Submitted by JÚLIO HEBER SILVA (julioheber@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-10-27T18:06:41Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Panmera Almeida Helrigel - 2017.pdf: 1036367 bytes, checksum: f89e2ff07a0f9cf65acb53458a14fe2d (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Rejected by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com), reason: Observe como fica o nome do mestrado, na citação, nos que já estão na BDTD on 2017-10-30T11:01:19Z (GMT) / Submitted by JÚLIO HEBER SILVA (julioheber@yahoo.com.br) on 2017-10-30T15:47:57Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Panmera Almeida Helrigel - 2017.pdf: 1036367 bytes, checksum: f89e2ff07a0f9cf65acb53458a14fe2d (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-10-31T09:47:42Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Panmera Almeida Helrigel - 2017.pdf: 1036367 bytes, checksum: f89e2ff07a0f9cf65acb53458a14fe2d (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-31T09:47:42Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Panmera Almeida Helrigel - 2017.pdf: 1036367 bytes, checksum: f89e2ff07a0f9cf65acb53458a14fe2d (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-07-21 / The present study was carried out to determine the effect of cellulase added to the silage process of the Mombaça grass, on the bromatological composition, cell wall digestibility and the minimum fermentation period to open the silo. The experimental design was completely randomized, with four replicates, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme, three cellulase weight / weight (0, 3 and 6%) and three fermentation periods (30, 60 and 120 days), totaling 36 experimental silos. For silage, the mombaça grass was cut at an approximate height of 80 cm, at 20 cm from the ground level. The addition of the enzyme was efficient in improving the fermentative and bromatological parameters of the silages of the cultivar in question. The addition of cellulase promoted a reduction of 5.7% in the NDF contents in relation to the control, but there was also a reduction in the fiber digestibility of 6.6% in relation to the control. However, the digestibility reduction was lower in proportion to the reduction of NDF, which allowed to increase net lactation energy by 15% and NDT by 11%. The enzyme use also resulted in lower pH (4.74 vs 3.73 control and with cellulase) and higher titratable acidity (5.86 and 12.77 control and with cellulase), indicating that the cellulase allowed a fermentative process within the recommended standards. After 30 days of silage, the silages had already completed the anaerobic fermentation cycle and would be fit for consumption. After the 60 day period, the silage had a reduction of the quality parameters indicating that tropical grass silages should be used with up to 60 days of fermentation. / O presente estudo foi desenvolvido com objetivo de determinar a o efeito de celulase adicionada ao processo de ensilagem do capim Mombaça, na composição bromatológica, digestibilidade da parede celular e o período mínimo de fermentação para abertura do silo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3, sendo três doses de celulase peso/peso (0, 3 e 6%) e três períodos de fermentação (30, 60 e 120 dias), totalizando 36 silos experimentais. Para a ensilagem, o capim mombaça foi cortado em altura aproximada de 80 cm, a 20 cm do nível do solo. A adição da enzima foi eficiente em melhorar os parâmetros fermentativos e bromatológicos das silagens do cultivar em questão. A adição de celulase promoveu redução de 5,7% nos teores de FDN, em relação ao controle, mas também houve redução na digestibilidade da fibra de 6,6% em relação ao controle. No entanto, a redução de digestibilidade foi inferior proporcionalmente à redução de FDN, o que permitiu aumentar a energia líquida de lactaçãoe em 15% e o NDT em 11%. O uso de enzima resultou também em menor pH (4,74 vs 3,73 controle e com celulase) e maior acidez titulável (5,86 e 12,77 controle e com celulase), indicando que a celulase permitiu um processo fermentativo dentro dos padrões recomendados. Após 30 dias de ensiladas, as silagens já tinham completado o ciclo de fermentação anaeróbico e estariam aptas para o consumo. Após o período de 60 dias, a silagem teve redução dos parâmetros de qualidade indicando que silagens de capins tropicais deveriam ser utilizadas com até 60 dias de fermentação.

Submitted by Marlene Santos (marlene.bc.ufg@gmail.com) on 2016-09-08T12:47:37Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Gustavo Chunca Merma - 2016.pdf: 1384828 bytes, checksum: afbfe1a386ecbe619a04c3b198cfeb90 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-09-09T14:29:27Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Gustavo Chunca Merma - 2016.pdf: 1384828 bytes, checksum: afbfe1a386ecbe619a04c3b198cfeb90 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-09-09T14:29:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Gustavo Chunca Merma - 2016.pdf: 1384828 bytes, checksum: afbfe1a386ecbe619a04c3b198cfeb90 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-08-18 / Evaluated degradability kinetic of grass mombasa silage with inclusion levels of cottonseed meal. The treatments were constituted by four CM inclusion levels (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%). The average levels of dry matter in grass mombasa silages differed depending on cottonseed meal levels, ranging from 22.69 to 31.93. The levels of crude protein ranged from 12.51 to 22.45, and significant differences were observed at the same time promoting a reduction in the levels of insoluble fiber and neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent insoluble, thus keeping within the recommended standards, especially the 20% of CM with the highest level and lower losses by gases and effluents. The levels of hydrogenic potential (pH) ranged from 4.88 to 5.17. The nitrogen ammonia content (N-NH3), were within acceptable parameters with 1.30% to 2.59%. The average levels of soluble carbohydrates ranged from 4.60% to 8.90%, with no significant difference between the 10% and 15% levels of CM (P>0.05). The levels of lactic acid, acetic, propionic and butyric ranged from 0.2682 to 1.482; from 0.1759 to 0.3216; 0.011 to 0.0241 and from 0.0012 to 0.00162 respectively, and showed statistical difference (P>0.05) between the levels of cottonseed meal. The “in situ” dry matter degradability (DM) and crude protein (CP), neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDIF), insoluble acid detergent fiber (IADF), were significantly influenced by the levels of inclusion of cottonseed meal (P<0.05), and highlighted the inclusion level of 20% of cottonseed meal that showed significant levels of disappearance in DM, CP, NDIF And IADF, showing that the acceptable level of cottonseed meal as addition to grass mombasa. / Avaliou-se a cinética da degradabilidade “in situ” da silagem de capim-mombaça com níveis de inclusão de farelo de algodão. Os tratamentos utilizados foram constituídos por quatro níveis de inclusão de FA (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%). Os teores médios da matéria seca nas silagens de capim-mombaça diferiram em função dos níveis do farelo de algodão, com variação de 22,69 a 31,93. Os teores da proteína bruta variaram de 12,51 a 22,45, e foram observadas diferenças significativas, ao mesmo tempo em que promoveu redução nos teores de fibras insolúveis em detergente neutro e fibras insolúveis em detergente ácido, mantendo assim dentro dos padrões recomendados, com destaque para o 20% de FA que apresentou maior nível e menores perdas por gases e efluentes. Os teores do potencial hidrogeniônico (pH) variaram de 4,88 a 5,17. Os teores de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3), ficaram dentro dos parâmetros aceitáveis com 1,30% a 2,59%. Os teores médios de carboidratos solúveis variaram entre 4,60% a 8,90%, não havendo diferença significativa entre os níveis 10% e 15% de FA (P>0,05). Os teores de ácido lático, acético, propiônico e butírico variaram de 0,2682 a 1,5482; de 0,1759 a 0,3216; de 0,0114 a 0,0241 e de 0,0012 a 0,00162 respectivamente, e apresentou diferença estatística (P>0,05) entre os níveis de farelo de algodão. A degradabilidade “in situ” da matéria seca (MS) proteína bruta (PB) fibra insolúvel em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra insolúvel em detergente ácido (FDA), foram significativamente influenciados pelos níveis de inclusão do farelo de algodão (P<0,05), tendo em destaque a inclusão do nível 20% do farelo de algodão que apresentou teores significativos de desaparecimento na MS, PB, FDN e FDA, mostrando ser o nível aceitável de farelo de algodão como adição para o capim-mombaça.

O trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar algumas variáveis estruturais e bromatológicas de Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Massai submetido a quatro doses de nitrogênio (0, 40, 80 e120 mg/dm3) e três momentos de aplicação após o corte (um, três, e sete dias), divididos em três cortes, em um esquema fatorial 4 x 3, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. O incremento nas taxas de aparecimento foliar (TApF), alongamento foliar (TAIF) e aparecimento de perfilhos (TApP), no número de folhas vivas (NFV), no comprimento final da folha (CFF), na densidade populacional de perfilhos (DPP), na produção de matéria seca de folha total (MSFT) e nos teores de proteína bruta (PB), foi de 79%, 115%, 42%, 23%, 48%, 65%, 770% e 35%, respectivamente para a dose de 120 mg/dm3 em relação à ausência de adubação nitrogenada. O filocrono (fil), a duração de vida da folha (DVF), a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e a fibra em detergente acido (FDA), apresentaram decréscimo de 58%, 47%, 6% e 9%, respectivamente, com a adição de N. A taxa de alongamento de colmo (TAlC) não respondeu a adubação nitrogenada. Apenas o CFF, a TAlC e a MSFT responderam às épocas de aplicação de N após o corte, com valores pouco expressivos. A adubação nitrogenada exerce efeito positivo sobre as variáveis estudadas, porém novos estudos devem ser conduzidos para a definição da época de adubação de N após o corte, em que o nutriente seja melhor aproveitado pelas plantas. / This work was carried out to evaluate same morphogenic, structural, bromatologic and productive variables of the Panicum maximum Jacq cv. Massai in response to four nitrogen doses (0, 40, 80 and 120 mg/dm3) and with three application times after cutting (one, three and seven days) in a 4 x 3 factorial treatment combination, in a completely randomized design, with four replications. The increase in therates of leaf appearance (LAR), leaf elongation (LER) and tillering (TR), number of live leaves (NLL), final leaf length (FLL), tiller population density (TPD), dry matter total leaf production (DMTLP) and crude protein (CP) levels was 79%, 115%, 42%, 23%, 48%, 65%, 770% and 35%, respectively for the dose of 120 mg/dm3 regarding the absence of fertilization. The phyllochron (phy) showed a decrease of 58%, the leaf life span (LLS) of 47%, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) of 6% and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of 9%, with N addition. The stem elongation rate (SER) didnot respond to nitrogen fertilization. Only the FLL, the SER and DMTLP responded times of N application after cutting, with little significant values. Nitrogen fertilization has a positive effect on the variables studied, but news studies should be conducted to better define the time of N application after cutting, for better utilization of this nutrient by plants.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:56:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao.pdf: 192792 bytes, checksum: 027d15a650e1c0ccad9ea4be985c1ed5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-04 / Currently, most brazilian pastures have some degradation degree, and conservation practices are needed to improve their conditions, such as adoption of new species and fertilization, especially nitrogen. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative performance of four forages (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) after N doses application (0, 100, 200, 400 kg ha-1). The experiment was carried out at Santo Domingo Farm, located in Taciba county, in which soil type is Typic Dark. The experimental design used was a randomized block, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with four replications. At early 2008 august, forages were sown manually in five rows, spaced m between rows, being conducted from 2009 September to January 2009. On 2008 October, sidedressing nitrogen fertilization was applied (60 days after emergence). The first cut was held on November 23 and the second in January 2009 (42 days after the first cut), being determined shoot dry matter yield (kg ha-1), neutral detergent fiber content and crude protein (CP). Nitrogen fertilization increases shoot dry matter yield, with emphasis on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça; Panicum maximum displays, irrespective of sidedressing nitrogen application, higher crude protein values. Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça had the lowest crude fiber levels. / Atualmente, a maioria das pastagens brasileiras apresentam algum grau de degradação, sendo necessárias práticas conservacionistas para melhorar suas condições, tais como adoção de novas espécies e adubação, em especial o nitrogênio. O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o desempenho quantitativo e qualitativo de quatro forrageiras (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) após a aplicação de doses de nitrogênio (0, 100, 200, 400 kg ha-1). Assim, o experimento foi realizado na Fazenda São Domingos, localizada no município de Taciba, no qual o solo é do tipo Latossolo Vermelho Escuro. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com quatro repetições. No início de agosto de 2008, as forrageiras foram semeadas manualmente em cinco linhas, com espaçamento de 0,30 m entrelinhas, sendo conduzidas no período entre setembro de 2008 a janeiro de 2009. No dia 15 de outubro de 2008, a adubação nitrogenada foi realizada (60 dias após a emergência). O primeiro corte foi realizado no dia 23 de novembro e o segundo no dia 4 de janeiro de 2009 (42 dias após o primeiro), sendo determinados a produtividade de matéria seca (kg ha-1), teor de fibra detergente neutro e proteína bruta (PB). A adubação nitrogenada aumenta a produtividade de matéria seca, com destaque para a Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça; O Panicum maximum apresenta, independentemente da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura, maiores valores de proteína bruta. A Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça apresentam os menores teores de fibra bruta.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-18T17:51:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao.pdf: 192792 bytes, checksum: 027d15a650e1c0ccad9ea4be985c1ed5 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-04 / Currently, most brazilian pastures have some degradation degree, and conservation practices are needed to improve their conditions, such as adoption of new species and fertilization, especially nitrogen. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative performance of four forages (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) after N doses application (0, 100, 200, 400 kg ha-1). The experiment was carried out at Santo Domingo Farm, located in Taciba county, in which soil type is Typic Dark. The experimental design used was a randomized block, in a 4 x 4 factorial scheme, with four replications. At early 2008 august, forages were sown manually in five rows, spaced m between rows, being conducted from 2009 September to January 2009. On 2008 October, sidedressing nitrogen fertilization was applied (60 days after emergence). The first cut was held on November 23 and the second in January 2009 (42 days after the first cut), being determined shoot dry matter yield (kg ha-1), neutral detergent fiber content and crude protein (CP). Nitrogen fertilization increases shoot dry matter yield, with emphasis on Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça; Panicum maximum displays, irrespective of sidedressing nitrogen application, higher crude protein values. Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés and Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça had the lowest crude fiber levels. / Atualmente, a maioria das pastagens brasileiras apresentam algum grau de degradação, sendo necessárias práticas conservacionistas para melhorar suas condições, tais como adoção de novas espécies e adubação, em especial o nitrogênio. O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar o desempenho quantitativo e qualitativo de quatro forrageiras (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú, Brachiaria decumbens, Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça) após a aplicação de doses de nitrogênio (0, 100, 200, 400 kg ha-1). Assim, o experimento foi realizado na Fazenda São Domingos, localizada no município de Taciba, no qual o solo é do tipo Latossolo Vermelho Escuro. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4 x 4, com quatro repetições. No início de agosto de 2008, as forrageiras foram semeadas manualmente em cinco linhas, com espaçamento de 0,30 m entrelinhas, sendo conduzidas no período entre setembro de 2008 a janeiro de 2009. No dia 15 de outubro de 2008, a adubação nitrogenada foi realizada (60 dias após a emergência). O primeiro corte foi realizado no dia 23 de novembro e o segundo no dia 4 de janeiro de 2009 (42 dias após o primeiro), sendo determinados a produtividade de matéria seca (kg ha-1), teor de fibra detergente neutro e proteína bruta (PB). A adubação nitrogenada aumenta a produtividade de matéria seca, com destaque para a Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça; O Panicum maximum apresenta, independentemente da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura, maiores valores de proteína bruta. A Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e Panicum maximum cv. Mombaça apresentam os menores teores de fibra bruta.

I carried out several large, manipulative greenhouse and controlled-setting experiments to elucidate Panicum hemitomon growth response as influenced by environmental conditions associated with restoring thick-mat floating marsh. Initially, Panicum hemitomon growth response was assessed in conjunction with manipulated nutrient availability and hydrology. Next, I assessed Panicum hemitomon growth response in conjunction with a suite of substrate and mat or containment materials. Finally, I evaluated Panicum hemitomon growth response, as well as overall created floating marsh vegetated development, using both a multi-species planting approach and a suite of Panicum hemitomon establishment techniques. All partitions of Panicum hemitomon biomass (shoot, rhizome, and root material) were enhanced under nitrogen, and to a lesser extent, phosphorous enrichment. Saturated (not inundated) hydrologic conditions were most conducive for robust growth by all partitions of Panicum hemitomon biomass. Substrate and mat or containment materials had a significant effect on Panicum hemitomon vigor, with peat and peat-containing blended substrate materials being most conducive for vigorous Panicum hemitomon growth. Duralast coconut fiber was the most suitable mat or containment material based not only on measures of plant vigor, but also for reasons associated with strength and stability, as well as buoyancy. The combination of Panicum hemitomon and Ludwigia peploides was superior to any other multi-species treatment tested. Ludwigia peploides was highly resilient to transplanting, grew vigorously in a lateral fashion, produced significantly more biomass than any other secondary species, and enhanced overall mat buoyancy, all key metrics regarding successful floating marsh restoration. Equally as important, the large amount of biomass attained by Ludwigia peploides was not totally at the expense of vigorous Panicum hemitomon growth. With respect to establishment technique, the positive response of Panicum hemitomon rhizome growth to humic acid amendment warrants further study. This research generated data that not only advance the body of general ecological knowledge pertaining to Panicum hemitomon, the dominant macrophyte of thick-mat floating marsh, but equally as important, data that are likely to augment or enhance the creation and restoration of this important freshwater marsh type.

Photocopy of typescript. / Digitized by Kansas Correctional Industries

Sargassum fluitans and natans, types of brown algae, wash up on Galveston Island, Texas annually from May to August. Sargassum smells bad, hurts tourism and impairs sea turtle hatchings. Coastal managers are confronted with the difficult choice of cleaning Sargassum off the beach or leaving it alone. The current beach management practice is to rake the algae with tractors and deposit it at the base of the dunes. The environmental impacts of raking and ecological benefits of Sargassum are unknown. The Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees (GIPBT) used to rake all beaches under their management before Hurricane Alicia in 1983. Then, citizens started to complain that raking was causing erosion. Now, there are people who argue for both raking and leaving the beach alone. Environmental policies require complex decisions that take into consideration social, economical, ecological, and cultural values. The GIPBT initiated the Sargassum Policy Committee to gain knowledge of different stakeholder values and scientific research to develop beach management. The first study analyzed elevation changes over a year period on raked and unraked beaches on both the West and East end of Galveston Island. The Analysis ofVariance results indicated that there is not a difference in elevation changes between the raked and unraked beaches over a year.The second study analyzed the effects of Sargassum on the dune plant Panicum amarum. Plants were asexually grown in a greenhouse in sand without (control) and with Sargassum. The effects of small versus large amounts, top versus mixed with sand and washed versus unwashed Sargassum were tested. The results indicated that the addition of Sargassum increased plant growth. The treatments with large amounts of Sargassum and unwashed treatments showed significant growth changes at the 95% confidence level. The last component analyzed the collaborative potential of the Sargassum Policy Committee through observations of meetings and surveys of the members. Daniel and Walker’s Progressive Triangle was used to assess the relationship, procedural and substance dimensions of collaborative learning. Then, suggestions were made for increasing collaboration. The combination of scientific research and stakeholder values has resulted in the creation of sound beach management.

Sargassum fluitans and natans, types of brown algae, wash up on Galveston Island, Texas annually from May to August. Sargassum smells bad, hurts tourism and impairs sea turtle hatchings. Coastal managers are confronted with the difficult choice of cleaning Sargassum off the beach or leaving it alone. The current beach management practice is to rake the algae with tractors and deposit it at the base of the dunes. The environmental impacts of raking and ecological benefits of Sargassum are unknown. The Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees (GIPBT) used to rake all beaches under their management before Hurricane Alicia in 1983. Then, citizens started to complain that raking was causing erosion. Now, there are people who argue for both raking and leaving the beach alone. Environmental policies require complex decisions that take into consideration social, economical, ecological, and cultural values. The GIPBT initiated the Sargassum Policy Committee to gain knowledge of different stakeholder values and scientific research to develop beach management. The first study analyzed elevation changes over a year period on raked and unraked beaches on both the West and East end of Galveston Island. The Analysis ofVariance results indicated that there is not a difference in elevation changes between the raked and unraked beaches over a year.The second study analyzed the effects of Sargassum on the dune plant Panicum amarum. Plants were asexually grown in a greenhouse in sand without (control) and with Sargassum. The effects of small versus large amounts, top versus mixed with sand and washed versus unwashed Sargassum were tested. The results indicated that the addition of Sargassum increased plant growth. The treatments with large amounts of Sargassum and unwashed treatments showed significant growth changes at the 95% confidence level. The last component analyzed the collaborative potential of the Sargassum Policy Committee through observations of meetings and surveys of the members. Daniel and Walker’s Progressive Triangle was used to assess the relationship, procedural and substance dimensions of collaborative learning. Then, suggestions were made for increasing collaboration. The combination of scientific research and stakeholder values has resulted in the creation of sound beach management.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is an important native warm-season grass for biomass and forage production in the U.S. This research determined the effect of fertilizer type (conventional, manure, and biosolids) and rate on switchgrass biomass yield and forage quality. Fertilizers were added at 0, 33, 67, 100, and 134 kg N ha-1 on established stands of ‘Kanlow’ switchgrass in three northeastern Kentucky counties. Soils across sites ranged from recently cleared forestland (low pH, P, and K) to productive cropland (high pH, P and K). Stands were sampled for forage nutritive value in June, simulating a hay harvest. Nutritive value and biomass yield were sampled in November and March. Results showed a harvest date effect for mean crude protein (CP) of 8.31% in June and 1.16% November and March. There was also a harvest effect for biomass with a mean yield of all harvests of 16.6 MT ha-1 but a N response at only one site. In conclusion, this study suggested that switchgrass may produce adequate nutritive value for dry beef cows in June and fertilizer type and rate may have a limited effect on biomass yields.