Explore the vast range of titles available.

Increasing the amount of micronutrients in diets across the world is crucial to improving world health. Numerous methods can accomplish this such as the biofortification of food through biotechnology, conventional breeding, and agronomic approaches. Of these, biofortification methods, conventional breeding, and agronomic approaches are currently globally accepted and, therefore, should be the primary focus of research efforts. This review synthesizes the current literature regarding the state of biofortified foods through conventional breeding and agronomic approaches for crops. Additionally, the benefits and limitations for all described approaches are discussed, allowing us to identify key areas of research that are still required to increase the efficacy of these methods. The information provided here should provide a basal knowledge for global efforts that are combating micronutrient deficiencies.

The legacy effects of crop diversity on maize ( Zea mays L.) tissue nutrient composition, weed community structure, and intensity of weed-crop competition were assessed through a field experiment at two sites in the northeastern United States. Fields were conditioned with crop diversity gradients from summer 2016 to spring 2019. The crop diversity gradients ranged from a single cultivar to sixteen intercropped cultivars (four species, four cultivars per species) and were established in organic annual and perennial cropping systems. Following the three-year conditioning phase, maize was planted across the entire experiment, and each conditioning-phase diversity treatment was split into weed-free, ambient-weed, moderate-weed, and heavy-weed treatments. Within each cropping system, the effect of crop diversity legacy on weed-crop competition was negligible. In contrast, weed-crop competition varied between the maize grown in soil conditioned by the annual and perennial cropping systems.

Weeds remain the foremost production challenge for organic small grain farmers in the northeastern United States. Instead of crops sown in narrow, single-line rows, band sowing offers a more uniform spatial arrangement of the crop, maximizing interspecific while reducing intraspecific competition. Weeds in the inter-band zone are controlled by cultivating with aggressive sweeps; tine harrowing can target weeds in both intra- and inter-band zones. Field experiments in Maine and Vermont in 2016 and 2017 evaluated band sowing for improved weed control, crop yield, and grain quality in organic spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ‘Newdale'). Specifically, we compared: (1) the standard practice of sowing 16.5-cm rows at a target crop density of 325 plants m–2, (2) narrow-row sowing with increased crop density, (3) wide-row sowing with interrow hoeing, and (4) band sowing both with and (5) without inter-band hoeing. Mustard (Sinapis alba L. ‘Ida Gold') was planted throughout the experiment as a surrogate weed. Compared with the standard practice, band sowing with hoeing reduced surrogate weed density on average by 45% across site-years. However, effects on weed biomass and yield were inconsistent, perhaps due to suboptimal timing of hoeing and adverse weather conditions. In 1 out of 4 site-years, band sowing with hoeing reduced surrogate weed biomass by 67% and increased crop yield compared with the standard treatment. Results also indicate that band sowing with hoeing may improve 1,000-kernel weight and plump kernel grain-quality parameters.

The viability of organic dairy operations in the United States (US) relies on forage production. The objectives of this study were to (1) assess producer and farm information regarding current forage production practices and producer knowledge gaps and (2) identify forage research and educational needs of organic dairy producers across the US. A survey was distributed to 643 organic dairy producers across the US, with 165 respondents (26% response rate). A focus group consisting of extension professionals, university researchers and staff, consultants, dairy industry representatives and organic dairy producers was also consulted for forage research needs. Results showed that approximately half (51%) of surveyed producers were somewhat satisfied with their forage production systems and sometimes experienced negative weather-related impacts on forage yield and quality. A majority (64%) of producers felt their knowledge to meet farm goals was adequate but they reported a lack of resources to implement this knowledge especially for balancing high-forage diets and selecting soil amendments. This study revealed that 54% of producers rely on peer experiences as information resources to make decisions on forage programs. Producer knowledge gaps included pasture renovation with reduced or no-tillage, forage mixtures that match their needs, and forage management practices aiming for high-quality forage. Based on the survey and focus group findings, forage research and educational activities should foster climate change resilience regarding forage diversity adapted to local and regional climatic conditions, improve forage quality, enhance economic returns from soil fertility amendments and pasture renovation, and introduce new forages and forage mixtures that suit economical, agronomical, and environmental needs.

Organic, grassfed (OGF) dairy, which requires higher pasture and forage dry matter intake compared with standard organic dairy practices, is unique both in its management needs and in production challenges. The OGF dairy sector is rapidly growing, with the expansion of this industry outpacing other dairy sectors. There is a lack of research outlining OGF dairy production practices, producer-identified research needs or social factors that affect OGF systems. The objectives of this study were to, with a group of OGF dairy producers, (1) assess information regarding current production practices and producer knowledge, and (2) identify agronomic and social factors that may influence milk production on OGF farms across the United States. A mail survey, focused on demographics, forage and animal management, knowledge, and satisfaction of their farm, was developed and distributed in 2019, with 167 responses (47% response rate). The majority of producers indicated they belonged to the plain, or Amish-Mennonite, community. Milk production was greater on farms that had Holstein cattle, as compared to farms with Jerseys and mixed breeds, and employed intensive pasture rotation. Furthermore, most producers reported the use of supplements such as molasses and kelp meal, which can improve milk production, but also increase feed costs. Producers who indicated that they were at least satisfied with their milk production also reported high levels of knowledge of grazing management and cow reproductive performance. Comparison of response data from plain/non-plain respondents revealed that those that did not identify as plain were more likely to utilize certain government programs, had different priorities and utilized technology more frequently. Based on these results, more research exploring financial and production benchmarks, effective communication strategies to reach OGF producers and methods to improve cattle production through improved forage quality is needed.

Root rots of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L.) cause economic losses to farmers. This study was conducted to determine whether dairy manure amendments suppressed root diseases and to describe relationships between disease severity and soil characteristics. Field plots were amended with high or low rates of fresh or composted dairy manure solids in 2001 and 2002. Soils were collected at 2 and 12 mo after the first amendment and 2 and 6 mo after the second amendment. Greenhouse bioassays were conducted to assess severity of damping‐off (DO) of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and root rots of bean and corn. Soils were analyzed for soil free (fPOM) and occluded (oPOM) particulate organic matter content, rate of hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA), arylsulfatase activity, microbial biomass C, and water‐stable aggregation (WSA). Two months after amendment, all amendments (except the low rate of manure) reduced the severity of DO 30%, bean root rot 29%, and corn root rot 67%. Twelve months after amendment, amended soils were no longer suppressive. All amendments were suppressive after re‐amendment the following year and no longer suppressive 6 mo later. In Year 1, significant suppression was observed across all diseases when fPOM content was ≥12.1 g cm−3, FDA activity was ≥2.88 μg FDA min−1 g−1 dry wt, and microbial biomass was ≥91.6 μg C g−1 dry wt, and these levels were proposed as suppressive thresholds. Only the FDA threshold held up over all sampling times.

The selection of corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids and the timing of harvest are important management considerations for dairy and livestock operations. Objectives of this study were to determine the effect of harvest date on yield and quality of corn hybrids and to describe the relationship between harvest date and the yield and quality of corn forage, silage, and stover. During 1998 and 1999, four hybrids were harvested at eight different harvest times between 521 and 1224 growing degree units (GDUs) after planting. Few hybrid or hybrid x harvest date effects were observed. As GDUs accumulated, dry matter yield increased from 8 to 25 Mg ha(-1). Lowest concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and highest concentrations of in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) occurred when forage was harvested between 700 and 650 g kg(-1) moisture (1025 and 1186 GDUs after planting). Potential milk yield indices of milk Mg(-1) corn forage (794 kg) and milk ha(-1) corn forage (19 049 Mg) were reached when corn was harvested between 670 and 630 g kg(-1) moisture. In general, silage had 15% lower concentrations of NDF, 8% lower IVTD, 48% lower cell wall digestibility, 7% lower crude protein, and 15% higher concentrations of ADF than unfermented fresh forage. Harvesting can be accomplished until 580 g kg(-1) moisture while maintaining 95% of the maximum yield and milk ha(-1).

Alternative organic forage systems that provide high quality feed and low weed pressure are required to improve farm viability. Five site-year locations of research were conducted in Stillwater, ME and Alburgh, VT to evaluate winter grain-short season corn (WGSSC) double crops compared to full season corn (FSC) (Zea mays L.) for dry matter yield (DMY), weed biomass, and forage quality. Small grains evaluated in the study included winter barley (WB) (Hordeum vulgare L.), triticale (TC) (X Triticosecale), and winter wheat (WW) (Triticum aestivum L.). Low degree-day open-pollinated and hybrid corns were planted following cereal boot or soft dough stage harvest and were evaluated relative to FSC. A moderately winterkilled WB stand reduced DMY by 33 to 50% relative to TC and WW, and WB was weakly competitive against weeds. In most measures, WB forage quality was significantly higher than TC or WW. Delaying harvest to soft dough stage nearly doubled small grain DMY and forage quality yield for most measures. Corn planted after boot stage grain harvest produced 1700 kg ha-1 greater DMY than later planted corn, but weed biomass was not significantly affected by planting date. Forage quality and forage quality yield were approximately 15% greater for corn planted after boot stage harvest. Dense TC and WW stands reduced weed biomass by 300% relative to WB-corn double crop. Highest forage quality/yield was found with soft-dough stage WB-corn double crop. Double crop forage systems can reduce environmental risk and lower organic dairy production costs, and provide high yielding, high quality feed.

The selection of corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids and the timing of harvest are important management considerations for dairy and livestock operations. Objectives of this study were to determine the effect of harvest date on yield and quality of corn hybrids and to describe the relationship between harvest date and the yield and quality of corn forage, silage, and stover. During 1998 and 1999, four hybrids were harvested at eight different harvest times between 521 and 1224 growing degree units (GDUs) after planting. Few hybrid or hybrid × harvest date effects were observed. As GDUs accumulated, dry matter yield increased from 8 to 25 Mg ha−1. Lowest concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and highest concentrations of in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) occurred when forage was harvested between 700 and 650 g kg−1 moisture (1025 and 1186 GDUs after planting). Potential milk yield indices of milk Mg−1 corn forage (794 kg) and milk ha−1 corn forage (19 049 Mg) were reached when corn was harvested between 670 and 630 g kg−1 moisture. In general, silage had 15% lower concentrations of NDF, 8% lower IVTD, 48% lower cell wall digestibility, 7% lower crude protein, and 15% higher concentrations of ADF than unfermented fresh forage. Harvesting can be accomplished until 580 g kg−1 moisture while maintaining 95% of the maximum yield and milk ha−1

Producers believe that corn (Zea mays L.) forage can be planted at later dates than corn grain because forage harvest does not have to wait until the grain matures fully. The objectives of this study were to determine relationships between planting date and corn forage yield and quality and to determine optimum planting dates of corn forage for the state of Wisconsin. Full- and shorter-season hybrids were planted on six dates at six locations in Wisconsin during 1998 and 1999. Few significant hybrid x planting date interactions or hybrid differences were observed. The optimum planting dates for dry matter yield and quality for southern, central, and northern Wisconsin were 10 May, 27 April, and 8 May, respectively. Corn forage yields remained at 95% of maximum yields when corn was planted in late May for all zones. In all zones, early June plantings exhibited an accelerated rate of yield decline of 0.2 Mg ha(-1) d(-1) delay in planting. Corn forage quality decreased progressively as planting dates progressed into June. The optimum planting date for milk yield ha(-1) was 2 May in southern and central zones and late April in the northern zone. As planting was delayed past mid-May, rates of quality decline were more severe in central and northern zones compared with the southern zone. Therefore, planting of corn forage should occur between late April and mid-May for all production zones in Wisconsin, but planting could occur into late May in the southern production zone because milk yield ha(-1) declined by only 8%.