Sward responses of rhizoma peanut-bahiagrass mixtures and bahiagrass monocultures in contrasting on-farm environments

Authors: QUEIROZ, LUANA - University Of Florida; DUBEUX, JOSE - University Of Florida; SOLLENBERGER, LYNN - University Of Florida; VENDRAMINI, JOAO - University Of Florida; LIAO, HUI-LING - University Of Florida; MACKOWIAK, CHERYL - University Of Florida; Jaramillo, David; SANTOS, ERICK - University Of Alberta; GARCIA, LIZA - University Of Florida; SILVA, HIRAN - University Of Florida; HOMEM, BRUNO - University Of Florida; ERHUNMWUNSE, ADESUWA - University Of Florida; RUIZ-MORENO, MARTIN - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/26/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Incorporating forage legumes into grass swards enhances the sustainability of pasture systems and reduces reliance on nitrogen fertilizers. The aim of this study was to assess the on-farm performance of bahiagrass -rhizoma peanut mixtures compared to bahiagrass monocultures in three diverse environments across Florida. Nutritive value was generally greater in bahiagrass-rhizoma peanut mixtures, compared to bahiagrass monoculture across all locations. Additionally, biological nitrogen fixation increased linearly as the proportion of rhizoma peanut increased. Integration of rhizoma peanut into bahiagrass pastures in North, Central, and South Florida led to increased rates of herbage accumulation and improved herbage nutritive value compared to bahiagrass monoculture. These results provide evidence for the positive integration of legumes into bahiagrass pastures in commercial farm locations.

Technical Abstract: Incorporating forage legumes into grass swards has the potential to enhance the sustainability of pasture systems and reduce reliance on nitrogen fertilizers. The aim of this study was to assess the on-farm performance of bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flüggé) -rhizoma peanut (Arachis glabrata Benth.; RP) mixtures compared to bahiagrass monocultures in three diverse environments across Florida. Three forage treatments were employed at all locations: bahiagrass in monoculture (Bh), bahiagrass+Ecoturf RP (Eco), and bahiagrass+Florigraze RP (Flo). Significantly greater herbage accumulation rates were observed for bahiagrass+Ecoturf RP (37 kg DM/ha/d) and bahiagrass with Florigraze RP (35 kg DM/ha/d/) in comparison to Bahiagrass in monoculture (30 kg DM/ha/d). Crude protein and IVDOM concentration were generally superior for RP binary mixtures compared to monoculture bahiagrass across all locations. In North and South Florida, bahiagrass + Ecoturf RP exhibited greater RP belowground biomass than bahiagrass + Florigraze RP. Additionally, biological N2 fixation increased linearly as the proportion of RP increased. Integration of RP germplasm Ecoturf and the Florigraze cultivar into bahiagrass pastures in North, Central, and South Florida led to increased rates of herbage accumulation and improved herbage nutritive value compared to bahiagrass monoculture. Overall, North and South Florida exhibited more favorable responses to the inclusion of RP compared to Central Florida.