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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Soil Dynamics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #423859
Research Project: Agronomic and Engineering Solutions for Conventional and Organic Conservation Agricultural Systems in the Southeastern U.S.

Location: Soil Dynamics Research

Title: Impact of cattle grazing on weed seed viability and dispersal

Author
item SINGH, AKASHDEEP - Auburn University
item SMITH, BRANDON - Auburn University
item RUSSELL, DAVID - Auburn University
item Price, Andrew
item MAITY, ANIRUDDHA - Auburn University

Submitted to: Proceedings of Southern Weed Science Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/2025
Publication Date: 1/24/2025
Citation: Singh, A., Smith, B., Russell, D., Price, A.J., Maity, A. 2025. Impact of cattle grazing on weed seed viability and dispersal [abstract]. Southern Weed Science Society, Charleston, SC, January 26-29 2025.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Herbivores grazing on weed-mixed forage biomass can spread weed seed and trigger plant invasions in pasture lands. In this study, we investigated the effects of cattle rumen liquid on the viability and germinability of six weed species with contrasting seed traits. In an in vitro study, we assessed the germination and viability of weed seeds after being incubated in cattle digestive fluid for seven different durations (0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours). Additionally, an eighth sample was subjected to the complete Tilley and Terry procedure, which mimics the complete digestion in the abomasum. The results showed variability in seed viability (0-72%) and germination (0-8%) across all weed species, indicating the potential impact of cattle grazing on seed spread and invasiveness in grazed grasslands and rangelands. The small size and hard, impermeable seed coat of Palmer amaranth and Johnsongrass seeds made them highly resistant, while morning glory seeds were highly susceptible to rumen fluid, possibly due to their seed coat becoming easily permeable and rupturing. This implies that cattle grazing could be a significant seed dispersal mechanism for certain weed species, but not for others. Our study offers valuable insights into the potential role of grazing as either a mechanism for weed dispersal or a practical and cost-effective method for weed control.