Effects of fertilisation and harvesting stages on forage yield and quality of sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa L.)

TÜRK M., Albayrak S., TÜZÜN C. G., YÜKSEL O.

Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, vol.17, no.6, pp.789-794, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 17 Issue: 6
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Journal Name: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.789-794
  • Keywords: Acid detergent fibre, Dry matter, Neutral detergent fibre, Sainfoin
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of five phosphorus rates (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha -1) and three harvesting stages (beginning of flowering, full flowering, and seed filling) on forage yield and quality of sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa L.). Dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), N, P, K, Ca, Mg, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were determined. Phosphorus rates and harvesting stages significantly affected most of the components determined in sainfoin. Phosphorus applications increased DM yield, CP, N, P, Ca and Mg contents but decreased K, tetany ratio (K: (Ca + Mg)), ADF and NDF. Harvesting at the late stages caused a reduction in forage quality. Contents of CP, N, P, K, Mg and tetany ratios decreased with advancing growth while DM yield, Ca, ADF and NDF contents increased. According to results of this research, 90 kg ha -1 phosphorous fertiliser and harvesting at the beginning of flowering are recommended for high herbage quality in sainfoin.