Plant Biology Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What are the key characteristics of the vegetative stage of grass growth?

In the vegetative stage, tillers grow, stems remain compact, and older leaves die off.

How does the elongation stage of grass growth differ from the vegetative stage?

In the elongation stage, the stem develops and lengthens between the upper nodes, finishing when the seed head is about to form.

Explain the significance of Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD) in assessing grass quality.

DMD indicates the percentage of dry matter that can be digested by an animal, reflecting the nutritional value of the grass.

What role does palatability play in the effectiveness of grazing systems?

Palatability determines how pleasant the grass is to taste, influencing animal grazing behavior and forage selection. Signup and view all the answers

Differentiate between biennial and perennial grass types in terms of growth patterns.

Biennial grasses complete their life cycle in two years, typically focusing on vegetative growth the first year, whereas perennial grasses regrow annually, often producing multiple growth cycles. Signup and view all the answers

What key factor differentiates permanent grassland from rough mountain grazing in terms of land treatment?

Permanent grassland is never ploughed, whereas rough mountain grazing involves poor quality growth and challenging cultivation. Signup and view all the answers

How can the productivity levels of rough mountain grazing be improved?

Productivity levels can be improved by liming and reseeding the grass. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary agricultural use of leys in grazing systems?

Leys are sown for grazing and are temporary, requiring reseeding often. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of nitrogen fixation in legumes within grazing systems.

Nitrogen fixation in legumes enriches soil fertility, benefiting surrounding plants and enhancing overall pasture productivity. Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates biennial plants from perennial plants in grazing systems?

Biennial plants complete their lifecycle in two years, while perennial plants live for several years, providing continuous forage. Signup and view all the answers

Identify two characteristics of leys that affect their grazing management.

Leys have little variability in botanical composition and a high stocking rate, influencing grazing pressure and forage quality. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the botanical composition variability in rough mountain grazing and its impact on production levels.

Rough mountain grazing has a variable botanical composition which leads to low production levels and a low stocking rate. Signup and view all the answers

How does the fertilization and liming of permanent grassland affect its management?

Fertilization and liming maintain the quality and productivity of permanent grassland, supporting sustainable grazing practices. Signup and view all the answers

What role do hairy leaves and stems play in distinguishing clover types?

They help identify clover types, as hairy leaves indicate one type while smooth leaves indicate white clover. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of nitrogen fixation in legumes like clover?

Nitrogen fixation improves soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Signup and view all the answers

What are the advantages of using paddock grazing as a grazing technique?

Paddock grazing allows for the most efficient use of grass resources. Signup and view all the answers

Contrast biennial and perennial plants in terms of their longevity and growth cycles.

Biennial plants complete their life cycle in two years, while perennial plants can live and produce for multiple years. Signup and view all the answers

Why is white clover considered less persistent compared to other types of clover?

White clover tends to be less persistent due to its growth characteristics and environmental adaptability. Signup and view all the answers

Explain how clover's high protein content benefits livestock.

Clover provides high protein, which is essential for livestock growth and milk production. Signup and view all the answers

In what way do clover's growth habits assist in reducing the need for chemical fertilizers?

Clover's ability to fix nitrogen naturally enriches the soil, decreasing dependency on chemical fertilizers. Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Plant Characteristics

High protein content makes it suitable for animal nutrition.
Hairy leaves and stems differentiate it from smooth white clover.
Roots and stolons help mat soil, reducing weeds and poaching.
Less persistent compared to white clover but better for nitrogen fixation.

Managing a Multispecies Sward

Stocking rate: Refers to livestock units per hectare (LU/ha).

Paddock Grazing

Advantages:
- Most efficient use of grass resources.
Disadvantages:
- Rough Mountain/Hill Grazing:
  - Poor quality growth with peat soil complicating cultivation.
  - Liming and reseeding can improve conditions.
- Permanent Grassland:
  - Land is never ploughed; requires fertilization and liming for maintenance.
  - Variable botanical composition affects quality.
- Leys:
  - Temporarily sown for grazing; frequently reseeded.
  - Limited variability in botanical composition but allows for high stocking rates.
  - High production levels are achievable.

Grass Growth Stages

Vegetative:
- Tillers grow, stems remain compact, and older leaves die off.
Elongation:
- Stems lengthen; occurs until the seed head is about to form.
Reproduction:
- Seed head development occurs; glucose converts to fiber, strengthening the stem.
- Wind pollination aids in seed development.
Best quality grass is during the vegetative stage due to maximum sugar content.

Key Definitions

Palatability: Measure of grass tastiness.
Productivity: Quantity of plant material produced.
Digestibility: Ratio of assimilated food to total food consumed.
Dry Matter (DM): Matter remaining after water removal from food.
Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD): Percentage of dry matter that can be digested by animals.
Dry Matter Intake (DMI): Quantity of feed consumed by animals, excluding water.

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