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Shelf Life on Bahiagrass Stockpile

Applied Research

Shaney Hill
Hampton

Abstract

Warm-season perennial grasses such as bermudagrass and bahiagrass can provide valuable fall forage through stockpiling, yet limited information exists on the feasibility of stockpiling during the establishment year or on the shelf life of newer bahiagrass varieties. This study evaluated four warm-season grasses—Pensacola, UF-Riata, and TifQuik bahiagrass, along with common bermudagrass—established at the Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope, Arkansas, to determine their stockpiling potential and persistence into the fall utilization period. Plots were fertilized, uniformly harvested in August, and allowed to accumulate forage until October or November. Throughout the trial, county agents monitored canopy characteristics, botanical composition, pest pressure, and forage nutritive value. Stockpile plots were heavily affected by warm-season grassy weeds, which likely masked potential varietal differences. As expected for warm-season perennials, October harvests produced greater forage mass than November, and dry matter availability after October approached levels that may limit intake. Although bahiagrass maintained green color longer than bermudagrass, this visual persistence did not translate into improved nutritive value. Overall, nutritive quality across treatments remained suitable for cow-calf systems. Findings indicate that warm-season perennial stockpiling is feasible in the establishment year but is best utilized by October, and that weed competition may obscure distinctions among varieties. A first-in, first-out (FIFO) approach remains essential for effective warm-season stockpile management.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Shaney Hill, Jonathan O.C. Kubesch, Kenny Simon, Harley Warren, Daniel Rivera, Ken Coffey, Kyla Neal
  1. Hill, S. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 71744
  2. Kubesch, J. Assistant Professor - Forages, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72204
  3. Simon, K. Instructor - Animal Science, University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72204
  4. Warren, H. Program Tech - Forages, University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72204
  5. Rivera, D. Director- Southwest Research & Extension Center, University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 71801
  6. Coffey, K. Proffessor - Animal Science, University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72701
  7. Neal, K. Graduate Student, University of Arkansas , Arkansas, 72701