The effect of different grass species and fertilization level in fodder galega mixtures

Bijeenkomst: EGF2015
Auteur: Meripõld H., Tamm U., Tamm S. and Võsa T.
ISBN: 978-9090-289-61-8
Jaar van uitgifte: 2015
Producttype: Paper
Fodder galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) is a forage legume that has been grown in Estonia for approximately 43 years. Pure galega is known to be a persistent and high-yielding crop rich in nutrients, in particular crude protein (CP). Galega is usually grown in a mixture with grass in order to optimize its nutrient concentration, increase dry matter (DM) yield and improve fermentation properties. There are certain grass species suitable for the mixture. In this study galega mixtures with reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) cv. Marathon, timothy (Phleum pratense L.) cv. Tika, red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) cv. Kauni and festulolium cv. Hykor were investigated in two successive years (2013-2014). Three cuts were carried out during in both years. Nitrogen (N) fertilization (rate of N50) was applied in spring before the first and second cuts. Early-season N applications to galega-grass swards can prevent N-deficiency in the spring. The total dry matter yield varied from 7.6 to 13.7 Mg ha‑1. The CP concentration in the DM varied from 123-188 g kg‑1. Both DM-yield and CP were dependent on the year, mixture and fertilization. High N fertilization favoured grass growth and reduced the role of galega in the sward.