Explore key principles and practical examples related to selecting forage crops for horticultural and agricultural systems. Assess your skills in choosing the most suitable options under various conditions.
Which forage crop is best suited for dry regions with low annual rainfall, such as semi-arid grasslands?
Explanation: Sorghum is known for its drought tolerance and thrives in low rainfall areas, making it a reliable forage option in dry climates. Alfalfa and clover require more moisture to produce high yields, and ryegrass performs best in cool, moist environments. Sorghum's ability to conserve water gives it an advantage in such regions.
A farmer with acidic, sandy soil wants to improve forage yield for livestock. Which crop is the most recommended?
Explanation: Bermudagrass is resilient on acidic and sandy soils, offering reliable yield and persistence. Ryegrass and timothy generally prefer richer, more neutral soils for optimal growth. Alfalfa does not perform well in acidic soil and prefers well-drained, neutral pH conditions.
Which forage crop typically provides the highest protein content for dairy cattle diets?
Explanation: Alfalfa is a legume with high protein levels, making it valuable for dairy feeds. Fescue, oat, and millet generally have lower protein content compared to alfalfa, which supports better milk production and animal health due to its superior nutritional profile.
For extending the grazing season into late fall, which cool-season forage crop is commonly selected?
Explanation: Ryegrass is a cool-season grass that continues growing late into fall, thereby extending grazing periods. Teff is a warm-season crop, while sudangrass and sorghum-sudangrass hybrids also thrive in warmer months and become dormant earlier in the fall.
When integrating forage crops into horticultural rotation to improve soil fertility, which crop best contributes to nitrogen fixation?
Explanation: Clover is a legume that fixes atmospheric nitrogen, boosting soil fertility for subsequent crops. Barley and maize do not fix nitrogen, and bermudagrass, although a hardy perennial, lacks nitrogen-fixing ability. Integrating clover can enhance soil health for future plantings.