Determination of Nutritional Value and Methane Production Potential of Phacelia tanacetifolia in Different Stages of Growth

Abstract

Backround: This study was carried out to determine the nutritional value and methane production potential of Phacelia tanacetifolia plant in different growth stages in April-May year in the ecological conditions of the province of Adiyaman in Turkey. Methods: Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) plant samples were collected with four replications in four different stages, pre-flowering, early flowering, mid-flowering and end of flowering (seeding). The nutrients of the feed samples were determined. The gas production was measured after 24 hours of incubation of the forage with rumen fluid. Result: The effect of harvest time on chemical composition was highly significant. In vitro gas production was lowest in stage I. and highest in II. The methane (CH4) lowest production values were found in the 1st stage, whereas the highest value was observed in the 4th stage (seed-binding stage), where the difference was statistically significant. ME was 7.49, 9.54, 8.90 and 8.61 MJ/kg DM respectively and the difference between the stages was statistically significant. It was concluded that Phacelia tanacetifolia, which is known as an important nectar source in the world and in Turkey. It is appropriate to harvest the phacelia plants in the second stage, i.e., at early flowering for higher ME contents and OMD.

Catch and Cover Crops’ Use in the Energy Sector via Conversion into Biogas—Potential Benefits and Disadvantages

“…According to them, the values of this parameter of the raw biomass of different cover crops ranged from 140 to 490 m 3 CH 4 Mg −1 VS (VS-volatile solids), and the highest value was observed in the case of ryegrass. The literature values reported by Amon et al [87], which ranged from 213 to 442 m 3 Mg −1 VS, are in this scope. In addition, the results of the studies of Molinuevo-Salces et al [30], carried out in Denmark on 10 types of catch crops (single species: white mustard, yellow lupin, oil seed radish, lupin, bean; mixed species: white mustard and common vetch, oil seed rape and winter vetch, perennial rye and Persian clover, winter ryegrass and winter vetch, triticale and winter vetch) were comparable with the values given above.…”

“…A significant increase in dry matter content from 26.1 to 38.5% d.w. between the early dent and black layer stages of corn growth was observed by Rabelo et al [86]. Changes in dry matter content in phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) biomass between pre-flowering and end-flowering phases ranged from 32.6 to 54.6% d.w. [87]. Tekeli et al [88] found that the dry matter content in Persian clovers increased from 6.8 to 12.2% d.w. between the stages of pre-bud and full-bloom.…”

“…The chemical composition of biomass varies significantly depending on the stage of plant growth. A decrease in the content of crude protein was observed in phacelia biomass between the pre-flowering and end-flowering phases, from 19.8 to 14.8% d.w., and crude fat, from 2.8 to 1.4% d.w. At the same time an increase in the contents of acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NFD) was observed, from 28.6 to 32.3% d.w. and 39.0 to 45.0% d.w., respectively [87]. Tekeli et al [88] stated that the content of crude protein in Persian clovers between the stages of pre-bud and full-bloom decreased from 20.7 to 17.9% d.w., while the content of crude cellulose increased from 14.5 to 17.8% d.w.…”