Brush control Range Animal Nutrition Rangeland Water Quality and Conservation
Contact Information Brush Control Responsibilities in this area include the Edwards Plateau and Rio Grande Plains ecological regions of Texas. Activities include education in integrated brush management using fire, herbicides, mechanical practices, wildlife management, stocking rate decisions, and grazing management. Result demonstrations of recommended practices are implemented and evaluated at local levels across a twentyfive county area. Applied research is being conducted to evaluate control methods for local brush problems lacking control recommendations. Brush species currently being evaluated include coyotillo, Texas mountain laurel, and algerita. Potential herbicide carriers are also being evaluated.
TOP Range Animal Nutrition Work is being conducted to evaluate the potential of establishing beef cattle forage diet quality profiles using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) fecal analysis. Diet quality information is being used in conjunction with information concerning animal physiological stage, environmental conditions, and performance goals in the Nutritional Balance Analyzer (NUTBAL) computer decision support system to estimate nutritional status of beef cattle. This information is being used to construct calving season scenarios and to evaluate supplemental feeding alternatives.
TOP Rangeland Water Quality and Conservation Work is being conducted in the Seco Creek Watershed Project to evaluate forage species for potential reseeding. Seasonal total forage production, leaf production, and forage quality are being monitored to provide producers information that will allow forage complementarity, improved operational efficiency, and resource sustainability.
TOP
PHONE: (830)278-9151 Ext. 108 FAX: (830) 278-4008 E-MAIL: rk-lyons@tamu.edu
TAMU, Uvalde