Abstract
In order to open up the possibilities of the extention of the grazing season in early spring for the cold and snowy districts of Japan, the effects of promotion of snow melting by broadcasting carbon black powders on to the snow surface on grass yield and on early spring grazing were investigated. Results obtained were as follows: 1. Promotion of snow melting was effective for the grass yield in early spring. The largest causes for the effective grass yield were sharp rise of soil temperature and enabling the grass receive direct sunlight after snow melting. 2. By combining such rise in soil temperature and N-fertilization, it is possible to secure grass growth required for grazing in early spring. 3. Based on the results obtained from the abovementioned studies, a field trial on the extention of grazing season was undertaken in pasture, and it was possible to advance the spring grazing earlier than 10 days as compared with conventional grazing. Such grazing in early spring is not only effective for gain of body weight of stock, but also for evening up spring flush for grazing.
