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ARS Home » Northeast Area » University Park, Pennsylvania » Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #189791
Title: VERIFICATION AND APPLICATION OF A MODEL TO SIMULATE YIELD AND QUALITY OF TEMPERATE MULTIPLE-SPECIES PASTURES

Author
item Corson, Michael
item Rotz, Clarence - Al
item Sanderson, Matt
item Skinner, Robert

Submitted to: American Society of Agronomy Meetings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2005
Publication Date: 11/1/2005
Citation: Corson, M.S., Rotz, C.A., Sanderson, M.A., Skinner, R.H. 2005. Verification and application of a model to simulate yield and quality of temperate multiple-species pastures [abstract]. American Society of Agronomy Meetings. Paper No. A03-Corson135 Poster. CD-ROM file: /techprogram/AM05/P5122.HTM.

Interpretive Summary: An interpretive summary is not required.

Technical Abstract: The Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) simulates at the whole-farm scale the management procedures, biophysical processes, and economics involved in crop, dairy, or beef production. The IFSM was modified to simulate growth and nutritive value of multiple-species forage mixtures planted in temperate pastures. When used to predict yield and quality of multiple-species pastures monitored near State College, PA, the calibrated model predicted neutral detergent fiber content within 24%, crude protein content within 25%, and annual yield within 7%. The model had greater difficulty, however, predicting observed seasonal distribution of yield and shifts in botanical composition. The model was applied to contrast the economics and nutrient dynamics of single-species vs. multiple-species pastures on hypothetical farms. Over 25 years of weather, multiple-species pastures had a similar mean yield (4% higher) but resulted in higher annual profit (by 16%) than grass monocultures, primarily due to reduced feed costs. Model predictions may be improved by adding explicit representation of root biomass or better representation of plant phenology.