Date of Graduation

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Animal Science (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Animal Science

Advisor/Mentor

Philipp, Dirk

Committee Member

Kubesch, Jonathan

Second Committee Member

Libohova, Zamir

Keywords

Establish; Forage; Grass; Native; Organic; Warm-Season

Abstract

Abstract Grassland agriculture is seen as a particularly sustainable form of agriculture. Many opportunities are known to use organic production methods or incorporate native warm-season grasses (NWSG) to accomplish both production goals and environmental or social outcomes. Environmental concerns have led some practitioners to question the use of organic methods to establish NWSG. As limited work has been accomplished in the northern bermudagrass belt, this project sought to compare organic establishment strategies for common NWSG species. A field trial conducted at the USDA ARS Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center in Booneville, AR found that NWSG establishment success in the first year was successful but insignificantly different among all establishment treatments. While organic establishment methods can be optimized, none appear to be as effective as existing integrated approaches using both herbicides and cultural practices. Weed competition in the establishment study appeared to affect NWSG establishment. This pattern has been observed in a suite of NWSG establishment attempts across the eastern U.S.A. Light competition and weed canopy development have been posited as reasons for stand failures and identifying when shading might damage stands is critical for developing organic weed control guidelines for NWSG stands. A greenhouse study was conducted at the same location where plants were shaded at different ages to different intensities to mimic shading in the field. Health factors including chlorophyll concentration were recorded throughout the study. Results found that older seedlings and seedlings receiving less shade resulted in more dry matter mass at harvest. Results also indicated that more intense shade increased some plant nutritional qualities such as crude acid detergent fiber and crude protein concentrations. However, plant health factors were affected by seedling age more than shade intensity in most cases. This project overall found that organic practitioners looking to establish NWSG might consider using a tillage-fallow strategy regardless of desired NWSG species or incorporating smother crops. Alternatively, organic management might need to wait until the end of the establishment period. Seedlings are sensitive to light competition in both conventional and organic stands and maintaining light access in the canopy will be crucial towards improving establishment outcomes.

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