Canola and Oat Forage Potential Evaluation in Four Early Planting Dates

Canola and oat forage potential may be affected by climatic conditions when sown early.The objective of this study was to evaluate the forage canola and oat potential in four early sowing dates(September 11 and 25;October 9 and 23)during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 cycles in Matamoros,Coahuila,Mexico.Growth cycle duration,chemical composition,dry matter(DM),crude protein(CP),and net energy for lactation(NEL)yields were determined.High temperatures and long photoperiods affected crops seeded on September 11,accelerating growth and reducing canola(26.6%-31.7%)and oat(15.8%)DM yields.As of September 25,canola cv IMC 205 reached DM yields(7746 kg ha^(-1)-9276 kg ha^(-1))similar to those obtained by oat(8115 kg ha^(-1)-9507 kg ha^(-1)),while canola cv Hyola 401 obtained such yields only until October 23.Canola chemical composition was better than that found in oat,with higher CP,but lower acid detergent fiber(ADF)and neutral detergent fiber(NDF)contents.Canola equaled oat CP yields(972 kg ha^(-1)-1215 kg ha^(-1))in the first sowing date,while in the other three other canola sowings reached higher yields(1193 kg ha^(-1)-1889 kg ha^(-1)).As for NEL yields,no difference was observed between both species.The best sowing date for canola is from September 25 on,with CP production advantages over oat.

A nitrogen index for improving nutrient management within commercial Mexican dairy operations

Some intensive dairy operations in Mexico are contributing to large,negative environmental impacts,especially in regions dominated by high concentrations of animals.Excessive manure inputs plus additional nitrogen(N)fertilizer has,in some cases,resulted in background nitrate–nitrogen(NO3–N)levels in irrigation water that are so high,it is not safe for human consumption.One reason is that commercial farmers in this region are currently not using any method to rapidly calculate N budgets based on their practices,N inputs and/or crop N uptake.The Nitrogen Index,a quick tool that can be used to conduct an assessment within a few minutes,was developed for Mexico,but needed further testing under commercial field operations.We conducted studies in 2010 and 2011 and collected soil and crop information from several commercial farming operations to test the tool.The index accurately assessed(Po0.0001)residual soil nitrate after harvesting corn(Zea mays L.)and oats(Avena sativa L.);and also accurately assessed the N uptake of these crops(Po0.01).The Mexico N Index is a tool that can be used to quickly conduct N balances,show when N is being over-applied,and help reduce over-application,thus reducing N losses to the environment and improving management of dairy forage systems in Mexico.