming by planting seeds of 13 genotypes/accessions collected from Canada. The plants were gown under both irrigated and dryland conditions. Preliminary data in 2010 give information that lines F80 and IT give higher forage yield under irrigated and dryland condition, respectively. Anowar also introduced his cool-season grass trials under irrigation and dryland condition, as well as the first year result of the tall fescue-alfalfa mixtures in Wyoming, which suggest that 0.5/0.5 [all fescue/alfalfa] mixture gave the highest production in 2010.

Ø 1:50 p.m. Maryland: Bill Lamp reported his studies using molecular biology techniques to further our understanding of biochemical mechanisms involved in potato leafhoppers feeding on alfalfa plants. By sequencing the salivary gland transcriptome of potato leafhoppers, his research group found that the leafhoppers saliva contains some important enzymes with anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties, and those that can break down cellulose and starch into small molecules. This provide basis for further testing of the roles that different enzymes play in plant wound responses known as hopperburn. Another related study tested the effect of late injury of leafhopper on nitrogen fixation of alfalfa plants. It was found that later injury did not impact biomass accumulation, but did have reduced nitrogen content of alfalfa leaves. Furthermore, an ongoing study has used antibiotics to effectively manipulate salivary gland symbionts level in order to further study the alfalfas response to leafhopper feeding.

Ø 2:10 p.m. Kansas: Joe Moyer reported an ongoing study of dried distillers grain (DDG) supplementation to grazing cattle in smooth bromegrass pastures. The purpose is to see if delayed DDG supplementation until forage quality declines can improve its effectiveness. Results show that both full grazing phase and delayed supplementations resulted in higher grazing gains, compared with no supplement. Compared with full supplementation, delayed supplementation resulted in deceased DDG intake. Although steers received no supplementation in 2009 had higher finishing gains than those with supplementation while grazing, data of 2010 suggest that steers with DDG supplementation had higher overall gains than those without supplement during the grazing phase. Joe also reported on a project of establishing legumes in grass pastures.

Ø 2:25 p.m. Minnesota: Paul Peterson reported research results on alfalfa/tall fescue mixtures. Data of 2001 indicate (a) alfalfa was more dominant, but tall fescue came up later in the season; (b) 0.25 alfalfa/0.75 tall fescue mixture would give 0.5/0.5 dry matter yield. Paul raised a question of whether to use visual or hand sorting to separate grass, legume and weed components upon harvesting in the tall fescue-alfalfa mixture common experiment. He also updated an alfalfa/grass mixture trial at 3 locations in MN with four harvests.

Ø 3:10 p.m. Virginia: Ben Tracy reported studies on biodiversity in native warm-season pastures (NWSP). The main aims are to test the biodiversity-productivity relationship, as well as the complementary effects of C3 and C4 species due to their differences in biomass peak growth. Results show that increasing sown NWSP diversity leaded to (a) higher forage yield and cover, (b) lower weeds cover and weeds richness, (c) lower CP but higher NDF and ADF. Grazing tended to increase amount of weeds and may reduce NWSP forage production. The effect of biodiversity of productivity was separated into selection effects (SE) and complementarity effects (CE). Three years data indicate that CE and SE can dominate in different years depending on climate and species succession.

Ø 3:35 p.m. Ohio: Dave Barker reported a study using modified Gompertz equation to predict pasture mass accumulation. The key eco-physiological issue here is the proper canopy measurement to optimize digestible dry matter accumulation in pastures. Various field measurements, such as weekly monitoring of herbage mass using rising plate meter, forage quality, as well as morphological composition of the sward (stems, leaves, dead materials, etc.), conducted in both Ohio and Wisconsin, were used to support this modeling work. Furthermore, by analyzing the fitted curves, the range of total available herbage biomass corresponding to the maximum instantaneous herbage growth rate can be determined.

Ø 4:06 p.m. Arkansas: Chuck West reported a study on switchgrass growth simulation, responses to nitrogen, and use in cotton intercropping. The main effort was to calibrate the ALMANAC model for use in switchgrass. The model simulates N, P, K, and water dynamics, as well as ash, and total energy. It has a fully functional web support and can be easily downloaded. One can specify exact county location (in USA), crop type, management (grazing, fertilization, etc.), and nearest weather station. Chuck and his group are also conducting further development to expand the models capability.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

8:00 a.m. - 10: 30 a.m. Committee reports and discussion lead by Bill Lamp

Ø Committee reports

ü Location: Mark Sulc represented location committee (Mark Sulc, Anowar Islam, and Francisco Contreras) to suggest Minnesota as next meeting place; members suggested to meet in June (specific dates to be decided later). All agreed on the location committees suggestion. Paul Peterson agreed to serve as local host in the next meeting and he suggested St. Paul campus as het meeting place.

ü Nomination: Paul Peterson represented nomination committee (Paul Peterson, Joe Mayer, and Tom Griggs) and suggested to appoint both the next chair and next secretary. Jim Kells mentioned that this will be an easy year to serve as chair and encouraged members to volunteer. Following a brief discussion, Xuejun Dong was appointed as next chair, and Marvin Hall as secretary. As usual, the secretary is to be the chair in the following year. All supported the two nominations and both Xuejun and Marvin agreed to serve.

ü Resolution: Marvin Hall represented resolution committee (Ken Albrecht, Ben Tracy and Marvin Hall ) to make the following resolution statements:

" Whereas members of the NCCC-31 committee enjoyed a stimulating exchange of information and ideas on 29-31, March 2011 at the excellent meeting facilities at Purdue University; be it hereby resolved that we are deeply grateful to Jeff Volenec for making local arrangements.

" Whereas Rich Leep has been a faithful member of the NCCC-31 committee for nearly 15 years and whereas Rich has announced his impending retirement; be it hereby resolved that the members deeply appreciate Richs scientific contributions, excellent leadership, and professional fellowship over the years.
The resolutions were approved unanimously.

Ø Discussion

ü Jim Kells pointed out that there will be a mid-period report for this group, which is one year from now. Regarding the annual report, Jim reminded the members that the annual report contains only a synopsis of the report for each state, and that the longer one (full report) is not for official report. Chuck West suggested that the longer report is not to be posted on public domain either.

ü Ben Tracy lead a discussion with six other members (Bill Lamp, Anowar Islam, Ken Albrecht, Paul Peterson, Howard Skinner, and Xuejun Dong) to update sampling protocols for the alfalfa-tall fescue common experiment, for which there are eight participating locations within the NCCC31 group (Jennifer MacAdam was not able to come this year at Purdue). After a discussion, it was agreed that hand sorting (instead of visual sorting) is to be used to separate groups of plants upon harvesting, and a complete set of data from all sites for one year (in 2011) will be used to write an article, while beyond that, additional data collections for further collaborations are encouraged. Ben said he would send updated experimental protocols and procedures to participating members soon following this meeting.

ü Bill Lamp lead a discussion to familiarized the members with the functionality of the NIMSS website, featuring the NCCC31 group. Bill emphasized that in addition to routine documentation of meeting activities, the website also shows the money devoted to this groups activity (professional year allocation for each member). The photo album located on this website can be used to post relevant pictures, or slide series that have public education value, or can be used by ourselves.

ü Chuck West lead a discussion on the regional integrated CAP proposal, for which participating members had discussed on March 29, 2011 at the same location at Purdue before the main NCCC31 meeting. This planning proposal had also been discussed among relevant members in the ASA meeting in Long Beach, November 2010. With input from NCCC31 members, Chuck updated and fine-tuned the match between main objectives and corresponding personnel/partners. Chuck also introduced a newly available online graduate course on agricultural sustainability lead by five institutions, of which he was part. He said that life cycle analysis is part of the online course, which emphasizes the relevant skills and knowledge base for farm sustainability.

ü Jeff Volenec introduce the members a new web-based tool on nanotechnology called: NANOhub.org. It is tool and data oriented online simulation system (with > 160 tools, including those relevant to agriculture). Also, it includes various courses useful for agronomy and agriculture.

ü Bill Lamp reminded the group that this year there is a new NNF graduate program that has focus on integrated training in multi-disciplinary aspects, with a deadline line of June 1. With multiple institutions, each of them can submit separately with one institution leading. Jeff Volenec said he would send to the group a copy of his proposal as a sample.

Ø 10:30 a.m. Meeting adjourned

Accomplishments

As this is the first year of our renewed project, accomplishments are few. We are planning for submission of a major grant proposal, and obtained funding for the planning process. In addition, we are meeting with producer groups and organizations to find out their perspectives on climate change, and their anticipation of information needs in the future. Our research also builds on past accomplishments as identified in the impact statements below.

Publications

Kansas <br /> <br /> Holman, J. D., J. L. Moyer, S. R. Maxwell, and K. L. Martin. 2011. Switchgrass cultivar establishment, iron chlorosis, and biomass yield in southwest and southeast Kansas. Online. Forage and Grazinglands. doi: 10.1094/FG-2011-0126-02-RS.<br /> <br /> Moyer, J. L., K. C. Dhuyvetter, and D. Shoup. 2009. Comparison of returns from legumes in endophyte-infected tall fescue for hay. Online. Forage and Grazinglands. doi: 10.1094/FG-2009-1014-01-RS.<br /> <br /> Moyer, J. L., R. R. Price, L. W. Lomas, and J. J. Higgins. 2010. Estimating forage mass and crude protein with a moving plate and Greenseeker®. In: 2010 Proc. Amer. Forage Grassl. Counc., Vol. 19 (CD), June, 2010, Springfield, MO. <br /> <br /> Sweeney, D. W., J. L. Moyer, D. J. Jardine, and D. A. Whitney. 2011. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium effects on grain sorghum production and stalk rot following alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil. J. Plant Nutr. (in press). <br /> <br /> Kentucky <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Brosi, G.B. * , J.A. Nelson, L.P. Bush, and R.L. McCulley. 2010. Will Neotyphodium infection influence tall fescue response to climate change? International Symposium on Fungal Endophytes of Grasses, Lexington, KY.<br /> <br /> Hall., S.L. * , R.L. McCulley, R.J. Barney, and T.D. Phillips. 2010. Fungal endophyte symbiosis, prescribed fire, and water availability on tall fescue. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA.<br /> <br /> Rúa, M.A. * , R.L. McCulley, and C.E. Mitchell. 2010. Endophytic fungi and climate change drivers interact to alter virus prevalence in grasses. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA.<br /> <br /> Cosponsored symposia<br /> Organized the Ecology and Agronomy session of the International Symposium on Fungal Endophytes of Grasses, June 2010, Lexington, KY.<br /> <br /> Organized a symposia entitled, Pondering the Future by Peering into the Past: Integrating Paleoecology and Contemporary Research to Predict Grassland and Shrubland Responses to Climate Change, at the annual Ecological Society of America conference, August 2010, Pittsburgh, PA. <br /> <br /> Refereed Proceedings/Book Chapters:<br /> McNear, Jr., D.H. and R.L. McCulley. In Press. Influence of the Neotyphodium  tall fescue symbiosis on belowground processes. Proceedings of the 7th International Symposium on Fungal Endophytes of Grasses, Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Firn, J. and 32 others (including R.L. McCulley). 2011. Abundance of introduced species at home predicts abundance away in temperate grasslands. Ecology Letters 14:274-281.<br /> <br /> Brosi, G.B., R.L. McCulley, L.P. Bush, J.A. Nelson, A.T. Classen, and R.J. Norby. 2011. Effects of multiple climate change factors on the tall fescue  fungal endophyte symbiosis: infection frequency and tissue chemistry. New Phytologist 189:797-805.<br /> <br /> Hall, S.L., R.L. McCulley, and R.J. Barney. In Press. Restoration of native warm season grassland species in a tall fescue pasture using prescribed fire and herbicides. Restoration Ecology.<br /> <br /> Siegrist, J.A., R.L. McCulley, L.P. Bush, and T.D. Phillips. 2010. Alkaloids may not be responsible for endophyte-associated reductions in tall fescue decomposition rates. Functional Ecology 24: 460-468.<br /> <br /> Maryland <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Lamp, W.O., A. Leslie, and R. Smith. 2010. Ecological function and bioassessment of agricultural ditches on the Delmarva Peninsula. National Water Conference, Hilton Head, SC.<br /> <br /> Lamp, W.O., S.H. Berg, G.P. Dively, and C.M. Swan. 2010. Adverse effects of transgenic corn debris on stream arthropods: Tissue-mediated effects versus Bt protein. National Meeting of the Entomological Society of America, San Diego, CA.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Jensen, P.D., G.P. Dively, C.M. Swan, and W.O. Lamp. 2010. Exposure and non-target effects of transgenic Bt corn debris in streams. Environmental Entomology 39: 707-714.<br /> <br /> Alexander, L.A., D.J. Hawthorne, M.A. Palmer, and W.O. Lamp. 2011. Loss of genetic diversity in the North American mayfly Ephemerella invaria associated with deforestation of headwater streams. Freshwater Biology (in press, prepublication online).<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> Samac, D., L. Rhodes, and W.O. Lamp (eds.). 2011. Compendium of Alfalfa Diseases and Insect Pests. American Phytopathology Association, St. Paul, MN (in press).<br /> <br /> Lamp, W.O. 2011. Potato leafhopper. In Compendium of Alfalfa Diseases and Insect Pests, D. Samac, L. Rhodes, and W.O. Lamp (eds.). American Phytopathology Association, St. Paul, MN (in press).<br /> <br /> Nebraska<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Guretzky, J.A., M. Kering, J.T. Biermacher, E. Funderburg, and J. Mosali. 2010. Fertilizer rate effects on forage yield stability and nutrient uptake of Midland bermudagrass. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 33:1819-1834.<br /> <br /> Guretzky, J.A., J.T. Biermacher, B.J. Cook, M.K. Kering, and J. Mosali. 2010. Switchgrass for forage and bioenergy: harvest and nitrogen rate effects on biomass yields and nutrient composition. Plant Soil. Online first 10.1007/s11104-010-0376-4. <br /> <br /> Kering, M.K., J.T. Biermacher, R. Reuter, T.J. Butler, J.D. Springer, J.K. Rogers, J. Blanton, Jr., J.H. Bouton, and J.A. Guretzky. 2010. Economic potential for substituting synthetic nitrogen in warm season grasses used for stocker cattle grazing. Journal of Agricultural and Applied Economics 582: 42-43.<br /> <br /> New Mexico <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Contreras-Govea, F.E., M.A. Marsalis, S. V. Angadi, G.R. Smith, and L.M. Lauriault. 2010. Fermentation characteristics of corn-lablab bean silage mixtures. ADSA-PSA-AMPA-CSAS-WSASAS-ASAS, July 11-15, Denver, Colorado. <br /> <br /> Contreras-Govea, F.E., M.A. Marsalis, S. V. Angadi, G.R. Smith, and L.M. Lauriault. 2010. Fermentation characteristics of forage sorghum-lablab bean silage mixtures. ADSA-PSA-AMPA-CSAS-WSASAS-ASAS, July 11-15, Denver, Colorado.<br /> <br /> Contreras-Govea, F.E., S. Angadi, M. Marsalis, L. Lauriault, and S. Soto-Navarro. 2010. Warm-season annual legumes for forage production in Southern High Plains. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. Oct. 31-Nov. 4, Long Beach, CA. <br /> <br /> Contreras-Govea, F.E., S. Angadi, U. Rangappa, and M. Marsalis. 2010. Fermentation of cowpea alone or in mixture with corn or forage sorghum for silage. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. Oct. 31-Nov. 4, Long Beach, CA. <br /> <br /> Flynn, R., and F.E. Contreras-Govea. 2010. Plant population: A Key for controlling corn for silage quality. ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting. Oct. 31-Nov. 4, Long Beach, CA.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Contreras-Govea, F.E., R.E. Muck, D. R. Mertens, and P. J. Wiemer. 2010. Microbial inoculant effects on silage and in vitro ruminal fermentation, and in vitro ruminal microbial biomass estimation for alfalfa, bmr corn, and corn silages. Animal Feed Science and Technology (Online: doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2010.09.015).<br /> <br /> Contreras-Govea, F.E., M. Marsalis, L.M. Lauriault, B. Bean. 2010. Forage sorghum nutritive value. A Review. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2010-0125-01-RV. <br /> <br /> Marsalis, M.A., S. Angadi, F.E. Contreras-Govea. 2010. Dry matter yield and nutritive value of corn, forage sorghum, and BMR forage sorghum at different plant populations and nitrogen rates. Field Crops Research 116:52-57.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> Contreras-Govea, F.E., M.A. Marsalis, and L.M. Lauriault. 2010. Corn plant density effects on silage quality. Guide A-416.<br /> <br /> Marsalis, M.A., R.E. Kirksey, F.E. Contreras-Govea, L. Carrasco, M.K. ONeill, L.M. Lauriault, and M. Place. 2010. New Mexico 2009 Corn and Sorghum Performance Tests. Unnumbered. Online: http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/variety_trials/09cornsorghum.pdf (Posted: January 2010).<br /> <br /> North Dakota <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> X. Dong, J. Patton, and P. Nyren. 2010. Drought strategies of invasive Kentucky bluegrass vs. native western wheatgrass. Forage Focus, the May 2010 Issue, Page 22. Midwest Forage Association, St. Paul, MN, USA.<br /> <br /> Non-refereed reports<br /> X. Dong. 2010. From plant water use to rangeland carbon sequestration: progress of eco-physiology studies at CGREC in 2010. NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center 2010 Annual Report, Pages 7-8.<br /> <br /> Journal articles/book chapters<br /> X. Dong, B. Patton, A. Nyren, P. Nyren and L. Prunty. 2010. Quantifying root water extraction by rangeland plants through soil water modeling. Plant and Soil, 335: 181-198. <br /> <br /> X. Pan, S. Wang, P. Nyren, B. Patton, X. Dong and A. Nyren. 2010. Studies on land use of North Dakota state and its instruction to China. Guihaia, Issue 2 of 2010: 196-201. In Chinese with English abstract.<br /> <br /> M. Liebig, X. Dong, J. McLain and C. Dell. 2011. Greenhouse gas flux from managed grasslands in the U.S. (28 pages). In: M. A. Liebig, A. J. Franzluebbers and R. F. Follett (eds): Managing Agricultural Greenhouse Gases: Coordinated Agricultural Research Through GRACEnet to Address Our Changing Climate (in contract with Elsevier, San Diego, CA).<br /> <br /> Ohio <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Nave, R., R.M. Sulc, and D. Barker. 2010. Seasonal changes in forage quality in strata of a mixed cool-season grass sward [Abstract]. 2010 Intl. Annual 2010 Intl. Annual Meetings Abstracts, Long Beach, CA 31 October - 3 November, 2010.. Madison, WI: Agronomy Society of America-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of America http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2010am/webprogram/Paper59622.html. <br /> <br /> Sulc, R.M., D. Barker, J. McCormick, C. Ramsier. 2010. Fertilizer options for reducing production costs in alfalfa [Abstract]. 2010 Intl. Annual Meetings Abstracts, Long Beach, CA 31 October - 3 November, 2010.: American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America- Soil Science Society of America http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops /2010am/webprogram/Paper59600.html.<br /> <br /> Non-refereed reports<br /> McCormick, J. S., Sulc, R. M., and Barker, D. J. 2010. Ohio Forage Performance Trials. Horticulture & Crop Science Dept. Series 195, Agdex 141. The Ohio State Univ. (Available online at http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~perf/).<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Barker, D.J., F.P. Ferraro, R.L.G. Nave, R.M. Sulc, F. Lopes, and K.A. Albrecht. 2010. Analysis of herbage mass and herbage accumulation rate using Gompertz equations. Agron. J. Vol. 102, no. 3. : 849-857.<br /> <br /> Hall, M.H., N.S. Hebrock, P.E. Pierson, J.L. Caddel, V.N. Owens, R.M. Sulc, D.J. Undersander, and R.E. Whitesides. 2010. The effects of glyphosate-tolerant technology on reduced alfalfa seeding rates. Agron. J. Vol. 102, no. 3: 911-916. <br /> <br /> Carvalho, P.C.F., I. Anghinoni, A. Moraes, E.D. de Souza, R.M. Sulc, C.R. Lang, J.P.C. Flores, M.L.T. Lopes, J.L.S. da Silva, O. Conte, C.L. Wesp, R. Levien, R.S. Fontaneli, C. Bayer. 2010. Managing grazing animals to achieve nutrient cycling and soil improvement in no-till integrated systems. Nutrient Cycling in Agoecosystems. Vol. 88, no. 2. (April 30): 259-273. http://www.springerlink.com/openurl.asp?genre=article&id=doi:10.1007/s10705-010-9360-x. (IF: 1.282)<br /> <br /> Liu, J., D.J. Barker, R.M. Sulc, J.C. Jang, and G.L. Wang. 2010. Quantifying the proportion of perennial ryegrass cultivars in intra-species mixtures using simple sequence repeat (SSR) and inter-SSR (ISSR) markers, and discriminant analysis. New Zealand Journal of Agric. Research. Vol. 53, no. 3. (September): 215-226. http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a926590939~frm=titlelink<br /> <br /> Book chapters<br /> Barker, D. J., and R.M. Sulc. 2011. Forage crops and rangeland. p. 399-415. In M.J. McMahon et al. (ed.) Plant science: Growth, development, and utilization of cultivated plants. 5th ed. Prentice Hall, Boston, MA.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> Ackley, B., B. Bloetscher, A.E. Dorrance, J.B. Eisley, R.B. Hammond, E.M. Lentz, P.A. Paul, M.M. Loux, A.P. Michel, D.R. Mills, R.W. Mullen, H.E. Ozkan, R.M. Sulc, N.J. Taylor, and P.R. Thomison. 2010. Corn, soybean, wheat, and alfalfa field guide. Ohio State Univ. Ext. Bull. 827. http://ohioline.osu.edu/b827/index.html.<br /> <br /> Ward, B.W., and R.M. Sulc. 2010. Alfalfa Hay Production Budget, Spring Seeding, 4 Year Stand. 2010 Ohio Enterprise Crop Budgets. Ohio State Univ. Agric., Env., and Development Economics. http://aede.osu.edu/Programs/FarmManagement/Budgets/crops-2010/index.htm<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania, Penn State University <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Hall. M.H., R.H. Leep and R.P. Kaiser. 2010. Grass response to Gibberelic Acid Application. In Proceeding Conference of the American Forage and Grassland Council. Springfield, MO, 21-23 June. <br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Hall. M.H. and J.H. Cherney. 2010. Increased Teff Seeding Rates in the Northeast Region of the United States Increases Forage Yield. Forage and Grazinglands. Online. doi: 10.1094/FG-2010-0802-01-BR.<br /> <br /> Hall, M.H., Hebrock, N.S., P.E. Pierson, J.L. Caddel, V.N. Owens, R.M. Sulc, D.J. Undersander, and R.S. Whitesides. 2010. The Effects of Glyphosate-Tolerant Technology on Reduced Alfalfa Seeding Rates. Agron. J. 102:911-916.<br /> <br /> Staniar, W.B., J.R. Bussard, N.M. Repard, M. H. Hall, and A. O. Burk. 2010. Voluntary Intake and Digestibility of Teff Hay Fed to Horses. J. of Animal Sci. doi: 10.2527jas.2009-2688<br /> <br /> Deak, A., M.H. Hall, M.A. Sanderson, A. Rotz, and M. Corson. 2010. Whole Farm Evaluation of Forage Mixtures and Grazing Strategies. Agron. J. 102:1201-1209. <br /> <br /> Brink, G., M. Hall, G. Shewmaker, D. Undersander, N. Martin, and R. Walgenbach. 2010. Changes in Alfalfa Yield and Nutritive Value within Individual Harvest Periods. Agron. J. 102:1274-1282.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> Todd, R., S.D. Harkcom and M.H. Hall. 2010 Forage Trials Report. Penn State University<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland News, Write and edit this quarterly publication.<br /> <br /> Foraging Around. Write articles and edit this quarterly section in the Lancaster Farming.<br /> <br /> Pennsylvania, USDA-ARS<br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Baron, V., D. Young, and R.H. Skinner. 2010. Contrasting net ecosystem carbon dynamics for managed cool-season forages. Agronomy Abstracts (CD-ROM Computer File). ASA, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Hoffman, K., L.E. Chase, and K.J. Soder. 2010. Molasses as the primary energy supplement on an organic grazing dairy farm. In: Proc. 4th Grazing Livestock Nutrition Conference. P. 203. Estes Park, CO. <br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. and M.A. Sanderson. 2010. Landscape context and plant community composition in grazed agricultural systems. US-IALE Annual Symposium, April 5-9 2010, Athens, GA, abstract #80.<br /> <br /> Griffin, T., K. Soder, and M. Sanderson. 2010. Implementation of Grassland Conservation Practices in EQIP. Agronomy Abstracts (CD-ROM Computer File). ASA, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Piechnik, D.A. and S.C. Goslee. 2010. Assessing performance of conservation-based Best Management Practices: coarse vs. fine-scale analysis. US-IALE Annual Symposium, April 5-9 2010, Athens, GA, abstract #193.<br /> <br /> Piechnik, D.A., S.C. Goslee and T.L. Veith. 2010. Assessing performance of conservation-based Best Management Practices: Coarse vs. fine-scale analysis. Poster presentation for Emerging Issues along Urban-Rural Interfaces conference, April 12-15, Atlanta GA.<br /> <br /> Piechnik, D.A., S.C. Goslee and T.L. Veith. 2010. Assessing performance of conservation-based Best Management Practices: Coarse vs. fine-scale analysis. Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H., M. van der Grinten, A Gover, and M.A. Simonis. 2010. Planting native species to control site reinfestation by Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). In: Proceedings 7th Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Knoxville, TN, October 5-8, 2010.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H. 2010. Contribution of orchardgrass and white clover roots to total soil respiration. Agronomy Abstracts (CD-ROM Computer File). ASA, Madison, WI. <br /> <br /> Soder, K.J., M.A. Sanderson, and G.E. Brink. 2010. Effect of forage species on ruminal fermentation in continuous culture. J. Dairy Sci. 93:348 (E-Suppl. 1).<br /> <br /> Peer-reviewed journal articles<br /> Brink, G.E., and K.J. Soder. 2011. Relationship between herbage intake and sward structure of grazed temperate grasses. Crop Sci. (In press). <br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. 2010. National Land-Cover Data and National Agricultural Census estimates of agricultural land use in the northeastern United States. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing 77:141-147.<br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. and M.A. Sanderson. 2010. Landscape context and plant community composition in grazed agricultural systems of the northeastern United States. Landscape Ecology 25:1029-1039.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H., and P.R. Adler. 2010. Carbon dioxide and water fluxes from switchgrass managed for bioenergy production. Agric. Ecosys. Environ. 138:257-264.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H., and L.H. Comas. 2010. Root distribution of temperate forage species subjected to water and nitrogen stress. Crop Sci. 50:2178-2185.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H., and C.J. Dell. 2010. Reestablishing chicory into multi-species perennial pastures. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2010-0616-02-RS.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H., B.K. Wylie, and T.G. Gilmanov. 2011. Using NDVI to estimate carbon fluxes from small rotationally grazed pastures. Agron. J. (In Press).<br /> <br /> Soder, K.J., A.F. Brito, and K. Hoffman. 2011. Effects of molasses supplementation and nutritive value on ruminal fermentation of a pasture-based diet. Prof. Anim. Scientist. 27:35-42.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> Goslee, S.C. 2011. Seasonal changes in Northeastern pastures.<br /> <br /> Piechnik, D. and S. Goslee. 2011. GIS-based tool improves accuracy in placing pasture Best Management Practices.Soder, K.J., A.F. Brito, and K. Hoffman. Current research on molasses as an alternative energy source for organic dairy herds. In: Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance newsletter. Vol. 10, Issue 2, pp. 30-32. March 2010.<br /> <br /> Soder, K.J. How hunger may affect grazing behavior In: GRAZE magazine. Vol. 17, No. 3, pp. 12-14. March 2010.<br /> <br /> Soder, K.J. Most feeding advice not based on grazing behavior. In: GRAZE magazine. Vol. 17, No.4, pp.10, 17. April 2010. <br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. 2010. landsat: Radiometric and topographic correction of satellite imagery (R software package). http://cran.r-project.org/<br /> <br /> Utah <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Williams, C. M., Dschaak, C. M., Eun, J.-S., MacAdam, J. W., & Young, A. 2010. Assessment of tannin-free and tanniniferous legumes in lactating dairy diets using continuous culture. J. Dairy Sci. 79.<br /> <br /> Refereed proceedings<br /> Williams, C. M., Eun, J.-S., MacAdam, J. W., Young, A., Fellner, V., & Min, B. R. 2010. Tannin-free and tanniniferous legumes in lactating dairy diets affect in vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production by mixed ruminal microbiota in continuous cultures. pp. 159 Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Greenhouse Gases and Animal Agriculture Banff, Canada, October 3-8 2010. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Canada.<br /> <br /> Non-refereed reports<br /> MacAdam, J. 2010. A Pasture Legume with the Potential to Increase Milk Production. pp. 6-8 In The Integrity, Western Organic Dairy Producers Alliance, August-September 2010.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Williams, C. M., Eun, J.-S., Dschaak, C. M., MacAdam, J. W., Min, B. R., & Young, A. 2010. CASE STUDY: In vitro ruminal fermentation characteristics of birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) hay in continuous cultures: Professional Animal Scientist, 26: 570-576.<br /> <br /> Virginia <br /> <br /> Magure R., J. Fike, S. McGrath*, B. Tracy. 2010. Improving soil nutrition with poultry litter application in low input forage systems. Agronomy Journal. 102:48-54.<br /> <br /> Tracy B., M. Maughan*, N. Post, D. Faulkner. 2010. Integrating annual and perennial warm-season grasses in a temperate grazing system. Crop Science. 50:21712177.<br /> <br /> Tracy B., D. Schlueter*. Winter seeding methods to establish clover in permanent pasture. Virginia Cooperative Extension #418-02.<br /> <br /> Bonin C.*, B. Tracy. 2010. Effects of native warm-season perennial plant diversity in grasslands managed for forage and biofuel biomass. 80-1. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting. Long Beach, CA.<br /> <br /> Bonin C.*, B. Tracy. 2010. Using native warm-season perennial plants to supply forage for livestock. 7th Annual Eastern Native Grass Symposium, Knoxville, TN.<br /> <br /> Flores J.*, B. Tracy*. 2010. Winter hay feeding sites and effects on pasture attributes. 292-8. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meeting. Long Beach, CA.<br /> <br /> Abaye, A. O. with assistance from J.T. Green, Jr. and E. Rayburn. D. S. Chamblee and T. Wieboldt (ed.). 2010. Identification and Adaptation of Common Grasses, Legumes and Non-leguminous Forbs of the Eastern United States. 420 pp. Interstate Graphic Inc Pub. Johnson City, TN. (ISBN: 0615357571).<br /> <br /> Boland, H. T.*, G. Scaglia, W. S. Swecker, Jr., and A. O. Abaye. 2010. Performance and serum metabolites of fall-weaned beef steers strip-grazing on nonstockpiled tall fescue. Professional Animal Scientist 26: 201-211.<br /> <br /> West Virginia <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Griggs, T.C., B.L. Bailey, and K.M. Krause. 2010. Productivity of cool-season perennial pastures under cattle grazing initiated at three dates in spring following moderate and heavy fall defoliation. American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA, October 31-November 4, 2010, http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2010am/webprogram/Paper60064.html.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> MacAdam, J.W., R.E. Ward, T.C. Griggs, B.R. Min, and G.E. Aiken. (submitted). Case study: average daily gain and blood fatty acid composition of cattle grazing the non-bloating legumes birdsfoot trefoil and cicer milkvetch in the northern mountain west U.S.A. The Professional Animal Scientist.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> Griggs, T.C., B.L. Bailey, and K.M. Krause. 2011. Beef Heifer and Pasture Responses to Winter Grazing and Hay Feeding Management. 6 pp. Proc. 2011 Appalachian Grazing Conf., Morgantown, WV, March 4-5, 2011, http://www.grazeappalachia.org/.<br /> <br /> Wisconsin <br /> <br /> Proceedings<br /> <br /> Albrecht, K.A., and J. Andrzejewska. 2010. Intercropping corn in kura clover living mulch. p. 26-28. In Proc. Production and Utilization of Corn for Food and Industrial Purposes, Posnan, Poland, 6-7 May 2010.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Ochsner, T.E., K.A. Albrecht, T.W. Schumacher, J.M. Baker, and R.J. Berkevich. 2010. Water balance and nitrate leaching under corn in kura clover living mulch. Agron. J.102:1169-1178.<br /> <br /> Barker, D.J., F.P. Ferraro, R.G. Nave, R.M. Sulc, F. Lopes, and K.A. Albrecht. 2010. Analysis of herbage mass and herbage accumulation rate using Gompertz equations. Agron. J. 102:849-857.<br /> <br /> Sawyer, J.E., P. Pedersen, D.W. Barker, D.A.R. Diaz, and K.A. Albrecht. 2010. Intercropping corn and kura clover: Response to nitrogen fertilization. Agron. J. 102:1-7.<br /> <br /> Riday, H. and K.A. Albrecht. 2010. Registration of Kura1 Trifolium ambiguum (M. Bieb) germplasm. J. Plant Reg. 4:80-85.<br /> <br /> Books<br /> Andrzejewska, J. and K.A. Albrecht. 2010. Rosliny Motylkowate Drobnonasienne na Pastwiskach (Perennial Pasture Legumes). Wydawnictwa Uczelniane, Bydgoszcz, Poland. (125 pages).<br /> <br /> Wyoming <br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2011. Assessment of fenugreek for adaptation to South East Wyoming. Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference 12-15 June 2011. French Lick, IN (American Forage and Grassland Council).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Nachtman, J.J., Baumgartner, R.E., and Bandara, M. 2011. Assessment of fenugreek: A new specialty crop. Proceedings of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science-US Alumni Association Multidisciplinary Science Forum International Annual Meetings 11-12 March 2011. Seattle, WA. (US Japan Society for the Promotion of Science).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., Baumgartner, R.E., and Nachtman, J.J. 2010. Seed yield potential of tall fescue germplasm in the Great Plains of Wyoming. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings October 31-November 3 2010. Long Beach, CA. (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> <br /> Kimura, E., Krall, J.M., Hess, B.W., and Islam, M.A. 2010. Seed scarification and a companion crop may enhance forage legume establishment in the Central West regions of USA. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings October 31-November 3 2010. Long Beach, CA. (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2010. Yield performance of cool-season grasses under irrigated and dryland conditions in the Great Plains of Wyoming. Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference 21-23 June 2010. Springfield, MO (American Forage and Grassland Council).<br /> <br /> Kimura, E. and Islam, M.A. 2010. Enhancing forage legumes establishment through seed scarification and use of companion crop in the high plains of Wyoming. Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference 21-23 June 2010. Springfield, MO (American Forage and Grassland Council).<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> Islam, M.A., Biermacher, J.T., Interrante, S.M., Reuter, R.R., Hopkins, A.A., Cook, B.J., Bouton, J.H., and Butler, T.J. (2011). Production and economics of grazing ryeannual ryegrass and tall fescue systems. Agronomy Journal, 103, 558-564.<br /> <br /> Popular articles (refereed)<br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., and Nachtman J.J. 2011. UW study evaluates fenugreek as new alternative forage legume in Wyoming. Barnyards & Backyards, UW Cooperative Extension Service, March 2011, p. 10.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. and Kimura, E. 2010. Enhancing establishment of forage legumes through seed scarification and use of cover crop. Reflections, pp. 38-41.<br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Following basic principles increases forage establishment success. Barnyards & Backyards, UW Cooperative Extension Service, April 2010, p. 6-7.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Autotoxicity in alfalfa. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 31, December 18, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Legume and grass trials: Some recent results. Factsheet, Wyoming Stock Growers Association Winter Roundup, Progressive Rancher Forum, Parkway Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre, Casper, Wyoming, December, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Forage quality in relation to animal performance. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 17, September 11, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Forage seeding with or without a companion crop. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 10, July 24, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Planting forage crops: Is spring better than late summer? Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 1, May 22, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Value of reseeding and fertilization. Factsheet, Forage Workshops in the Northeast Wyoming, Gillette, Newcastle, and Sundance, March 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Interseeding in hay and pasture and no-till pasture renovation: Some pros and cons. Factsheet, Forage Workshops in the Northeast Wyoming, Gillette, Newcastle, and Sundance, March 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Basic principles for successful forage establishment. Factsheet, Forage Workshops in the Northeast Wyoming, Gillette, Newcastle, and Sundance, March 2010.<br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. New production practices developed by NCCC-31 scientists are demonstrating environmental benefits. For example, corn production in kura clover living mulch resulted in important water quality benefits, reducing nitrate-N leaching by 31 to 74% relative to conventional monoculture corn production. The living mulch also provides valuable soil cover in corn production systems where both grain and stover are harvested. Thus, the kura clover living mulch system has potential to improve the sustainability of whole plant corn harvest, whether for livestock feed or for bioenergy.
2. New crops and management systems are being developed for harsh environments by NCCC-31 scientists. For example, warm-season annual legumes like lablab beans can produce high DM yield with good nutritive value in southeastern NM. Also, winter small grains for silage can be harvested at soft dough maturity stage without affecting significantly nutritive value. In this study, winter barley and winter wheat had better nutritive value than winter triticale.
3. NCCC-31 scientists are improving tools to assess forage quality for producers. Alfalfa samples for PEAQ calibration indicates that PEAQ could be used to predict alfalfa nutritive value in the southwest as it currently does for other regions.
4. NCCC-31 scientists are involved with greenhouse gas emissions from forage crops and pastures. For example, scientists summarized and synthesized current progress on grassland management effects on carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide flux from managed grasslands in the US. This can support studies on climate change mitigation that has long-term societal benefits.
5. NCCC-31 research outcomes will include information necessary for better management of pastures and mitigation of impacts of beef cattle production systems on climate change. The research also will generate information that beef cattle producers can use to minimize nitrogen inputs and production costs and improve economic sustainability through feeding of co-products derived from the ethanol industry. Adoption by producers of strategies/practices that ensure efficient use of N will have a positive influence on environmental quality.
6. NCCC-31 scientists are actively involved with providing useful information to producers. For example, WV scientists have stimulated interest among producers in 1) the potential for beef heifers to feed themselves for part of the winter on pastures with stockpiled forage, thereby reducing costs associated with producing and feeding hay; and 2) the importance of appropriate pasture and grazing management during the growing season to successful stockpiling of cool-season perennial pasture for use during the dormant season.
7. Pest management research is demonstrating molecular interactions between forage crops and pests. For example, potato leafhopper, Empoasca fabae, is unique among legume-feeding herbivores because of its ability to disrupt normal plant physiological functions through the insertion of saliva into its host plant. Current research focuses on the plant-insect interaction at the molecular and physiological level that causes the hopperburn response, and represents an interdisciplinary approach that will provide understanding necessary to develop plants that are able to tolerate leafhopper injury.
8. Investigations of grazing practices relate both economic value and environmental consequences. For example, deferred grazing appears to be advantageous from an economic standpoint, but may pose some serious environmental effects. Also, compaction from grazing may alter nutrient cycling.
9. NCCC-31 researchers have made significant progress with fungal endophyte infection in tall fescue. Recent research has found that the endophyte can have substantial ecosystem-level effects and that this symbiosis is likely to respond to future changes in climate. This knowledge aids in our understanding of the role this important symbiosis plays in regional ecosystem dynamics now and the role it is likely to play in the future. In addition, research aims to contribute to natural resource management and conservation by identifying the factors that control tall fescues ability to invade and persist in native prairie ecosystems.
10. Optimum forage harvesting and grazing management have been investigated by NCCC-31 researchers using mathematical models. In OH, a mathematical model (Gompertz equation) was developed for predicting herbage accumulation rate from herbage mass. This equation was incorporated into a defoliation model that provides a unifying mechanism for predicting forage production for an infinite range of forage harvesting options. If improved grazing practice from application of this model could increase stocking rate by 5%, this would increase the cow herd in OH alone by 60,000 cows, and increase farm revenue by $20 million.

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Report Information

Participants

Barker, David (barker.169@osu.edu) - Ohio State University;
Barnhart, Steve (sbarnhar@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University;
Cassida, Kim (kacassida@gmail.com) - Michigan State University;
Cuomo, Greg (cuomogj@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota, 2012 NCCC-31 Local host;
Dobrowolski, Jim (jdobrowolski@nifa.usda.gov) - National Program Leader, Division of Environmental Systems, NIFA;
Dong, Xuejun (xuejun.dong@ndsu.edu) - North Dakota State University, 2012 NCCC-31 Chair;
Elke, Nancy - University of Minnesota;
Glunk, Emily - University of Minnesota;
Griggs, Tom (tcgriggs@mail.wvu.edu) - West Virginia University, 2013 NCCC-31 Secretary;
Gunsolus, Jeff (gunso001@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota;
Holin, Fae (fae.holin@penton.com) - Hay & Forage Grower Magazine;
Islam, Anowar (mislam@uwyo.edu) - University of Wyoming;
Johnson, Gregg (johns510@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota;
Kells, Jim (kells@msu.edu) - Michigan State University, NCCC31 Administrative Advisor;
Lamb, JoAnn (JoAnn.Lamb@ars.usda.gov) - USDA-ARS, St. Paul, Minnesota;
Lamp, Bill (lamp@umd.edu) - University of Maryland;
MacAdam, Jennifer (jennifer.macadam@usu.edu) - Utah State University;
Martinson, Krishona (krishona@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota;
Mathison, Russell - University of Minnesota;
McCulley, Rebecca (rebecca.mcculley@uky.edu) - University of Kentucky, 2013 NCCC-31 Local host;
Nelson, Beth (mfa@midwestforage.org) - National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance, and Midwest Forage Association;
Paulson, Jim (jcp@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota;
Samac, Deborah (dasamac@umn.edu) - USDA-ARS, St. Paul, Minnesota;
Sanderson, Matt (Matt.Sanderson@ARS.USDA.GOV) - USDA-ARS, Mandan, North Dakota;
Seibert, Dawn (seibe037@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota;
Sheaffer, Craig (sheaf001@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota;
Skinner, Howard (Howard.Skinner@ARS.USDA.GOV) - USDA-ARS, University Park, Pennsylvania;
Tracy, Ben (bftracy@vt.edu) - Virginia Tech;
Volenec, Jeff (jvolenec@purdue.edu) - Purdue University;
West, Chuck (cwest@uark.edu) - University of Arkansas;
White, Todd (todd1@ksu.edu ) - Kansas State University;
Wyse, Don (wysex001@umn.edu) - University of Minnesota

Brief Summary of Minutes

The meeting was held at Ramada-Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota from June 19 to 21,
2012. There were 32 participants.

Tuesday Morning, June, 19, 2012:

Sub-committee for the regional coordinated agricultural project on tall fescue held a discussion. In the afternoon, Chuck West reported to the NCCC-31 group the outcome of the discussion.

NCCC31 meeting started Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 PM. Greg Cuomo was the local host, Xuejun
Dong the chairperson. As Marvin Hall (this year's Secretary) was not able to attend the meeting, Steve Barnhart volunteered to take the minutes (see attached file).

Administrative Advisor Dr. Jim Kells gave updates on the current status of the NCCC-31, as well as instructions for the upcoming mid-term review in early 2013. He indicated that the impact statement will need to be revised and posted on the NIMSS website based on past two years' activity impacts. Rebecca McCulley volunteered to lead this revision effort. Jim reminded to group to submit this year's annual report within 90 days of the meeting.

Beth Nelson, President of both the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance and Midwest Forage Association, gave a report on some of the coordinated lobbying efforts of the associations she represents for funding and support for forage research and activities.

Xuejun Dong appointed three working committees:
Locations: Jennifer MacAdam, Howard Skinner, and Matt Sanderson.
Nominations: Bill Lamp, Rebecca McCulley, and Ben Tracy.
Resolutions: Dave Barker, Jeff Volenec and Todd White.

Howard Skinner (PA), Tom Griggs (WV), Rebecca McCulley (KY), and Kim Cassida (MI) delivered their state reports (each 20 minutes, followed by 10 minutes discussion).

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

The following six researchers delivered their state reports: Craig Sheaffer (MN), Chuck West (AR), Ben Tracy (VA), Todd White (KS), Anowar Islam (WY) and Jeff Volenec (IN).

The group attended a one-hour video conference with Dr. Jim Dobrowolski on Ag budget and funding with NIFA. This was followed by a field tour featuring ongoing forage studies by scientists at University of Minnesota and UDSA-ARS.

Thursday, June 21, 2012:

Chuck West gave a brief description of the on-line bioenergy course coordinated by the U. of Arkansas.

The three committees gave their reports:

The Locations Committee recommended next NCCC-31 meeting to be held in Kentucky, with dates to be determined.

The Nomination Committee proposed that Tom Griggs be appointed as Secretary for 2013 with expected advancement to Chair in 2014.

The Resolutions Committee recognized the tremendous efforts of Greg Cuomo, Paul Peterson and others at UMN and USDA-ARS Twin Cities, for their gracious and effective hosts. Also recognized were Xuejun Dong's leadership as this year's chairperson, and Jim Kell's extra-ordinary assistance as advisor of the NCCC-31 group.

All these decisions were approved unanimously by those present.

The following six researchers gave their state reports: Bill Lamp (MD), Jennifer MacAdam (UT), Steve Barnhart (IA), Matt Sanderson (ARS, Mandan, ND), Dave Barker (OH), and Xuejun Dong (NDSU).

The meeting adjourned at 11:45 AM.

Accomplishments

1. NCCC-31 scientists continued the active communication and information exchange among members, which has been a tradition for this group in past 60 years. Given the accelerated pace of scientific advancement and rapid expanding of literature in the area of eco-physiology-based forage management, the timely face-to-face communication and information exchange during the NCCC-31 annual meeting becomes of paramount importance for individual members to avoid duplicating research efforts in problems that have already been solved but not been published, and to consolidate individual research efforts to unique, most important research questions. Interaction of the NCCC-31 group with Dr. Jim Dobrowolski, National Program Leader of NIFA's Division of Environmental Systems, and Beth Nelson, National Alfalfa Improvement Association (NAIA), reinforced the group's involvement in national panels for forage funding and research planning. Interaction of the group with Fae Holin, Editor of Hay & Forage Grower magazine, provided possibility for connecting research findings of NCCC-31 scientists directly with producer groups. <br /> <br /> 2. The information exchange fostered efficient coordination and fruitful collaboration among members and led to the birth of two highly coordinated research activities involving a number of members of this group: (a) a common alfalfa-tall fescue mixture experiment across the north-central USA involving seven NCCC-31 members representing seven states; (b) a regional integrated Coordinated Agricultural Project (CAP) planning grant ($50,000) to coordinate the development of a full proposal, in which several NCCC-31 members serve as core writers with involvement of the region's leading researchers in life cycle analysis, soil science and climate change modelers. See below for impact statements. <br /> <br /> 3. During this reporting period, NCCC-31 researchers published 80 peer-reviewed journal papers, eight book chapters, one edited book, 36 extension papers, 59 conference abstracts/posters, eight reports/proceedings, and six referred popular articles.

Publications

Arkansas<br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> <br /> Bunnell, K., E.M. Martin, C. West, E.C. Clausen and D.J. Carrier. 2011. Physicochemical properties and pretreatment of Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) hemicellulose. 33rd Symposium on Biotechnology for Fuels and Chemicals, May 2-5, 2011.<br /> <br /> West, C.P., B.C. Grigg, C.A. Guerber, Rodney Farris, and K.R. Brye. 2011. Poultry litter effects on switchgrass and sorghum biomass yield and macronutrient removal. In Annual meetings abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Rocateli, A., C.P. West, A.J. Ashworth, J. Kiniry, D. Spanel, and K.R. Brye 2011. Calibrating ALMANAC for simulating switchgrass production in Arkansas. In Annual meetings abstracts [CD-ROM]. ASA, CSSA, and SSSA, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Philipp, Dirk, Mary C. Savin, Kenneth P. Coffey, Bradley E. Briggs. 2011. Utilization of legumes in cattle grazing systems to minimize synthetic N input. Ecological Society of America, annual meeting, Austin, TX.<br /> <br /> Philipp, Dirk, Ken Coffey, Brad Briggs, Charles Stephens, and Jennifer Harrison. 2011. Establishment strategies for crimson and white clovers in the southeastern US. Agronomy Society of America, annual meeting, San Antonio, TX. <br /> <br /> Philipp, D., M. Popp, K. Coffey, M. Savin, J. Jennings. 2011. Beef cattle production on grass-legume mixes: Economic Implications of establishment methods and grazing systems performance. 2011. USDA-NIFA/AFRI, annual project directors meeting, Miami, FL. <br /> Simon, K.S., J. A. Jennings, M. S. Gadberry, D. Philipp, and D. S. Hubbell, III. 2011. No-till vs. broadcast and drag methods for establishment of white clover in fescue sod. American Forage and Grassland Council, annual meeting, French Lick, IN.<br /> <br /> Proceedings<br /> <br /> Coffey, K., J. Caldwell, J. Jennings, D. Philipp, A. Young, J. Tucker, D. Hubbell, III, C. West, M. Savin, M. Popp, and C. Rosenkrans, Jr. 2011. Forage quality, ergot alkaloid concentrations, and species composition from toxic wild-type and non-toxic, novel endophyte infected tall fescue pastures grazed by cow-calf pairs. Proc. Am. For. Grassl. Council. 12-15 June, French Lick, IN.<br /> <br /> Jennings, J.A., K.J. Simon, K.P. Coffey, P.A. Beck, C.P. West, M.L. Looper, and D.S. Hubbell, III. 2012. Extensions response to the fescue endophyte problem. Proc. Am. For. Grassl. Council. 9-11 January, Louisville, KY.<br /> <br /> Research reports<br /> <br /> Briggs, B.E., T. G. Montgomery, K.P. Coffey, D. Philipp, P. B. Francis, J.D. Caldwell, W. A. Whitworth, and A. N. Young. 2011. Growth performance by heifers grazing annual ryegrass pastures fertilized with nitrogen or overseeded with crimson, ladino, or both crimson and ladino clovers during springThree-year summary. Arkansas Agric. Exp. Sta. Res. Series. <br /> <br /> Journal articles/Book chapters<br /> <br /> Martin, E.M., S.L. Cousins, S.R. Talley, C.P. West, E.C. Clausen, and D.J. Carrier. 2011. The effect of pre-soaking coupled to pretreatment on the extraction of hemicellulosic sugars and flavonoids from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum var. Alamo) leaves and stems. Trans. Am. Soc. Agric. Biol. Eng. 54(5):1953-1957.<br /> <br /> Caldwell, J.D., K.P. Coffey, J.A. Jennings, D. Philipp, A.N. Young, J.D. Tucker, D.S. Hubbell, III, T. Hess, M.L. Looper, C.P. West, M.C. Savin, M.P. Popp, D.L. Kreider, D.M. Hallford, C.F. Rosenkrans. 2012. Performance by spring and fall-calving cows grazing with full access, limited access, or no access to Neotyphodium coenophialum-infected fescue. J. Anim. Sci. (In press)<br /> <br /> Indiana<br /> <br /> Fernández, F.G., S.M. Brouder, C.A. Beyrouty, J.J. Volenec, and R. Hoyum. 2011. Soybean shoot and root response to localized water and potassium in a split-pot study. Plant and Soil 344:197-212.<br /> <br /> Brouder, S.M. and J.J. Volenec. 2011. Greenhouse gas emissions and pelicans: Ecological accounting in bioenergy cropping systems. In Proceedings of the 2010 China-U.S. Workshop on Energy, Ecosystem, and Environmental Change. Sept 22-24, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Pp. 82-85.<br /> <br /> Burks, J., S.M. Brouder and J.J. Volenec. 2011. Nutrient cycling dynamics in perennial bioenergy crops. In Proceedings of the 2010 China-U.S. Workshop on Energy, Ecosystem, and Environmental Change. Sept 22-24, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Pp. 76  77.<br /> <br /> Volenec, J.J. and S.M. Brouder. 2011. Agroecological considerations when growing biomass. In Proceedings of the 2010 China-U.S. Workshop on Energy, Ecosystem, and Environmental Change. Sept 22-24, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. Pp. 113  114.<br /> <br /> Brouder S.M. and J.J. Volenec. 2012. Impact of Climate Change on Crop Nutrient and Water Use Efficiencies: What we know we dont know. Plant Growth, Nutrition and Environment Interactions Conf., University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. Feb 18  21. Plenary<br /> <br /> Pembleton, K.P., R.P. Rawnsley, D.J. Donaghy, and J.J. Volenec. 2011. Freezing out drought- adaptive processes to drought within lucerne and its implications on farm. South Australian Dairy Innovation Day.<br /> <br /> Volenec J.J. and S.M. Brouder. 2012. Nutrient Use in Bioenergy Cropping Systems. Plant Growth, Nutrition and Environment Interactions Conf., University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria. Feb 18  21. <br /> <br /> Feng, Q., I. Chaubey, J. Volenec, M.M. Kalcic, Y. Gu Her, M.A. Thomas, and C. Raj. 2011. Identification of available marginal land for biofeedstock production in Wildcat Creek watershed. Poster presented at the 6th Frontiers in Bioenergy Conference; US-Brazil Symposium on Sustainable Bioenergy. May 16-18, 2011, West Lafayette, IN.<br /> <br /> Burks, J.L., J.J. Volenec and S.M. Brouder. 2011. Seasonal cycling and partitioning of C and N in perennial bioenergy crops. Abstract ID# 64585. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Oct. 16 to 19, 2011. San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Smith, D.R., D. Bucholtz, S.M. Brouder, J.J. Volenec, R.F. Turco, and G. Ejeta. 2011. Greenhouse gas emissions from traditional and biofuels cropping systems. Abstract # 64779. ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Meetings, Oct. 16 to 19, 2011. San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Brouder, S.M., P. Woodson, L. Bowling, R. Turco and J. Volenec. 2011. Yield potential, water and N requirements of non-food biofuels. 2011 In Proceedings of the Water for Food Conference, Lincoln, NE, May 1  4.<br /> <br /> Brouder, S.M., R. Turco, J. Volenec, G. Ejeta, D.R. Smith, L. Bowling, I. Chaubey, B. Gramig. Nitrogen partitioning and utilization in bioenergy cropping systems. In Proceedings of the 6th Frontiers in Bioenergy Conference & US-Brazil Symp. on Sustainable Bioenergy. West Lafayette, IN, May 15 -18 2011. <br /> <br /> Woodson, P., S. Cunningham, P. Murphy, S. Brouder, J. Volenec. 2011. Influence of potassium and phosphorus on yield and composition of switchgrass. In Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Ann. Mtg, San Antonio, TX, Oct. 16  19, 2011. http://a-c-s.confex.com/crops/2011am/webprogram/Paper65191.html.<br /> <br /> Woodson, P, J.J. Volenec, and S.M. Brouder. 2012. Field-scale K and P fluxes in the bioenergy crop switchgrass: Theoretical energy yields and management implications. J. Soil Sci. Plant Nutrition (submitted).<br /> <br /> Iowa<br /> <br /> Bulletins and Technical Reports and Fact Sheets<br /> <br /> Iowa State University Department of Animal Science, 2011<br /> Dunn, M.; Russell, J.; Morrical, D.; Barnhart, S.; Sellers, J.<br /> Stocking System Effects on Soil and Forage Characteristics, and Performance of Fall-Calving Cows Grazing Tall Fescue Pastures (A.S. Leaflet R2585 ). 2011 Animal Industry Reports. http://www.ans.iastate.edu/report/air/2011pdf/R2585.pdf <br /> <br /> Iowa State University Department of Animal Science, 2012<br /> Dunn, M.; Russell, J.; Morrical, D.; Barnhart, S.; Sellers, J. Stocking System Effects on Soil and Forage Characteristics, and Performance of Fall-Calving Cows Grazing Cool-Season Grass Pastures (A.S. Leaflet R2691). 2012 Animal Industry Reports. http://www.ans.iastate.edu/report/air/2012pdf/R2691.pdf <br /> <br /> Conference Presentations / Posters<br /> <br /> Margaret Dunn. American Forage and Grasslands Council, June 13 2011<br /> Poster: Stocking System Effects on Soil and Forage Characteristics and Performance of Fall-Calving Cows Grazing Tall Fescue Pastures <br /> <br /> Margaret Dunn. American Society of Animal Science Midwest Section, March 20 2012<br /> Stocking system effects on soil and forage characteristics and performance of fall calving cows grazing tall fescue pastures<br /> <br /> Ohde, R. and M. Wiedenhoeft. 2011. Evaluating Forage Quality Predictors and Grazing Calendars for Restored Prairies In Iowa. ASA meetings, Nov. <br /> 2nd place Award -- Robert F Barnes Graduate Student Competition.<br /> <br /> Kansas<br /> <br /> Harmoney, K.R., and J.R. Jaeger. 2011. Animal and vegetation response to modified-intensive early stocking on shortgrass rangeland. Rangeland Ecology and Management 64:619-624.<br /> <br /> Harmoney, K. R., and Hickman, K. R. 2012. Comparing morphological development and nutritive value of Caucasian old world bluestem and native grasses. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2012-0127-01-RS.<br /> <br /> Lamm, F. R., K. R. Harmoney, A. A. Aboukheira, and S. K. Johnson. 2012. Alfalfa production with subsurface drip irrigation in the central Great Plains, Trans. American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. (in press).<br /> <br /> Lomas, L. W., J. L. Moyer, and G. A. Milliken. 2011. Grazing and finishing performance of steers that grazed nontoxic endophyte-infected tall fescue. Online. Forage and Grazinglands. doi: 10.1094/FG-2011-0628-01-RS. <br /> <br /> Moyer, J. L., K. C. Dhuyvetter, and D. W. Sweeney. 2012. Nitrogen fertilization affects economic return from crabgrass hay. Online. Forage and Grazinglands. doi: 10.1094/FG-2012-0320-01-RS.<br /> <br /> Moyer, J. L., and D. W. Sweeney. 2011. Managing nitrogen for crabgrass hay production. Online. Forage and Grazinglands. doi: 10.1094/FG-2011-0519-01-RS.<br /> <br /> Kentucky<br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> <br /> Hall, S.L., K. Clay, E. Koziol, and R.L. McCulley. 2011. Does endophyte status of tall fescue impact mycorrhizal colonization of native species commonly planted in grassland restorations? Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Austin, TX.<br /> <br /> McCulley, R.L., J.A. Nelson, and A.E. Carlisle. 2011. Effects of elevated temperature and additional growing season precipitation on managed grassland carbon storage and flux. Invited talk for an organized oral session at the Ecological Society of America Annual Meeting, Austin, TX.<br /> <br /> Cooke, A.L., G.B. Brosi, J.A. Nelson, and R.L. McCulley. 2011. Climate change effects on forage quality of Kentucky hay fields. American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Meeting, French Licks, IN.<br /> <br /> Iqbal, J., J.A. Nelson, A.E. Carlisle, and R.L. McCulley. 2011. Influence of fungal endophyte genotypes on plant diversity and soil-atmospheric trace gas fluxes. Soil Science Society of America Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX.<br /> <br /> Refereed Proceedings/Book Chapters:<br /> <br /> McNear, Jr., D.H. and R.L. McCulley. 2012. Influence of the Neotyphodium  tall fescue symbiosis on belowground processes. In: Young CA, Aiken GE, McCulley RL, Strickland JR, Schardl CL (eds)  Epichloae, Endophytes of Cool Season Grasses: Implications, utilization, and biology. The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, pp. 94-99.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> <br /> Iqbal, J., J.A. Nelson, and R.L. McCulley. In Press. Fungal endophyte presence and genotype affect plant diversity and soil-to-atmosphere trace gas fluxes. Plant and Soil. DOI 10.1007/s11104-012-1326-0.<br /> <br /> Ruffner, M.E., R.L. McCulley, J.A. Nelson, and T.G. Barnes. In Press. Invasion by exotic Old World bluestem grasses alters ecosystem function of a South Texas coastal prairie. Biological Invasions.<br /> <br /> Iqbal, J., J.A. Siegrist, J.A. Nelson, and R.L. McCulley. 2012. Fungal endophyte infection increases carbon sequestration potential of southeastern U.S.A. tall fescue stands. Soil Biology & Biochemistry 44:81-92.<br /> <br /> McCulley, R.L. and R.B. Jackson. 2012. Conversion of tallgrass prairie to woodland: Consequences for carbon and nitrogen cycling. American Midland Naturalist 167:307-321.<br /> <br /> Hall, S.L., R.L. McCulley, and R.J. Barney. 2012. Restoration of native warm season grassland species in a tall fescue pasture using prescribed fire and herbicides. Restoration Ecology 20(2):194-201.<br /> <br /> Adler, P.B. and 58 others (including R.L. McCulley). 2011. Productivity is a poor predictor of plant species richness. Science 333:1750-1753.<br /> <br /> Firn, J. and 32 others (including R.L. McCulley). 2011. Abundance of introduced species at home predicts abundance away in herbaceous communities. Ecology Letters 14:274-281.<br /> <br /> Brosi, G.B., R.L. McCulley, L.P. Bush, J.A. Nelson, A.T. Classen, and R.J. Norby. 2011. Effects of multiple climate change factors on the tall fescue  fungal endophyte symbiosis: infection frequency and tissue chemistry. New Phytologist 189:797-805.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> <br /> Vincelli, P. and 9 others (including R.L. McCulley). 2011. The scientific consensus on global warming. ID-191. Cooperative Extension Service, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY.<br /> <br /> Maryland<br /> <br /> Alexander, L.C., D.J. Hawthorne, M.A. Palmer, and W.O. Lamp. 2011. Loss of genetic diversity in the North American mayfly Ephemerella invaria associated with deforestation of headwater streams. Freshwater Biology 56: 1456-1467.<br /> <br /> Carstens, K., J. Anderson, P. Bachman, A. De Schrijver, G. Dively, B. Frederici, M. Hamer, M. Gielkens, P. Jensen, W. Lamp, S. Rauschen, G. Ridley, and J. Romeis. 2011. Genetically modified crops and aquatic ecosystems: Considerations for environmental risk assessment and non-target organisms testing. Transgenic Research (published online: DOI 10.1007/s11248-011-9569-8).<br /> <br /> Lamp, W.O. 2012. Potato leafhopper. In Compendium of Alfalfa Diseases and Insect Pests, D. Samac, L. Rhodes, and W.O. Lamp (eds.). American Phytopathology Association, St. Paul, MN (in press).<br /> <br /> Lamp, W.O., D. Miranda, L.E. Culler, and L.C. Alexander. 2011. Host suitability and gas exchange response of grapevines to potato leafhopper (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 104: 1316-1322.<br /> <br /> Samac, D., L. Rhodes, and W.O. Lamp (eds.). 2012. Compendium of Alfalfa Diseases and Insect Pests. American Phytopathology Association, St. Paul, MN (in press).<br /> <br /> Michigan<br /> <br /> Min, D.H., T.S. Dietz, W.J. Everman, A.J. Chomas, J.J. Kells, and R.H. Leep. 2012. Glyphosate-resistant alfalfa response to harvest frequency and weed management. Weed Technology 26: (in press).<br /> <br /> Minnesota<br /> <br /> Sindelar, A.J., J.A. Lamb, C.C. Sheaffer, H.G. Jung, and C.J. Rosen. 2012. Response of corn grain, cellulosic biomass, and ethanol yields to nitrogen fertilizer. Agron. J. 104:363-370.<br /> <br /> Sheaffer, C. and P. Seguin. 2011. Kura clover response to potassium fertilization. Com. Soil Sci. and Plant Anal. 42:450-456. <br /> <br /> Yost, M.A., J.A. Coulter, M.P. Russelle, C.C. Sheaffer, and D.E. Kaiser. 2012. Alfalfa nitrogen credit to first-year corn: Potassium, regrowth, and tillage timing effects. Agron. J. 104:953-962.<br /> <br /> Yost, M.A., M.P. Russelle, J.A. Coulter, C.C. Sheaffer, and D.E. Kaiser. 2011. Potassium management during the rotation from alfalfa to corn. Agron. J. 103:1785-1793.<br /> <br /> <br /> Nebraska<br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> <br /> Haque, M. J.T. Biermacher, M.K. Kering, and J.A. Guretzky. Economic considerations of soil nutrient mining and remobilization associated with switchgrass feedstock production. 2012 AAEA Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA.<br /> <br /> Snell, L., J. Guretzky, V. Jin, R. Drijber, and M. Mamo. 2011. Nitrous oxide emissions from smooth bromegrass pasture under nitrogen fertilizer and bovine urine application in eastern Nebraska. Society of Range Management 65th Annual Meeting Abstract. Spokane, WA. 29 Jan. - 3 Feb. 2012.<br /> <br /> Guretzky, J.A., W.H. Schacht, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2011. Litter accumulation and decomposition in smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pastures. Society for Range Management 65th Annual Meeting Abstract. Spokane, WA. 29 Jan. - 3 Feb. 2012.<br /> <br /> Guretzky, J.A., T.J. Klopfenstein, and W.H. Schacht. 2011. Litter deposition and decomposition in smooth bromegrass pastures. ASA, CSSA and SSSA 2011 International Annual Meetings Abstract. San Antonio, TX 16-19 Oct. 2011.<br /> <br /> Haque, M., J.T. Biermacher, J. Mosali, and J. Guretzky. 2011. Does nutrient mining affect the choice of harvest system and nutrient management strategy for producing switchgrass biomass? ASA, CSSA and SSSA 2011 International Annual Meetings, San Antonio, TX, 16-19 Oct. 2011.<br /> <br /> Kering, M.K., J. Guretzky, J.T. Biermacher, and J. Mosali. 2011. Biomass yield response to nitrogen fertilizer rate of five potential bioenergy grasses. ASA, CSSA and SSSA 2011 International Annual Meetings. San Antonio, TX 16-19 Oct. 2011.<br /> <br /> Guretzky, J.A. W.H. Schacht, and T.J. Klopfenstein. 2011. Ethanol co-product utilization and fertilization effects on carbon and nitrogen cycling in pastures. Climate, Water, and Ecosystems-Shaping the Great Plains. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 13 Oct 2011.<br /> <br /> Snell, L., J. Guretzky, V. Jin, R. Drijber, and M. Mamo. 2011. Nitrous oxide emissions from smooth bromegrass pasture under nitrogen fertilizer and bovine urine application in eastern Nebraska. Nebraska Section of the Society of Range Management Annual Meeting Abstract, Sidney, Nebraska. 4-6 Oct. 2011<br /> <br /> Nichols, B.M., C.A. Moffet, J.T. Biermacher, T.J. Butler, R.R. Reuter, J.K. Rogers, J.A. Guretzky, and J.R. Blanton Jr. 2011. Bermudagrass-legume forage systems for summer stockers. J. Anim. Sci 89(Suppl. 1):172.<br /> <br /> Non-refereed reports<br /> <br /> Guretzky, J.A. 2011. Litter Accumulation and Decomposition in Pastures. Center for Grassland Studies Report. Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 17:1.<br /> <br /> Biermacher, J.T., R. Reuter, T.J. Butler, M.K. Kering, J.D. Springer, J.K. Rogers, J.R. Blanton, Jr., and J.A. Guretzky. 2011. Economic potential of substituting legumes for nitrogen in warm season pastures used for stocker cattle grazing. Proc.18th Int. Farm Management Assoc. Congr. p. 362-368.<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> <br /> Haque, M. J.T. Biermacher, M.K. Kering, and J.A. Guretzky. 2012 Economics of alternative fertilizer supply systems for switchgrass feedstock produced in phosphorus-deficient soils. Bioenergy Research. Submitted 14 May 2012.<br /> <br /> Biermacher, J.T., R. Reuter, J. Guretzky, M. Kering, J. Rogers, J. Blanton, Jr., and T. Butler. 2012. Expected economic potential of substituting legumes for nitrogen in bermudagrass pastures. Crop Science. Accepted/In-Press.<br /> <br /> Guretzky, J.A., T.J. Butler, and J. Muir. 2012. Adaptation of annual forage legumes in the southern Great Plains. Great Plains Research. 22:35-43.<br /> <br /> Kering, M.K., J.T. Biermacher, T.J. Butler, J. Mosali, and J.A. Guretzky. 2012. Biomass yield and nutrient responses of switchgrass to phosphorus fertilization. Bioenergy Research. 5:71-78.<br /> <br /> Kering, M.K., T.J. Butler, J.T. Biermacher, and J.A. Guretzky. 2012. Biomass yield response of five perennial grasses to four nitrogen rates. Bioenergy Research. 5:61-70.<br /> <br /> Kering, M.K., J. Guretzky, E. Funderburg, and J. Mosali. 2011. Effect of nitrogen fertilizer rate and harvest season on forage yield, quality, and macronutrient concentrations in Midland bermudagrass. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis. 42:1958-1971.<br /> <br /> North Dakota, USDA-ARS<br /> <br /> Buyer, J.S., D.A. Zuberer, K.A. Nichols, and A.J. Franzluebbers. 2011. Soil microbial community function, structure, and glomalin in response to tall fescue endophyte infection. Plant Soil 339:401-412.<br /> <br /> Hendrickson, J.R. and Lund, C. Plant community and target species affect responses to restoration strategies. Rangeland Ecol. Manage. 63:435-442. 2010.<br /> <br /> Kronberg, S.L., and M.A. Liebig. 2011. Condensed tannin in drinking water reduces greenhouse gas precursor urea in sheep and cattle urine. Rangeland Ecol. Manage. 64:543-547.<br /> <br /> Kronberg, S.L., E.J. Scholljegerdes, A.N. Lepper, and E.P. Berg. 2011. The effect of flaxseed supplementation on growth, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile, retail shelf life, and sensory characteristics of beef from steers finished on grasslands of the northern Great Plains. J. Anim. Sci. 89:2892-2903.<br /> <br /> Liebig, M.A., J.R. Hendrickson, and J.D. Berdahl. 2010. Response of soil carbon and nitrogen to transplanted alfalfa in North Dakota rangeland. Can. J. Soil Sci. 90(3): 523-526.<br /> <br /> Liebig, M.A., J.R. Gross S.L. Kronberg, R.L. Phillips, and J.D. Hanson. Grazing management contributions to net global warming potential: A long-term evaluation in the northern Great Plains. J. Environ. Qual. 39(3):799-809. 2010.<br /> <br /> Liebig, M.A., D.L. Tanaka, S.L. Kronberg, E.J. Scholljegerdes, and J.F. Karn. 2011. Soil hydrological attributes of an integrated crop-livestock agroecosystem: Increased adaptation through resistance to soil change. Appl. Environ. Soil Sci. Article ID 464827, 6 pages.<br /> <br /> Liebig, M.A., D.L. Tanaka, S.L. Kronberg, E.J. Scholljegerdes, and J.F. Karn. 2012. Integrated crops and livestock in central North Dakota, USA: Agroecosystem management to buffer soil change. Renew. Agric. Food Systems. 27(2):115-124. .<br /> <br /> Liebig, M.A., X. Dong, J.E.T. McLain, and C.J. Dell. 2012. Greenhouse gas flux from managed grasslands in the U.S. In: Liebig, M.A., A.J. Franzluebbers, and R.F. Follett (Eds.) Managing agricultural greenhouse gases: Coordinated agricultural research through GRACEnet to address our changing climate. Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 2012. (in press)<br /> <br /> Sanderson, M.A., A. Franzluebbers, S. Goslee, J. Kiniry, L. Owens, K. Spaeth, J. Steiner, and T. Veith. 2011. Pastureland conservation effects assessment project: Status and expected outcomes. J. Soil and Water Conserv. 66:148A-153A.<br /> <br /> Sanderson, M.A., D.W. Archer, J.R. Hendrickson, S.L. Kronberg, M.A. Liebig, K.A. Nichols, M.R. Schmer, D.L. Tanaka, and J.P. Aguilar. 2011. Diversification and ecosystem services for conservation agriculture: Outcomes from pastures and integrated crop-livestock systems. Renewable Agriculture and Food System (Accepted. May 12, 2012).<br /> <br /> Sanderson, M.A., L. Jolley, and J. Dobrowolski. 2012. Pastureland and hayland in the U.S.: Conservation practices and ecosystem services. In: C.J. Nelson (Ed.) Environmental outcomes of conservation practices applied to pastureland and hayland in the U.S.: The pastureland conservation effects assessment project (CEAP). Allen Press.<br /> <br /> Sanderson, M.A., M. Schmer, V. Owens, G. Keyser, and W. Elbersen. 2012. Crop management for switchgrass. In: A. Monti (Ed.) Switchgrass as a valuable biomass crop for energy. Springer-Verlag.<br /> <br /> Schmer, M.R., M.A. Liebig, K.P. Vogel, and R.B. Mitchell. 2011. Field-scale soil property changes under switchgrass managed for bioenergy. GCB Bioenergy 3:439-448.<br /> <br /> Springsteen, A., W. Loya, M.A. Liebig, and J.R. Hendrickson. 2010. Soil carbon and nitrogen across a chronosequence of woody plant expansion in North Dakota. Plant and Soil. 328: 369-379.<br /> <br /> Xue, Q., P.E. Nyren, G. Wang, E. Eriksmoen, G. Bradbury, M. Halverson, E. Aberle, K. Nichols, and M. Liebig. 2011. Biomass composition of perennial grasses for biofuel production in North Dakota, USA. Biofuels. 2:515-528.<br /> <br /> <br /> North Dakota State University<br /> <br /> Non-refereed reports<br /> <br /> G. J. Wang and P. Nyren. 2011. Comparison of perennial and biennial legume forages production with different harvest regimes. NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center 2011 Annual Report, Pages 2-3.<br /> <br /> X. Dong and J. Patton. 2011. Biomass allocation in prairie plants under drought stress. NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center 2011 Annual Report, Pages 13-14.<br /> <br /> P. E. Nyren, G. J. Wang, B. Patton, Q. W. Xue, G. Bradbury, M. Halvorson and E. Aberle. 2011. Evaluation of perennial forages for use as biofuel crops in central and western North Dakota. NDSU Central Grasslands Research Extension Center 2011 Annual Report, Pages 17-19.<br /> <br /> Journal articles <br /> <br /> X. Dong, F.-C. Cheng, D. J. Wang, G. J. Wang, B. D. Patton and P. E. Nyren. 2012. Mixed-grass prairie rhizome biomass is influenced by cattle grazing intensity. Grass and Forage Science doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2494.2012.00889.x. <br /> <br /> Q. W. Xue, P. E. Nyren, G. J. Wang, E. Eriksmoen, G. Bradbury, M. Halverson, E. Aberle, K. Nichols and M. Liebig. 2011. Biomass composition of perennial grasses for biofuel production in North Dakota, USA. Biofuels 2(5): 515-528.<br /> <br /> X. Dong, B. Patton, P. E. Nyren, R. Limb, L. Cihacek, D. Kirby and E. Deckard, 2011. Leaf-water relations of a native and an introduced grass species in the mixed-grass prairie under cattle grazing. Applied Ecology and Environmental Research 9(4): 311-331.<br /> <br /> W.-H. Wang, X.-Q. Yi, F.-H. Wu, A.-D. Han, X.-J. Dong, J.-X. He, Z.-M. Pei and H.-L. Zheng. 2012. Calcium-sensing receptor regulates stomatal closure through hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide in response to extracellular calcium in Arabidopsis. Journal of Experimental Botany 63(1): 177-190.<br /> <br /> L. J. Wiles, G. Dunn, J. Printz, B. Patton and A. Nyren. 2011. Spring precipitation as a predictor for peak standing crop of mixed-grass prairie. Rangeland Ecology & Management 64(2): 215-222.<br /> <br /> Z.-S. Zhang, X.-J. Dong, Y.-B. Liu, X.-R. Li, R.-L. Jia, Y.-G. Hu, M.-Z. He, and L. Huang. 2012. Soil oxidases recovered faster than hydrolases in a 50-year chronosequence of desert revegetation. Plant and Soil DOI 10.1007/s11104-012-1162-2.<br /> <br /> J. Chen, F.-H. Wu, T.-W. Liu, L. Chen, Q. Xiao, X.-J. Dong, Z.-M. Pei and H.-L. Zheng. 2012. Emissions of nitric oxide from 79 plant species in response to simulated nitrogen deposition. Environmental Pollution 160(1): 192-200.<br /> <br /> Ohio<br /> <br /> Non-refereed articles, Bulletins and Abstracts<br /> <br /> D.J. Barker, R.M. Sulc, R. La Guardia Nave, and F.P. Ferraro. 2011. Use of pasture mass as a predictor of herbage accumulation rate, and some implications for pasture management. In Proc. Am. Forage and Grassl. Council [CD-ROM Computer File #2]. AFGC, Elmhurst, IL.<br /> <br /> Barker, D., Sulc, R.M., Nave, R., and Ferraro, F. 2011. Application of a simple pasture model for predicting biomass responses to contrasting defoliation patterns [Abstract]. 2011 International Meeting Abstracts, 16-19 October 2011, San Antonio, TX. American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Nave, R., Sulc, R.M., and Barker, D. 2011. Using the correlation of forage digestibility and morphological composition to manage a cool-season grass sward [Abstract]. 2011 International Meeting Abstracts, 16-19 October 2011, San Antonio, TX. American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Sulc, R.M., Ferraro, F., Nave, R., and Barker, D. 2011. Seasonal patterns in rising plate meter calibrations for measuring forage mass [Abstract]. 2011 International Meeting Abstracts, 16-19 October 2011, San Antonio, TX. American Society of Agronomy-Crop Science Society of America-Soil Science Society of America, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Kroon van Diest, C.D., Sulc, R.M., McCormick, J., Dorrance, A., and van Santen, E. 2011. Ohio soybean performance trials. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University. http://oardc.osu.edu/soy2011/.<br /> <br /> McCormick, J.S., Sulc, R.M., and Barker, D.J. 2011. Ohio forage performance trials. Horticulture & Crop Science Dept. Series 195 Agdex 141. Columbus, OH: Ohio State University. http://oardc.osu.edu/forage2011/.<br /> <br /> Refereed articles <br /> <br /> Owens, L.B., D.J. Barker, S.C. Loerch, M.J. Shipitalo, J.V. Bonta, and R.M. Sulc. 2012. Inputs and losses by surface runoff and subsurface leaching for pastures managed by continuous or rotational stocking. Journal of Environmental Quality 41:106-113.<br /> <br /> Ferraro, F.P., R.M. Sulc, R. L.G. Nave, and D.J. Barker. 2012. Seasonal variation in the rising plate meter calibration for forage mass. Agron J. 104:1-6.<br /> <br /> Tirado-Corbalá, R., B.K. Slater, D.J. Barker, W.A. Dick and J.M. Bigham. 2011. Nutrient uptake from gypsum-treated soil by alfalfa grown in intact soil columns. Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science (in review)<br /> <br /> M.B. Dodd, J.R. Crush, A.D. Mackay, D. Barker. 2011. The root to more soil carbon under pastures. Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association 73:43-50.<br /> <br /> D.J. Barker, J.W. MacAdam, T.J. Butler, and R.M. Sulc. 2012. Forage and Biomass Planting. Chapter 2 in Environmental Benefits of Conservation on Pasture and Haylands, The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) <br /> <br /> C.J. Nelson, D.J. Barker, L.E. Sollenberger, and C.W. Wood. 2012. New Foundations for Conservation Standards. Conservation Outcomes from Pasture and Hayland Practices: Assessment, Recommendations and Knowledge Gaps. Executive Summary in Environmental Benefits of Conservation on Pasture and Haylands, The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) <br /> <br /> Barker, D.J. and R.M. Sulc. 2011. Forage crops and rangeland. In Plant Science: Growth, Development, and Utilization of Cultivated Plants. 5th ed. Edited by M.J. McMahon, A.M Kofranek, and V.E. Rubatzky. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey, USA: Prentice Hall. 399-415.<br /> <br /> Franzluebbers, A.J., R.M. Sulc, and M.P. Russelle. 2011. Opportunities and challenges for integrating North-American crop and livestock systems. In Grassland productivity and ecosystem services. Edited by Lemaire, G., J. Hodgson, and A. Chabbi. Oxfordshire, UK:CABI. 208-218.<br /> <br /> Lang, C.R., Pelissari, A., Moraes, A., Sulc, R.M., Carvalho, P.C.F., and Lopes, E.C.P. 2011. Crop livestock integration: use efficiency of nitrogen in corn culture. Scientia Agraria. Vol. 12, no. 1.: 53-60.<br /> <br /> <br /> Pennsylvania, USDA-ARS<br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. 2011. Spatial and temporal scaling of beta diversity in grazed temperate grasslands. US-IALE Annual Meeting, Portland, OR. US-IALE Annual Meeting, Portland, OR. Abstract #221.<br /> <br /> Piechnick, D., S. Goslee, and T.L. Veith. 2011. Evaluating watershed-scale effects of agricultural land use and Best Management Practices on water quality in Spring Creek. US-IALE Annual Meeting, Portland, OR. Abstract #32.<br /> <br /> Veith, T.L. and S.C. Goslee. 2011. Multi-objective optimization of pasture plant species mixtures to produce desired functional effects. 2011 ASABE Annual International Meeting. <br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. 2012. Quantitative site type delineation for pastures in the northeastern United States. US-IALE Annual Meeting,Newport, RI. April 8-12, 2012. Abstract #79.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H. 2012. Does nitrogen fertilization increase pasture carbon sequestration? Northeast Pasture Consortium 1/25-26/2012, Latham, NY<br /> <br /> van der Grinten, M., R.H. Skinner, A Gover, and M.A. Simonis. 2011. Planting native species to control site reinfestation by Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). In: Proceedings 66th SWCS International Annual Conference, Washington, DC, July 17-20, 2011.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H. 2011. Nitrogen fertilization increases pasture canopy photosynthesis and ecosystem respiration. Agronomy Abstract (CD-ROM Computer File). ASA, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Dell, C.J., P. Adler, and R.H. Skinner. 2011. Comparison of nitrous oxide emissions and soil carbon sequestration with a dairy forage rotation, biomass crops, and grazed pasture. Agronomy Abstract (CD-ROM Computer File). ASA, Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Peer-reviewed journal articles<br /> <br /> Comas, L.H., S.C. Goslee, R.H. Skinner, and M.A. Sanderson. 2011. Quantifying species trait-functioning relationships for ecosystem management. Applied Vegetation Science 14:583-595.<br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. 2011. Analyzing Remote Sensing Data in R: The landsat Package. Journal of Statistical Software, 43(4), 1-25. http://www.jstatsoft.org/v43/i04/ <br /> <br /> Goslee, S.C. 2012. Topographic corrections of satellite data for large-scale monitoring. Photogrammetric Engineering and Remote Sensing . In press.<br /> <br /> Sanderson, M.A., A. Franzluebbers, S. Goslee, J. Kiniry, L. Owens, J. Steiner and T. Veith. 2011. Pastureland Conservation Effects Assessment Project: Status and expected outcomes. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation. 66:148A-153A.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H. 2011. Quantifying rhizosphere respiration for two cool-season perennial forages. Crop Sci. 51:2904-2910.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H., B.K. Wylie, and T.G. Gilmanov. 2011. Using NDVI to estimate carbon fluxes from small rotationally grazed pastures. Agron. J. 103: 972-979.<br /> <br /> Skinner, R.H., W. Zegada-Lizarazu, and J.P. Schmidt. 2012. Environmental Impacts of Switchgrass Management for Bioenergy Production. pp. 129-152, In A. Monti (ed.), Switchgrass: a valuable biomass crop for energy, Springer-Verlag, London.<br /> <br /> Soder, K.J., A. F. Brito, M. D. Rubano and C. J. Dell. 2012. Effect of incremental flax supplementation of an herbage diet on methane output and ruminal fermentation. J. Dairy Sci. (in press).<br /> <br /> Soder, K.J., K. Hoffman, L.E. Chase, and M.D. Rubano. 2012. Case Study: Molasses as the primary energy supplement on an organic grazing dairy farm. Prof. Anim. Scientist. 28:234-243.<br /> <br /> Extension Publications<br /> <br /> Soder, K.J., S.C. Goslee, and M.A. Sanderson. Can forage mixtures improve productivity of grazing dairy cows? Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance newsletter. Vol. 11, Issue 3, pp. 10-13. May 2011.<br /> <br /> Goslee, S., M. Sanderson, and K. Soder. Diversity: A Grazier's Best Friend, Part II. Northeast Organic Dairy Producers Alliance newsletter. Vol. 11, Issue 4, pp. 1, 4-6, 31. July 2011.<br /> <br /> <br /> Utah<br /> <br /> Dschaak, C. M., Williams, C. M., Holt, M. S., Eun, J.-S., Young, A., & Min, B.-R., (2011). Effects of supplementing condensed tannin extract on intake, digestion, ruminal fermentation, and milk production of lactating dairy cows: Journal of Dairy Science, 84: 2508-2519.<br /> <br /> Dschaak, C. M., Noviandi, C. T., Eun, J.-S., Fellner, V., Young, A., ZoBell, D., & Israelsen, C. E., (2011). Ruminal fermentation, milk fatty acid profiles, and productive performance of Holstein dairy cows fed 2 different safflower seeds: Journal of Dairy Science, 94: 5138-5150.<br /> <br /> King, C. C., Dschaak, C. M., Eun, J.-S., Fellner, V., & Young, A., (2011). Quantitative analyses of microbial fermentation under normal or high ruminal temperature in continuous cultures: Professional Animal Scientist, 27: 319-327.<br /> <br /> MacAdam, J.W., R.E. Ward, T.C. Griggs, B.R. Min, and G.E. Aiken. Case study: Average daily gain and blood fatty acid composition of cattle grazing the non-bloating legumes birdsfoot trefoil and cicer milkvetch in the Mountain West. Prof. Anim. Sci. 27: 574583<br /> <br /> Williams, C. M., Eun, J.-S., MacAdam, J. W., Young, A., Fellner, V., & Min, B.-R., (2011). Effects of forage legumes containing condensed tannins on methane and ammonia production in continuous cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms: Animal Feed Science Technology, 166-167: 364-372.<br /> <br /> Virginia<br /> <br /> Recent Peer-Reviewed Publications<br /> <br /> Bonin, C. L., and B.F. Tracy. 2011. Forage yield, nutritive value, and elemental composition of ten native prairie plant species. Online. Forage and Grazinglands doi:10.1094/FG-2011-1103-01-RS.<br /> <br /> Schlueter and Tracy. 2012. Sowing Method Effects on Clover Establishment into Permanent Pasture. Agronomy Journal. 104: (In Press)<br /> <br /> Flores, J.P. and B.F. Tracy. 2012. Impacts of winter hay feeding on pasture soils and plants. Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 149:30-36.<br /> <br /> Newman C., A. Abaye, W. Clapham, B. Tracy, W. Swecker, R. Maguire. Risk management in forage production of cow-calf systems in Appalachia. Agron J. 104: 1-7.<br /> <br /> West Virginia<br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> <br /> Bailey, B.L., K.M. Krause, and T.C. Griggs. 2011. Influence of winter and spring pasture allowance on growth and reproductive performance of beef replacement heifers. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, July 10-14, 2011. J. Anim. Sci. 89 E-Suppl. 1:604.<br /> <br /> Griggs, T.C., B.L. Bailey, and K.M. Krause. 2011. Cool-season mixed pasture growth responses to winter grazing severity and timing of initial spring grazing. American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting, San Antonio, TX, October 16-19, 2011.<br /> <br /> Journal Articles<br /> <br /> MacAdam, J.W., R.E. Ward, T.C. Griggs, B.R. Min, and G.E. Aiken. 2011. Case study: average daily gain and blood fatty acid composition of cattle grazing the non-bloating legumes birdsfoot trefoil and cicer milkvetch in the mountain west. The Prof. Animal Scientist 27:574-583.<br /> <br /> Non-Refereed Proceedings<br /> <br /> Griggs, T.C. 2011. Nonstructural carbohydrate and digestibility patterns in temperate pastures and canopy management implications. 7 pp. Proc. American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference, French Lick, IN, June 13-15, 2011 [CD, American Forage and Grassland Council].<br /> <br /> Wisconsin<br /> <br /> Riday, H. and K.A. Albrecht. 2012. Combining kura clover with forage legumes and grasses to optimize pasture forage legume content. Agron. J. 104:353-362.<br /> <br /> Kim, B.W. and K.A. Albrecht. 2011. Forage quality management of kura clover in binary mixtures with Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, or smooth bromegrass. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 24:344-350.<br /> <br /> Santillano-Cazares, J., V.M. Carmona, J. Idowu, F. Contreras-Govea and K.A. Albrecht. 2011. Predicting alfalfa nutritive value by an indirect method in southern USA and northern Mexico. Abstract. Intl. Annual Meetings, San Antonio, TX. 16-19 Oct. 2011. ASA-CSSA-SSSA: <br /> Madison, WI.<br /> <br /> Santillano-Cazares, J., V.M. Carmona, J. Idowu, F. Contreras-Govea and K.A. Albrecht. 2011. Predicting alfalfa nutritive value by an indirect method in southern USA and northern Mexico. 2do Congreso Internacional de Manejo de Pastizales & XXI Reunion Internacional Sobre Production de Carne y Leche en Climas Calidos. 6-9 Sept. 2011, Mexicali, Mexico.<br /> <br /> Schwab, A.R. 2011. Soil erosion and nutrient runoff in corn silage with kura clover living <br /> mulch and winter rye cover crop. M.S. thesis. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison.<br /> <br /> Kazula, Maciej. 2011. Intercropping winter cereals in a permanent stand of kura clover <br /> for spring forage production. M.S. thesis. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison.<br /> <br /> Wyoming<br /> <br /> Abstracts<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. and Kimura, E. 2011. Scarification method and storage time affect hard seed and germination of forage legumes. Proceedings of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science-US Alumni Association Multidisciplinary Science Forum International Annual Meetings 28 October 2011. Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, MI (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E., Bandara, M., and Acharya, S.N. 2011. Evaluation of fenugreek for forage and seed yield potential in Wyoming. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings October 16-19 2011. San Antonio, TX (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> <br /> Kimura, E., Krall, J.M., Hess, B.W., and Islam, M.A., 2011. Effect of scarification method and storage time on hard seed and germination of forage legumes. Proceedings of the Western Society of Soil Science and Western Society of Crop Science Joint Annual Meetings 20-22 June 2011. University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (Western Societies of Soil Science and Crop Science).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2011. Assessment of fenugreek for adaptation to South East Wyoming. Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference 12-15 June 2011. French Lick, IN (American Forage and Grassland Council).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Nachtman, J.J., Baumgartner, R.E., and Bandara, M. 2011. Assessment of fenugreek: A new specialty crop. Proceedings of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science-US Alumni Association Multidisciplinary Science Forum International Annual Meetings 11-12 March 2011. Seattle, WA. (US Japan Society for the Promotion of Science).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., Baumgartner, R.E., and Nachtman, J.J. 2010. Seed yield potential of tall fescue germplasm in the Great Plains of Wyoming. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings October 31-November 3 2010. Long Beach, CA. (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> <br /> Kimura, E., Krall, J.M., Hess, B.W., and Islam, M.A. 2010. Seed scarification and a companion crop may enhance forage legume establishment in the Central West regions of USA. Proceedings of the ASA-CSSA-SSSA International Annual Meetings October 31-November 3 2010. Long Beach, CA. (American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society of America).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2010. Yield performance of cool-season grasses under irrigated and dryland conditions in the Great Plains of Wyoming. Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference 21-23 June 2010. Springfield, MO (American Forage and Grassland Council).<br /> <br /> Kimura, E. and Islam, M.A. 2010. Enhancing forage legumes establishment through seed scarification and use of companion crop in the high plains of Wyoming. Proceedings of the American Forage and Grassland Council Annual Conference 21-23 June 2010. Springfield, MO (American Forage and Grassland Council).<br /> <br /> Journal articles<br /> <br /> Kimura, E. and Islam, M.A. 2012. Seed scarification methods and their use in forage legumes. Research Journal of Seed Science, 5, 38-50.<br /> <br /> Interrante, S.M., Muir, J.P., Islam, M.A., Maas, A.L., Anderson, W.F., and Butler, T.J. 2011. Establishment, agronomic characteristics, and dry matter yield of rhizoma peanut genotypes in cool environments. Crop Science, 51, 2256-2261.<br /> <br /> Interrante, S.M., Singh, R., Islam, M.A., Stein, J.D., Young, C.A., and Butler, T.J. 2011. Effectiveness of Sinorhizobium inoculants on annual medics. Crop Science, 51, 2249-2255.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Biermacher, J.T., Interrante, S.M., Reuter, R.R., Hopkins, A.A., Cook, B.J., Bouton, J.H., and Butler, T.J. 2011. Production and economics of grazing ryeannual ryegrass and tall fescue systems. Agronomy Journal, 103, 558-564.<br /> <br /> Popular articles (refereed)<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. and Violett, R.D. 2011. Forage yield and seed yield potential of different grass lines in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. PSAS Newspaper Insert.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. Baumgartner, R.E., and Nachtman, J.J. 2011. Forage and Grain Yield Potential of Small Grains in Wyoming. Reflections.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Smith, M.A., and Amundsen, R. 2011. UW Scientists use multiple approaches to renovate tired CRP land: Results could be basis for renovating other degraded areas. Reflections, pp. 27-31. Available at http://multimedia.uwyo.edu/UWAG_STREAM/Reflections2011/index.html (verified 23 December, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., and Nachtman J.J. 2011. UW study evaluates fenugreek as new alternative forage legume in Wyoming. Barnyards & Backyards, UW Cooperative Extension Service, March 2011, p. 10.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. and Kimura, E. 2010. Enhancing establishment of forage legumes through seed scarification and use of cover crop. Reflections, pp. 38-41.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Following basic principles increases forage establishment success. Barnyards & Backyards, UW Cooperative Extension Service, April 2010, p. 6-7.<br /> <br /> Extension publications<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Grass Tetany: A Forage-Related Animal Disorder. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 23, No. 34, December 31, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Does sainfoin need phosphorus at or after establishment? Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 23, No. 26, November 5, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Nitrate Toxicity: A Forage-Related Animal Disorder. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 23, No. 18, September 10, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Renovating pastures to improve productivity. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 23, No. 10, July 16, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., Waldron, B.L. 2011. Agronomic traits in tall fescue populations. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 149-150. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Cecil, J.T., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2011. Turf grass variety trials. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 87-88. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., and Kniss, A.R. 2011. Tolerance of tall fescue to aminocyclopyrachlor at two application timings and two sowing dates. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 85-86. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2011. Sustaining legumes in grasslands to reduce nitrogen fertilization: A multiregional assessment. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 83-84. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Kimura, E., and Islam, M.A. 2011. Forage legumes establishment through seed scarification and companion crop. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 81-82. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., Baumgartner, R.E., and Nachtman, J.J. 2011. Forage and grain yield potential of small grains in the Great Plains of Wyoming. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 79-80. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Saha, M.C., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2011. CoolSeason grass response to irrigation, drought, and planting time. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 77-78. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Krall, J.M., Cecil, J.T., Nachtman, J.J., and Baumgartner, R.E. 2011. Assessment of fenugreek for adaptation to Southeast Wyoming. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 75-76. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., and Violett, R. 2011. Forage yield and seed yield potential of novel tall fescue under irrigated conditions in the Bighorn Basin of Wyoming. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 23-24. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A., Belden, R.P., Killen, M.J., and Violett, R. 2011. Effect of phosphorus on established and newly established sainfoin. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 21-22. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Garcia y Garcia, A., and Islam, M.A. 2011. Toward the recommendation of scientificallybased irrigation scheduling strategies in Wyoming: A case study for forage alfalfa crop production. 2011 Field Days Bulletin, University of Wyoming Agricultural Experiment Station, pp. 15-16. Available at http://www.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/_files/docs/field%20days%20bulletin%202011.pdf (verified December 24, 2011).<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Key factors for successful forage establishment. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 53, May 21, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Requirements of forage and animal nutrient. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 46, April 2, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Forage analysis: Interpreting and sampling. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 38, February 5, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2011. Cool Season Grass Evaluation: Some Recent Results. Factsheet, WESTI Ag Days, Partners in Agriculture, Worland Community Center Complex, Worland, Wyoming, February 1-2, 2011.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Autotoxicity in alfalfa. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 31, December 18, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Legume and grass trials: Some recent results. Factsheet, Wyoming Stock Growers Association Winter Roundup, Progressive Rancher Forum, Parkway Plaza Hotel & Convention Centre, Casper, Wyoming, December, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Forage quality in relation to animal performance. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 17, September 11, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Forage seeding with or without a companion crop. Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 10, July 24, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Planting forage crops: Is spring better than late summer? Wyoming Livestock Roundup, the Weekly News Source for Wyomings Ranchers, Farmers, and Agribusiness Community, Vol. 22, No. 1, May 22, 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Value of reseeding and fertilization. Factsheet, Forage Workshops in the Northeast Wyoming, Gillette, Newcastle, and Sundance, March 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Interseeding in hay and pasture and no-till pasture renovation: Some pros and cons. Factsheet, Forage Workshops in the Northeast Wyoming, Gillette, Newcastle, and Sundance, March 2010.<br /> <br /> Islam, M.A. 2010. Basic principles for successful forage establishment. Factsheet, Forage Workshops in the Northeast Wyoming, Gillette, Newcastle, and Sundance, March 2010.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

Impact Statements

1. Tall fescue is the most widely utilized forage species from the central Corn Belt to the southeastern U.S. and supports large, forage-based beef and dairy numbers. The regional integrated CAP planning project led by NCCC-31 researchers is channeling the region&lsquo;s leading scientific resource into the quest of guiding principles for optimally managing the livestock grazing systems in the humid east region to enhance soil carbon (C) sequestration, improve water and nutrient storage, mitigate the climate-forcing effect of fossil fuel combustion, and potentially provide producers with C credit income.
2. The cost of nitrogen fertilizers and weed control constrain sustained forage production. A common alfalfa-tall fescue mixture experiment across seven states in the North-central USA has been implemented by NCCC-31 researchers and data collected are being analyzed for nitrogen replacement value and for the effect of grass-legume mixtures in deterring weed invasion. This coordinated study will also quantify the variability of production of the tall fescue-alfalfa mixtures across north-central USA, which is difficult to fathom based on meta-analysis of published individual studies.
3. NCCC-31 researchers continued to provide scientific information useful for forage producers. Examples include (a) the finding by Virginia researchers that forage productivity in cool-season regions could be improved with minimal external inputs by adding pastures sown with moderately diverse (n=4-10 species) prairie plant mixtures; (b) the recommendation made by Arkansas researchers that broadcast establishment for crimson clover appeared to result in less establishment risk than no-till drill establishment, but the opposite was true for white clover; (c) a systematic survey by Minnesota and Wisconsin researchers for farm utilization practices of kura clover in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
4. The mathematical model (Gompertz equation) developed by NCCC-31 researchers is applicable for predicting pasture mass growth under a wide array of management scenarios. It validates recommendations for the monitoring of forage mass by producers (e.g., with a rising plate meter). The model has been presented to three grazing meetings within USA during 2011 and will be incorporated into future advanced grazing workshops. A related article has been published in Agronomy Journal.
5. NCCC-31 researcher in Mandan, ND led a national multi-agency effort in the development of a literature synthesis summarizing the science behind the conservation practices applied to pasture and forage lands. Facilitated by the American Forage and Grassland Council (AFGC), the result of this synthesis will be published as a book in the third quarter of 2012 (will also be available electronically).
6. NCCC-31 researcher in Wyoming selected well-adapted high performing accessions/lines of various legumes for the development of cultivars that will be specifically suitable for Wyoming and neighboring states. This will eventually contribute to the improvement of productivity of local and regional producers and in the long-run, with potential economic benefits.
7. Responses of managed grasslands and pasturelands to future climate changes involve the interactions of multiple factors with complex feed-back/feed forward mechanisms. A clear understanding of the responses of grassland to changed climate scenarios is needed for both agricultural planning for environmental sustainability. A study by NCCC-31 researcher in the mesic grassland in Kentucky suggests that a 3 oC increase in air temperature is likely to reduce soil carbon storage and flux, but this effect may be offset or reversed if increased growing season precipitation occurs concurrently.
8. Glyphosate-resistant (GR) alfalfa offers growers new options for weed control in alfalfa. A study by NCCC-31 researcher in Michigan cautioned that weed removal does not always result in improvement of relative feed quality or stand persistence of established glyphosate-resistant alfalfa. The study also demonstrates the improved relative forage quality of GR alfalfa under a high-intensity harvesting system (4 to 5 harvests yr-1) than it was with a moderate intensity harvesting system (3 to 4 harvests yr-1).
9. NCCC-31 researchers in Arkansas demonstrated that much of the negative effect of the toxic endophyte on cow-calf production could be alleviated by using fall calving instead of spring calving, and (or) by replacing a limited amount of the access time to tall fescue with nontoxic (novel)-endophyte tall fescue during the critical breeding period.
10. Extending grazing season&lsquo;s length and lowering the cost of grazing management are among the perennial quests by ranchers. NCCC-31 researcher in West Virginia has demonstrated the potentially negative impact of early-spring grazing under rotational stocking on subsequent pasture productivity, as well as the potential for beef heifers to feed themselves for part of the winter on pastures with stockpiled forage, thereby reducing costs associated with producing and feeding hay.
11. Despite its popularity as an innovative pasture management system, mob grazing and its pros and cons remain to be largely anecdotal. NCCC-31 researchers in Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska are pursuing science-based answers to this problem through systematic studies taking into consideration soil and animal health, range sustainability, environmental quality impacts and long-term economic profits.
12. Studies by NCCC-31 researchers in both Nebraska and Kansas demonstrate the benefits of using dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation to increase grazing gains for beef cattle/steers while decreasing the use of commercial N fertilizers or increasing N use efficiency. The Nebraska study also demonstrates that DDG supplementation can provide resistance to annual weed invasion to pastures.
13. NCCC31 researchers in Utah provided direct economic impact in $ amount for cattle grazing on monoculture birdsfoot trefoil pastures (stocking density 2 steers per acre). Using average daily gains of 3 to 3.5 lbs./day, a 900 lb. spring-born steer grazing for 90 days from June through August would reach 1170 to 1215 lbs. Production costs on irrigated pasture estimated from Neibergs and Nelson (2009) are $158/head or $316/acre. These cattle may not grade choice, but will fetch an offsetting premium as natural pasture-fed beef. If these two steers are sold in September (at $90.40/cwt; Ellis, 2011), gross return per acre would be about $1800 less the investment in the steers. An alternative use of agricultural land in this region would be to raise 6 tons of premium ($225/ton) alfalfa hay/acre at a cost of $500/acre, for a profit of $850/acre.
14. NCCC-31 researchers in Arkansas cautioned that benefiting from the N-fertilizer-sparing effect of pasture legumes requires diligence and long-term commitment by producers.
15. Balancing agricultural production and conservation has always been an issue vexing both forage scientists and the general public. NCCC-31 researchers illustrated this balance using context specific studies. One study in Iowa demonstrated through an economic budget model-based study that grazing prairie is most profitable for grazers when a rental rate is offered by land owners to provide a service of disturbance to the prairie. One study in Wisconsin highlighted the significant benefits of using kura clover living mulch and winter rye to reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff in corn silage production.
16. Using molecular biology techniques, NCCC-31 researcher and graduate student in Maryland detected a myriad array of salivary enzymes in the sialotranscriptome of the potato leafhopper grazing on alfalfa. As the first comprehensive study of the salivary components of the potato leafhopper, this work will allow others to build on further studies on how individual saliva components incite plant wound responses.
17. Responding to society&lsquo;s needs for science-based evaluation of the economic and environmental feasibility of using cellulosic feedstocks for biofuels, NCCC-31 researcher in Indiana provided the first comprehensive economic and lifecycle analysis on corn stover, Miscanthus and switchgrass for biofuel conversion costs, considering both biochemical and thermochemical pathways. The study is expected to inform decision-making for future biofuel policies.
18. There is possibility of increasing the carbon sequestration potential of mature pastures through nitrogen fertilizer application. However, NCCC-31 researcher in Pennsylvania found from a 3-year study that the applied N fertilizer boosted both the gross primary productivity and ecosystem respiration, resulting in no change in net ecosystem carbon exchange.
19. Soil respiration partitioning is a critical step for understanding the regulation mechanisms of carbon flux from forage production systems but is prone to errors if using directly measured respiration rates from the field plots. NCCC-31 researchers in Pennsylvania and North Dakota conducted successful respiration partitioning in their respective forage systems, using natural abundance of 13C signature between C3 and C4 plant species and the field trenching plus modeling methods, respectively.
20. Alfalfa winter survival continued to be the research focus of NCCC-31 scientists. Researchers in Minnesota and North Dakota are testing modern alfalfa varieties in order to establish updated recommendation for alfalfa winter survival. By relating alfalfa taproot C and N reserves and gene expression to the influence of P and K fertilization, researchers in Indiana help to deepen our understanding of the "secret" of eco-physiological mechanisms of alfalfa winter survival and yield persistence.
21. NCCC-31 researchers have identified and illuminated a number of ecophysiological mechanisms underlying droguht stress responses and adaptations of major forage/bioenergy crops. Examples include (a) the molecular marker-based analysis to screen drought resistance genes in tall fescue (Wyoming/Oklahoma); (b) the study to further test the benefit of fungal endophyte symbiosis in tall fescue&lsquo;s response to climate change and abiotic stresses (Kentucky); (c) the analysis of season-long water and N use efficiencies for bioenergy sorghum production as influenced by land use change (Indiana); (d) the study to compare drought strategies of selected native and invasive grasses in terms of biomass partitioning (North Dakota/Minnesota); and (e) the study to increase pasture drought resistance through managing plant diversity (Pennsylvania).

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Participants

Brief Summary of Minutes

Accomplishments

In addition to accomplishments by each member during the year, accomplishments at the annual meeting included i) review of individual member and collaborative research activities; ii) planning and writing a proposal for 5-year renewal of this project; and 3) touring and discussions of projects with researchers at the Michigan State University Kellogg Biological Station as indicated in the minutes. This included visits regarding perennial wheat, cover crops, bioenergy feedstocks at the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, the Pasture Dairy Center, and crop rotations at the Long Term Ecological Research site.<br /> <br /> Accomplishments were directly relevant to our objectives of holding a focused annual research review meeting, fostering collaborative efforts to facilitate high-impact forage research, and encouraging intellectual and professional development. Many of the results that we reviewed and discussed are directly applicable to our research, teaching, and outreach activities at our respective home institutions and are likely to contribute to subsequent research ideas and accomplishments and to successful adoption of new concepts by stakeholders.

Publications

Impact Statements

1. Univ. of Kentucky. This work has demonstrated that fungal endophyte infection in tall fescue can have substantial ecosystem-level effects, that the symbiosis is under both plant and endophyte genetic control, and that this symbiosis is likely to respond to future changes in climate. This knowledge aids in our understanding of the role this important symbiosis plays in regional ecosystem dynamics now and how that role may change in the future. In addition, this research aims to contribute to natural resource management and conservation by identifying the factors that control tall fescue?s ability to invade and persist in native prairie ecosystems and the response of these native ecosystems to global change factors.
2. Univ. of Maryland. Our research on native and invasive insect pests is focused on reducing impacts of injury through sustainable processes, including natural enemies, cultural controls, and resistant/tolerant varieties. Our research on the molecular ecology of potato leafhopper is providing a novel way of viewing plant-insect interactions, thus suggesting new methods for creating tolerant plants. Research on new invasive stink bugs is centered on understanding their ecology in a new climatic setting as well as new potential hosts for injury and development. Responses of crops to pest injury may change with climate change, and our work examines the change in risk of pest injury in the future.
3. Kansas State Univ. Bermudagrass is a productive warm-season perennial for the southern portion of the US forage transition zone, but has a short season of use and requires substantial amounts of N. Legumes for cool- and warm-season portions of the growing season could reduce N input and environmental costs and improve animal performance. The use of corn and grain sorghum for ethanol production results in production of more than 1,000 tons per day of dried distillers grains as a by-product. Research has shown that DDG as a pasture supplement is an economically viable practice, whether fed daily, on alternate days, or later in the season when forage quality declines. The nutrients fed in DDG can also replace commercial fertilizers that would otherwise be needed by pastures.
4. Kansas State Univ. Tall fescue is grown on at least 37 million acres in the US, supporting roughly 20% of the beef cattle in the so-called transition zone. Whereas cultivars with a nontoxic endophyte produce better animal performance than those with the endemic endophyte, the growth pattern of tall fescue still leaves a grazing gap in midsummer. Bermudagrass, a warm-season perennial, can be grown in the southern portion of this zone, and annual crabgrass is also a productive, highly palatable warm-season grass that can fill this gap. These warm-season grasses tend to have a shorter grazing period than tall fescue, but interseeding a cool-season annual such as wheat can provide earlier grazing.
5. Michigan State Univ. Planting greater than recommended rates of tall fescue and white clover seed in mixtures did not improve nitrogen fixation but relatively small proportions of white clover in mixtures had lasting effects on grass growth. When growing alfalfa-grass mixtures in Michigan, orchardgrass yielded more harvestable biomass than endophyte-free tall fescue, but forage protein and relative feed quality was greater for tall-fescue-alfalfa mixtures. Application of nitrogen fertilizer to alfalfa/grass mixtures is not recommended because, while N increased biomass yield in non-drought conditions, it also reduced the proportion of alfalfa in mixtures, thereby reducing biological nitrogen fixation by alfalfa.
6. Univ. of Nebraska. Research completed in 2013 identified methods to improve establishment of switchgrass for use as a bioenergy and forage crop and quantify how much are nutrients in switchgrass harvested for biomass energy and forage use. Economics of growing and harvesting switchgrass across different environments also were compared. In other research, impacts of changing the amount and form of nitrogen inputs to smooth bromegrass pastures were compared including effects on herbage accumulation and presence of pasture plant species. Ongoing research has focused on effects of pasture management strategies on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics.
7. Purdue Univ. Understanding genotype x environment x management interactions is fundamental to successful deployment of any new agricultural enterprise; perennial biomass systems are no exception. Marginal soils inherently low in P and K can produce high yields of biomass, often with minimal N inputs. Competition of biomass production with food/feed production systems may be lessened if these low fertility soils can produce biomass for fuel/bio-products without impacting other ecosystem services.
8. Texas Tech Univ. Improvements to the ALMANAC model for switchgrass will allow more accurate simulations of biomass yield in the Mid to Lower South, especially in the fall when the crop is senescing. The simulations will also be applicable for predicting switchgrass yield when used as a forage. Progress was made in producing simulations of N and P removal so that fertilizer recovery and replacement can be more accurately predicted. The model will be useful for biomass and forage managers. For WW-BDahl Old World bluestem, digital image analysis can be used as a low-cost tool for researchers to monitor ground cover, and use that to calculate yield and light interception, especially up until early July when growth is mainly vegetative. This capability will reduce the costs of monitoring forage yield and will lead to future capabilities of predicting forage yield under water-limiting conditions.
9. USDA-ARS, Mandan, ND. The Northern Great Plains Research Laboratory and partners have developed new protocols and methods for assessing and monitoring grazinglands that have been adopted by action agencies. The research teams have developed long-term livestock and climate data that will be used to construct support tools to assist ranchers with grazing management decisions based on local weather forecasts. The new protocols and decision support tools will greatly improve the ability of land managers to adapt management to future climate variability and change.
10. USDA-ARS, University Park, PA. Best management practices (BMP) lessen stream impacts caused by pasture-based agriculture by excluding livestock and intercepting overland flow. However, BMPs must be properly placed in the landscape to be beneficial. Placing BMPs next to the stream in a straight line from the source area may not effectively buffer many heavy-use areas. GIS tools and topographic mapping can improve BMP efficiency by identifying flow paths and targeting the important streambank and riparian areas to mitigate for animal heavy use.
11. Virginia Tech. Gordon Jones (current PhD student at Virginia Tech) developed a statistical model using soil moisture and relative humidity that accurately predicted variation in herbage mineral concentration of pastures throughout the growing season. Use of this model to predict nutrient dynamics in pasture could allow for more efficient mineral supplementation strategies that lead to improved profitability, nutrient retention, and livestock health.
12. West Virginia Univ. Depending on the extent of soil coverage, switchgrass has potential as a cellulosic bioenergy feedstock on reclaimed surface mine lands in WV. Cave-in-Rock is more productive than cultivars Shawnee and Carthage and application of up to 67 kg N ha-1 may be adequate for high biomass production. Cultivars did not differ in theoretical ethanol yield Mg-1 of DM, but Cave-in-Rock has produced the highest theoretical ethanol production ha-1 due to high biomass production. Laboratory near-infrared reflectance spectroscopic analysis of pasture root density in soil samples processed to varying degrees suggests that intact cores may be an optimum form and that future analysis of root density in intact core samples may be feasible via field spectroscopy.
13. Univ. of Wyoming. The research program reported has positive impacts not only locally but regionally too. For example, selection of well-adapted high performing accessions/lines will result in development of cultivars that will be specifically suitable for Wyoming and neighboring states. This will eventually contribute to the improvement of productivity of local and regional producers and in the long-run, will provide economic benefits.

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Participants

Kim Cassida (MI); John Guretzky (NE); Marvin Hall (PA); Anowar Islam (WY); Bill Lamp (MD); Dirk Phillipp (AR); Craig Roberts (MO); Chuck West (TX); Jamie Foster (TX); Dariusz Malinowski (TX); Emi Kimura (TX); Jourdan Bell (TX); Mark Sulc (OH); Jim Kells (MI); Rebecca McCulley (KY); Jim Dobrowolski (NIFA representative, conference call); Ben Tracy (VA) and; Graduate students (Texas Tech) – Lisa Baxter, Victoria Xiong, Alexandre R, and Krishna Bhandari.

Brief Summary of Minutes

2015 NCCC-31 Ecophysiological Aspects of Forage Management
Annual Meeting - MINUTES

May 26-28, 2015 Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas

Tuesday, May 26, 2015 -- Matador Ballroom, Hawthorn Suites

Meeting started at 2:00 pm.

Attendees (in person): Kim Cassida (MI), John Guretzky (NE), Marvin Hall (PA), Anowar Islam (WY), Bill Lamp (MD), Dirk Phillipp (AR), Craig Roberts (MO), Chuck West (TX), Jamie Foster (TX), and guests Dariusz Malinowski (TX), Emi Kimura (TX), Jourdan Bell (TX), and graduate students – Lisa Baxter, Victoria Xiong, Alexandre R, and Krishna Bhandari.
Attendees (remote): Mark Sulc (OH), Jim Kells (MI)

The meeting was called to order by Anowar Islam, followed by introduction of attending members and guests. Host Chuck West provided information on logistics, tours, housekeeping, etc. The published agenda was adjusted to accommodate late arrivals and Skype presentations for six planned participants whose flights were cancelled or delayed by bad storms in Texas.

Committees were appointed, and the members were:
Location of next meeting: Bill Lamp, Dirk Phillip, and Craig Roberts
Nominations for Secretary and Chair-Elect: John Guretzky, Jamie Foster, and Kim Cassida
Resolutions: Marvin Hall

Renewal of NCCC-TEMP31: Mark Sulc joined via Skype and discussed and gave update on the renewal of NCCC-TEMP31.

State reports were presented.

State Report: M. Sulc, OHIO (via Skype)
Mark apologized for being unable to attend in person, but his flights were cancelled by the airline. Mark reported that requested revisions to our renewal proposal have been uploaded to NIMSS and all questions were answered. If approved, the new project starts October 1, 2015. One suggestion was that the committee adopt a “Big Data” project, such as taking over the alfalfa variety test archive that was run by Dan Undersander until the recent retirement of his technician. Mark then presented interesting results from his collaboration with Brazilian researchers investigating “rotatinuous grazing” which is based on removal of 40% of plant height on a fast rotation. Much discussion occurred in response to this presentation.

State Report: M. Hall, PENNSYLVANIA
Marvin gave up on rescheduling a connecting flight, rented a car and drove to Lubbock from Dallas. First, he commented on the problem of shrinking forage variety test entries across the country, which reduces research dollars that helped fund applied research, the replacement of alfalfa acreage with corn silage, and stagnation of growth in the Pennsylvania grazing dairy industry. He announced that PennState is hiring another forage agronomist to take over the extension component of Marvin’s position. Marvin will continue with research and teaching. An update on the hay ash study indicates that 8% ash in hay is acceptable but some commercial labs are seeing levels up to 18%.

State Report: C. Roberts, MISSOURI
Craig presented data on a pasture biomass monitoring system developed by Rob Kallenbach. The system is based on ultrasound, can be mounted on an ATV, and is linked to GPS coordinates. He also presented an update on progress in developing a patented vaccine for fescue toxicosis and work on novel endophytes. His presentation led to discussion on how universities handle conflicts of interest when research leads to marketable technology.

State Report: D. Phillipp, ARKANSAS
Dirk presented results on Arkansas grazing research including Brassica variety trials, small ruminant study, turnip variety trials, and agroforestry/biomass/native grass establishment.

At 5:30 pm, the meeting paused for a catered dinner, and then resumed for an evening session.

Administrative Advisor Report, Jim Kells, MI (by conference call)
Jim was stranded at an airport en route and regretted being unable to get to the meeting, but he reported that the committee is right on track for what it needs to be doing. The proposal went through review very smoothly and our revision request was considered minor. Pluses for our committee include productivity, reporting on time, and good attendance at the annual meeting. There are no negative implications for having so many members outside the NC region—in fact, this is good. He is willing to continue as our Admin Advisor as long as we wish to have him. Chuck West asked how federal dollar allocations for participating states are to be spent. The answer is that it is completely up to each participating state as to how they spend their allocation. They are not required to support the researchers in any way, including travel to the annual meeting, though most do support travel. Bill Lamp asked about the possibility of getting some of the money to support the research methods publication. Jim replied that this is up to the Ag Experiment Station directors in each state, but he is willing to help us.

The final action of the day was a discussion of collaboration efforts. Chuck West reported on the recent Alfalfa and Forage Research Program RFA, which had the minimum deadlines required by law (30 days). NAFA staff are advising: 1) that research groups expect a RFA each year and prepare proposals well in advance of the release date because short turnaround times are expected to be the norm, and 2) that the requirement for three participating states per proposal is expected to continue, but the three states do not have to be working on the same project. Chuck suggested that the committee needs to plan for how it will break up into groups to make sure everyone is included in a proposal. Discussion included comments that 1) collaboration is not practical when grant amounts are so small, 2) possibility of changing the AFRP rules to make them more reasonable, and 3) shooting for bigger grant RFAs.

The meeting adjourned for the day at 8:00 PM.


Wednesday, May 27, 2015 -- Matador Ballroom, Hawthorn Suites, and field sites

Meeting started at 8:00 am.

Attendees (in person): Kim Cassida (MI), Tom Griggs (WV) (joined during the field tour), John Guretzky (KS), Marvin Hall (PA), Anowar Islam (WY), Bill Lamp (MD), Dirk Phillipp (AR), Craig Roberts (MO), Chuck West (TX), Jamie Foster (TX), and guests Dariusz Malinowski (TX), Emi Kimura (TX), Jourdan Bell (TX), and graduate students.
Attendees (via Skype): Rebecca McCulley (KY)

State Report: K. Cassida, MICHIGAN
Kim reported on pasture forages for grass-fed beef, forages as cover crops, and birdsfoot trefoil breeding for increased tannin.

Conference call with Jim Dobrowolski, NIFA representative.
Jim outlined funding possibilities for forages within NIFA programs. Collaboration across regions is often helpful in getting funded. Questioned about the AFRP, he thought it unlikely the deadline situation will improve, and was not aware that researchers were being told collaborators did not have to align their projects. He believes panels are unlikely to consider unaligned proposals favorably. Jim will continue as our NIFA representative unless we request someone else.

State Report: J. Guretsky, NEBRASKA
John reported on research regarding N cycling in pastures including patch burning research.

State Report: R. McCulley, KENTUCKY (via Skype)
Rebecca regretted cancellation of her flights to the meeting, but presented results on fescue endophyte blot tests via Skype.

State Report: Jamie Foster, TEXAS A&M
Jamie’s report focused on the status of forage research and researchers across the Texas A&M system including work of Dariusz Malinowski, Emi Kimura, and Jourdan Bell.

State Report: Chuck West, TEXAS Tech
Chuck reported on work using digital images to evaluate forage stands and on volatile compounds in WW B Dahl bluestem that repel flies and fire ants. He deferred to the field tour for the rest of his report.

Field tour:
After lunch, the committee proceeded to the field tour at Texas Tech University. Fortunately a break in the weather allowed the tour to proceed. Chuck West apologized for having less to show us than he had planned. The unusually cool, wet growing season resulted in delayed planting for many of his trials and they had not yet been able to put stocker cattle on pasture because the access road was too wet for the cattle truck. Nevertheless, there was plenty to see. Current research is aimed at reducing water use by integrating grazing into cropping systems. The committee observed research on old world bluestem pastures, alfalfa, and triticale.

The meeting adjourned for the second day at 4:30 pm.


Thursday, May 28, 2015 -- Matador Ballroom, Hawthorn Suites

Meeting started at 8:00 am.

Attendees (in person): Kim Cassida (MI), John Guretsky (KS), Anowar Islam (WY), Bill Lamp (MD), Dirk Phillipp (AR), Craig Roberts (MO), Chuck West (TX), Jamie Foster (TX), and guests Dariusz Malinowski (TX), Emi Kimura (TX), Jourdan Bell (TX), and graduate students
Attendees (via Skype): Ben Tracy (VA)

State Report: Bill Lamp, MARYLAND
Bill reported on his potato leafhopper research and notified us about the SocioEnvironmental Synthesis Center (SeSync) which can assist in analyzing complex data sets.

State Report: Ben Tracy, VIRGINIA (via Skype)
Ben was unable to attend in person due to cancellation of his flights, but used Skype to present data on carbon sequestration in continuous, rotational, and mob grazing systems. This led to a lively discussion regarding the definition of mob grazing and how data should be presented to farmers.

State Report: Anowar Islam, WYOMING
Anowar reported on research on alfalfa-grass mixtures and bromegrasses.

Business - Committee reports:
Location of next meeting: Bill Lamp was willing to host the next meeting in Maryland, but does not have an interesting tour. The committee discussed holding the meeting at a site of mutual interest and high learning value, but not necessarily at a member institution. Discussion centered on the Willamette Valley of Oregon, with the meeting held at a hotel and the tour organized around the forage seed industry. Tom Griggs is willing to arrange this. Target date is the second week of June. The committee approved a meeting in the Willamette Valley, Oregon.

Nominations and elections for Secretary and Chair-Elect: Craig Roberts was nominated by Kim Cassida with discussion with the committee and seconded by Chuck West. Committee passed Craig Roberts as Secretary and Chair-Elect.

Resolutions: Marvin Hall offered the following resolution which was read by Bill Lamp.
Whereas members of the NCCC-31 committee enjoyed a stimulating exchange of information and ideas on 26-28 May, 2015 at the excellent meeting facilities at Texas Tech University in Lubbock; be it hereby resolved that we are deeply grateful to Chuck West for making local arrangements.

Whereas Anowar Islam has been a faithful chair of the NCCC-31 committee this past year; be it hereby resolved that the members deeply appreciate his excellent leadership.

Renewal of NCCC-TEMP31: Just before the meeting adjourned, the committee received email notice that the renewal proposal has been accepted!

Finally, Chair, Anowar Islam, thanked Chuck West (host) and all for their time, fruitful discussions, and making this meeting a successful one.

Meeting adjourned at 10:35 am.




NCCC-31 History of Officers and Meeting Locations 1966-2016


Year Chair Secretary Location

1966 D. Smith A. G. Matches Wisconsin;

1967 L. Smith K. L. Larson Minnesota;

1968 K. L. Larson W. F. Wedin Illinois;

1969 W. F. Wedin A. G. Matches North Dakota;

1970 A. G. Matches G. C. Marten Missouri;

1971 G. C. Marten R. W. Van Keuren Indiana;

1972 R. W. Van Keuren M. B. Tesar Pennsylvania;

1973 M. B. Tesar C. R. Krueger Nebraska;

1974 C. R. Krueger L. J. Klebesadel South Dakota;

1975 L. J. Klebesadel D. A. Holt Michigan;

1976 D. A. Holt D. W. Graffis Iowa;

1977 D. W. Graffis L. E. Moser Ohio;

1978 L. E. Moser C. J. Nelson Kansas;

1979 C. J. Nelson F. L. Barnett Illinois;

1980 F. L. Barnett A. L. Barta Minnesota;

1981 A. L. Barta D. W. Meyer North Dakota;

1982 D. W. Meyer S. H. Duke Wisconsin;

1983 S. H. Duke G. Heichel Missouri;

1984 G. Heichel J. R. George Nebraska;

1985 J. R. George G. L. Posler St. Louis, MO;

1986 G. L. Posler A. B. Frank Indiana;

1987 A. B. Frank J. J. Volenec St. Louis, MO;

1988 J. J. Volenec D. W. Graffis Iowa;

1989 D. W. Graffis K. D. Kephart Kansas;

1990 K. D. Kephart W. J. Moline South Dakota;

1991 W. J. Moline L. E. Moser Columbia, Missouri;

1992 L. E. Moser C. J. Nelson Grand Rapids, MI;

1993 C. J. Nelson J. R. George Des Moines, IA;

1994 J. R. George J. O. Fritz Lincoln, NE;

1995 J. O. Fritz K. A. Albrecht Madison, WI;

1996 A. B. Frank R. M. Sulc Vancouver, B. C.;

1997 R. M. Sulc K. J. Moore Columbus, OH;

1998 J. J. Volenec K. D. Kephart West Lafayette, IN;

1999 K. J. Moore J. J. Volenec Omaha, NE;

2000 K. D. Kephart G. Cuomo Ardmore, OK;

2001 J. J. Volenec R. H. Skinner State College, PA;

2002 R. H. Skinner J. L. Moyer Manhattan, KS;

2003 J. L. Moyer J. W. MacAdam Urbana, IL;

2004 J. W. MacAdam R. Leep Logan, UT;

2005 R. Leep K. A. Albrecht Madison, WI;

2006 K. A. Albrecht V. N. Owens Eureka Springs, AR;

2007 V. N. Owens B. Tracy Coshocton, OH;

2008 B. Tracy P. R. Peterson Ardmore, OK;

2009 P. R. Peterson C. West Grand Rapids, MI;

2010 C. West X. Dong Blacksburg, VA;

2011 B. Lamp X. Dong West Lafayette, IN;

2012 X. Dong S. Barnhart Bloomington, MN;

2013 T. C. Griggs J. MacAdam, X.Dong Lexington, KY;

2014 T. C. Griggs A. Islam Hickory Corners, MI;

2015 A. Islam K. Cassida Lubbock, TX;

2016 K. Cassida C. Roberts Willamette Valley, OR.


Agenda

2015 NCCC31 Ecophysiological Aspects of Forage Management Annual Meeting
May 26-28, Lubbock, TX

Expected Participants: Ken Albrecht, Kim Cassida, Jamie Foster, Tom Griggs, John Guretzky, Anowar Islam, Bill Lamp, Rebecca McCulley, Dirk Philipp, Craig Roberts, Ben Tracy, Chuck West, Jim Kells (Admin Advisor), Mark Sulc, Marvin Hall, Jim Muir (Stephenville, TX), Jourdan Bell (Amarillo, TX), Dariusz Malinowski, Emi Kimura (Vernon, TX), 4 students of C. West.

Jim Dobrowolski, NIFA representative, will join by conference call

State/station reports <15 min. + discussion at end of each session

Tuesday, May 26, 2015, Matador Ballroom, Hawthorn Suites

2:00 PM Call to order, introductions: Anowar Islam, Chair; Kim Cassida, Secretary and Chair-Elect
Welcome: Chuck West, host, Texas Tech University, Lubbock
Committee appointments:
Location of next meeting
Nominations for Secretary and Chair-Elect
Resolutions
NCCC-TEMP31 renewal

3:15 PM Break

3:30-5:15 PM State reports (5 @ 15 min.) and discussion
1 Tom Griggs, WV
2 Ken Albrecht, WI
3 Marvin Hall, PA
4 Kim Cassida, MI
5 Ben Tracy, VA

5:30-6:30 PM Catered Dinner

6:30-8:00 PM Comments: Admin Advisor Jim Kells, Chair, Dept. of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State Univ.
NCCC-TEMP31 renewal and future goals, discussion

Wednesday, May 27, 2015, Matador Ballroom, Hawthorn Suites

8:00 AM NIFA-Alfalfa grant program and NAFA information, discussion

8:30 AM Conference call with Jim Dobrowolski, NIFA representative?

9:00 AM State reports (4 @ 15 min.) and discussion
6 John Guretzky, NE
7 Bill Lamp, MD
8 Rebecca McCulley, KY
9 Dirk Philipp, AR

10:15 AM Break

10:30 AM State reports from Texas and discussion
10 Jamie Foster, TX; guests from TAMU, Muir, Bell, Malinowski, Kimura
11 Chuck West, Texas Tech
12 Chuck West, Preview of field trip

12:00 Noon Catered Lunch

1:00 PM Field Trip

6:00 PM Group Dinner at a Restaurant (pay your own)

Thursday, May 28, 2015, Matador Ballroom, Hawthorn Suites

8:00 AM Business
Committee reports:
Location of next meeting
Nominations and elections for Secretary and Chair-Elect
Resolutions

8:45 AM State reports (3 @ 15 min.) and discussion
13 Mark Sulc, OH
14 Craig Roberts, MO
15 Anowar Islam, WY
Discussion

10:00 AM Break

10:15 AM Wrap-up final business
NCCC-TEMP31 Renewal/future goals
NIFA-Alfalfa Planning
Final Business

11:00 AM Adjourn

Accomplishments

Significant accomplishments have been achieved at the annual NCCC-031 meeting in addition to individual accomplishments. These included: 1) Presentation, discussion, and reviewing of both individual and collaborative research programs and activities, 2) Discussion, updating, finalizing, and submitting the 5-year renewal of this project (and the project renewal was approved at the end of the meeting), 3) Discussion and planning for long-term larger grant proposal development, and 4) On-site field tour and discussion of projects with researchers at the Texas Tech research facilities such as reducing water use by integrating grazing into cropping systems and research on old world bluestem pastures, alfalfa, and triticale. Detailed accomplishments from the meeting activities are highlighted in the meeting minutes.

Publications

Impact Statements

1. The University of Kentucky has shown that pastures of the eastern U.S. will maintain their ability to produce forage at levels similar to today under warmer and wetter conditions, as is predicted to occur with climate change, primarily through changes in the plant community composition. However, toxic alkaloid concentrations in endophyte-infected tall fescue increase with increasing temperatures, suggesting that fescue toxicosis may be a bigger problem in the future unless management to reduce the prevalence of the common toxic association in pastures is implemented.
2. University of Wisconsin-Madison. Predictive equations for alfalfa quality or PEAQ were developed in Wisconsin, and research across the northern USA by members of NCCC31 has demonstrated that this model provides a simple, rapid, and reasonably accurate means to estimate fiber concentrations of alfalfa in the field before harvest. Our recent research in northern Europe and irrigated deserts of southwest USA and northern Mexico concludes that PEAQ perform as well in these disparate environments. Although other methods to estimate fiber concentrations have performed as well as PEAQ in certain environments, PEAQ have routinely proven to be robust across the wide range of climatic conditions in which alfalfa is produced.
3. The University of Arkansas has developed recommendations on using legumes in grazing systems and has conducted research related to internal marker recovery in bermudagrass hay, yield and nutritive value of forage Brassica species, and various cattle and sheep supplementation studies.
4. Michigan State University hosted the annual meeting of the NCCC-031 scientists at Kellogg Biological Station in June 2014, presenting forage-related research results from the Long-Term Ecological Research project, and the Grazing Dairy Farm.
5. University of Missouri. The science-based outreach programs are bringing revenue and jobs to Missouri. Grazing schools are increasing state revenue by $83 million annually, and other forage-based programs are increasing revenue by $30 million. Also, seed lots of tall fescue that contain a novel endophyte are now regulated in the state.
6. The Ohio State University has developed a simple model to help pasture managers evaluate grazing management effects on pasture regrowth. This model could help Ohio pasture managers increase the number of animals produced on a given unit of land by at least 5%, which in Ohio equates to an increase in farm revenue of $20 million.
7. Virginia. Research is providing a better understanding of legume management, why orchardgrass lacks persistence in the Mid-Atlantic region, how mob grazing affects ecosystem functioning, and ways to manage toxic tall fescue by manipulating plant diversity.
8. Texas A&M AgriLife Research has improved the resource efficiency of forage production by developing summer dormant cool-season grasses, refining best management practices of novel and existing grasses and legumes, and furthering the understanding of the fundamentals of the water footprint when forages are integrated into agriculture systems.
9. West Virginia University. A preliminary prediction equation has been developed for condensed tannins (CT) concentration in a wide range of birdsfoot trefoil cultivars grown under irrigated field conditions in Utah. Calibration data for equation development will be expanded to represent samples from field sites in AL, ID, KY, MI, and UT and will be used in the development of broadly-adapted birdsfoot trefoil cultivars with moderate to high levels of CT for improved efficiency of nitrogen utilization by ruminants.
10. University of Nebraska-Lincoln has found that feeding of dried distillers grains plus solubles, an energy and nitrogen-rich byproduct of the ethanol industry, reduces nitrogen fertilizer use and forage demand, increases weight gains, and improves profitability of beef cattle production in pastures. Cessation of nitrogen fertilizer inputs in pastures, however, leads to reduced herbage accumulation, root and rhizome contents, soil nitrogen supply, and litter decomposition rates.
11. Researchers at University of Maryland and SUNY have analyzed climate change effects on potato leafhopper as an insect pest associated with alfalfa, demonstrating long-term changes in the phenology and possibly severity of the pest. Climate change is likely to continue to keep potato leafhopper as a significant pest of leguminous forage crops in the future.
12. University of Wyoming research has made selection for well-adapted high performing accessions/lines which resulted in development of cultivars that are suitable for Wyoming and neighboring states. This contributed to the improvement of productivity of local and regional producers and in the long-run, would provide economic benefits.

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