Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, cilt.17, sa.6, ss.789-794, 2011 (SCI-Expanded)
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.