Forage management exam 1

Forage

Edible parts of plants, other than separated grain, used to feed animals.

Grasses

Members of the Poaceae plant family, with over 10,000 species, of which 40-50 are useful as forage crops.

Legumes

Members of the Fabaceae family, known for producing seeds in pods and typically having a taproot.

Annual

A plant that completes its life cycle in one year, reproducing solely by seed.

Perennial

A plant that can live for more than one year, often recurring from tubers, rhizomes, or stolons.

Warm Season Plants

Plants that grow primarily during warm months and are typically planted in spring or early summer.

Cool Season Plants

Plants that grow primarily during cooler months and are usually planted in late winter or autumn.

Inflorescence

The flowering part of a plant, which can bear seeds.

Fibrous Root System

A root system characterized by many thin roots, often typical of grasses.

Seed Head

The part of the grass plant that contains seeds, can vary in shape.

Taproot

A main root that is thicker and deeper than other roots; found in legumes.

Stolon

A creeping stem that roots at points along its length to produce new plants.

Rhizome

A horizontal underground stem that can produce new shoots and roots.

Perennial Ryegrass

A cool-season perennial grass commonly used for forage.

Crimson Clover

A cool-season annual legume known for its red flowers and use as forage.

Bahaiagrass

A perennial grass native to South America, best adapted to sandy soils and known for its aggressive growth and deep roots.

Bermudagrass

A perennial grass from southeastern Africa, adapted to sandy soils and highly responsive to nitrogen fertilization.

Browntop Millet

An annual grass from Southeast Asia that is erect and typically 2-3 feet tall, used primarily for pasture and hay.

Carpetgrass

A perennial low-growing grass, not recommended for high-quality hay due to its low nutritive value.

Corn (Zea Mays)

An annual grass from southern Mexico, known for its high forage digestibility and used for silage and grain.

Crabgrass

An annual grass from southern Africa, often considered a weed but can be useful for pasture with superior nutritive value.

Dallisgrass

A perennial bunchgrass from South America, known for its good nutritive value and best grown with clover.

Foxtail Millet

An annual grass from southern Asia, typically grown for hay, with a growing season of 60-70 days.

Indiangrass

A perennial bunchgrass native to North America, valued for its higher nutritive value compared to other warm-season grasses.

Johnsongrass

A perennial grass from the Mediterranean area known for its tall growth and potential as a pest in crops.

Pearl Millet

An annual grass from North Central Africa, known for its drought tolerance and use in pasture and silage.

Sorghum

An annual grass from Northeast Africa, known for its drought tolerance and higher nutritive value compared to corn silage.

Sorghum-Sudan Hybrids

Annual grasses from Northeast Africa, popular for pasture and hay, responsive to nitrogen and drought tolerant.

Switchgrass

A perennial bunchgrass from the Great Plains, tolerant of poorly drained soils and used for pasture and hay.

Annual Ryegrass

A bunchgrass commonly used for pasture with a high moisture requirement.

Establishment

The recommended seeding rate for Annual Ryegrass is 10-15 lbs/A in mixtures or 20-30 lbs/A alone.

Nutritional Value

Annual Ryegrass is noted for its high nutritive value, making it beneficial for livestock.

Soil Tolerance

Annual Ryegrass tolerates wet, poorly drained soils and is responsive to nitrogen.

Small Grains

Includes rye, oats, wheat, and barley, all of which are annually grown bunchgrasses.

Primary Adaptation of Rye

Rye is more tolerant of soil acidity compared to other small grains.

Triticale

A hybrid grain used for hay and silage, known for its high nutritive value.

Tall Fescue

A perennial bunchgrass best adapted to clay or loam soils and tolerates drought.

Seasonal Production of Tall Fescue

It generally produces from September to December and then from March to June.

Timothy Grass

A bluish-green perennial bunchgrass primarily used for hay, popular as horse hay.

Cutting Stage for Hay

For high nutritive value, hay should be cut at the early boot stage.

Pests of Tall Fescue

Common pests include endophytes and nematodes, particularly in sandy soils.

Fertilization Requirement for Small Grains

Small grains are highly responsive to nitrogen and require adequate phosphorus and potassium.

Alyceclover

An annual legume not a true clover, growing best in Gulf Coast areas with high summer rainfall.

Cowpea

An annual legume originating from Ethiopia, known for its drought tolerance and good nutritive value.

Kudzu

A perennial legume from Japan and Korea, known for its deep roots, drought tolerance, and rapid spread.

Perennial Peanut

A long-lived perennial legume from Brazil, spreading by rhizomes and requiring high phosphorus.

Soybean

An annual legume from China, typically bushy, used for seed oil production and nutritious forage.

Nematodes

Pests that affect Alyceclover, making it susceptible in its seedling stage.

Rhizomes

Underground stems from which Perennial Peanut spreads.

Fertilization

The process of adding nutrients to soil to enhance growth, important for the cultivation of these legumes.

Establishment

The process and preparation required for planting legume seeds to ensure growth.

Seasonal Production

The specific time frame in which particular legume crops yield their growth, varying by species.