Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales Vol.6 No.1 [October 2017 - January 2018]

Abstract

Evaluation of growth parameters and forage yield of Sugar Graze and Jumbo Plus sorghum hybrids under three different spacings during the maha season in the dry zone of Sri Lanka 34-41Hajarooba Gnanagobal, Jeyalingawathani Sinniah Variation in carbohydrate and protein fractions, energy, digestibility and mineral concentrations in stover of sorghum cultivars 42-52Sultan Singh, B. Venktesh Bhat, G. P. Shukla, Kunwar K. Singh, Deepika Gehrana Short CommunicationsEvaluación de un sistema de manejo de Axonopus catarinensis en rotación basado en el remanente de forraje no pastado (Renopa) 53-57Daniel R. Pavetti, Marcelo A. Benvenutti, Óscar Radke, Ómar A. Cibils Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales (2018) Vol. 6(1) AbstractRuminant livestock production in the tropics, particularly when based on pastures, is frequently blamed for being detrimental to the environment, allegedly contributing to: (1) degradation and destruction of ecosystems, including degradation and loss of soil, water and biodiversity; and (2) climate change (global warming). In this paper we argue that, rather than being detrimental, tropical forage legumes can have a positive impact on the environment, mainly due to key attributes that characterize the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family: (1) symbiotic nitrogen fixation; (2) high nutritive value; (3) deep-reaching tap-root system; (4) wide taxonomic and genetic diversity; and (5) presence of particular secondary metabolites. Although there are also potential negative aspects, such as soil acidification and the risks of introduced legumes becoming invasive weeds, we submit that legumes have potential to contribute significantly to sustainable intensification of livestock production in the tropics, along with the provision of ecosystem services. To further assess, document and realize this potential, research for development needs in a range of areas are indicated.Keywords: Biodiversity, ecosystem services, GHG emissions, land rehabilitation, soil enhancement, symbiotic nitrogen fixation. ResumenLa producción ganadera de rumiantes en el trópico, especialmente cuando es basada en pasturas, frecuentemente es considerada como perjudicial para el medio ambiente, ya que supuestamente contribuye con: (1) la degradación y destrucción de ecosistemas, incluyendo la pérdida de suelo, agua y biodiversidad; y (2) el cambio climático (calentamiento global). En el artículo se exponen argumentos para mostrar que, en lugar de ser perjudiciales, las leguminosas forrajeras tropicales pueden impactar positivamente en el medio ambiente, principalmente debido a sus atributos clave que son característicos de la familia de las Leguminosae (Fabaceae): (1) fijación simbiótica de nitrógeno; (2) alto valor nutritivo; (3) sistema de raíz pivotante profundo; (4) amplia diversidad taxonómica y genética; y (5) presencia de metabolitos secundarios particulares. Aunque se deben reconocer aspectos negativos como la contribución potencial a la acidificación del suelo y el riesgo de convertirse en malezas invasoras, concluimos que las l...