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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Raleigh, North Carolina » Plant Science Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #96508
Title: EFFECT OF CUTTING MANAGEMENT ON YIELD AND NUTRITIVE VALUE OF FLACCIDGRASS

Author
item Burns, Joseph
item CHAMBLEE, DOUGLAS - NC STATE UNIVERSITY
item TIMOTHY, DAVID - NC STATE UNIVERSITY
item Fisher, Dwight

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/1/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Carostan flaccidgrass is a recent release from NCARS and is a perennial, warm-season grass that shows high yield potential with very acceptable nutritive value. This study provides information on how several defoliation frequencies and height of cut would alter dry matter yield and nutritive value of the forage. Highest yields were obtained when growth was permitted to reach 30 inches and cut back to a 6-inch stubble. Cuttin more frequently to a 3-inch stubble allowed weed invasion. The nutritive value of forage harvested at 30 inches was lower than forage harvested at 15 inches. Estimated digestibility of forage at 30 inches averaged 58.9% compared with 63.7% from 15-inch forage. Water soluble carbohydrates concentrations were modest ranging from 5.6 to 7.7%. Forage harvested in August averaged 5.8 percentage units lower in estimated digestibility than forage harvested in June. Flaccidgrass forage averaged 0.25% phosphorus, 2.43% potassium, 0.25% calcium and 0.23% magnesium and should be adequate for most ruminant diets.