Effect of Forage Plant Mixture and Biostimulants Application on the Yield, Changes of Botanical Composition, and Microbiological Soil Activity

Abstract

Recently, an increasing interest in such fertilizers and fertilization methods which not only directly supply nutrients to plants, but also stimulate soil bioactivity is noted. Their effect on both soil microbiota and forage plants has not been fully recognized. The aim of the study was to investigate the combined effect of forage plant mixture type and mineral fertilizers (NPK) with biostimulants based on a marine algae extracts on the botanical composition, yield, the structure of selected taxonomic and trophic groups of soil microorganisms, and the soil enzymatic activity. During the years 2018–2019 a field experiment established in split-plot design with two different forage plant mixtures, as a first factor, and different fertilization basing on mineral fertilizers amended with biostimulants, as a second factor was conducted. Two types of forage mixtures of sown species were used: grass mixture (GM) and legume-grass mixture (LGM). Every year the following biostimulants were applied: N-14, PinKstart, Physiostart, Physioactive and they were compared with standard NPK fertilisation and no fertilisation as a control. The reaction of forage plant mixtures on applied fertilisation was different. The intensive development of grass species, mainly Lolium perenne, at the expense of Trifolium repens share in LGM was observed. In GM sward dominated Dactylis glomerata. A beneficial effects of biostimulants’ application on the biomass yields of both grass mixtures was observed. The systematic soil acidification and a decrease of soil enzymatic activity in result of applied fertilization, except NPK + Physioactive treatment (calcium fertilizer containing 76% calcium carbonate), was noted. Soil reaction to applied fertilisation was dependent on the botanical composition of the sward. The counts of microorganisms in the soil under LGM were almost two times higher than in the soil under GM. The most effective, in reducing the negative effect of nitrogen mineral fertilization on the pH of soil, was fertilization with NPK + Physioactiv.

Effect of Soil Biostimulant Application on Protein and Carbohydrate Content in Per-ennial Ryegrass (Lolium Perenne L.)

“…The value of grassland forage is determined by the content of organic components (protein, crude fiber, sugars), minerals and organic matter digestibility. The chemical composition of grasses varies and depends on the species and variety [1], the development stage, the course of meteorological conditions [2] and can be modified by the applied fertilization [3,4]. Unilateral and long-term fertilization with one or two mineral nutrients can have adverse effects on the soil environment (a decrease in the content of Ca, Mg and other elements, a decrease in pH and depletion of soil microbial life) in addition to the quality of the obtained yields (changes in the botanical composition of the sward and the chemical composition of the plants) [5].…”

“…In recent years, so-called soil biostimulants have begun to enter the conventional fertilization of forage crops [6], one of whose tasks is to stimulate and increase soil fertility by activating its underutilized potential inherent in the forms of elements unavailable to plants when the soil pH is too low or too high. There is also growing interest in fertilizers and preparations that have a comprehensive effect on improving soil chemical properties such as the pH, nutrient availability, and increasing the activity of microbial flora in the plant rhizosphere [3,7]. Biostimulants, soil improvers and conditioners, are designed to provide an improved soil structure, faster mineralization of plowed organic matter, and better assimilation of mineral nutrients, such as phosphorus and potassium deposited in soil mineral reserves that are difficult for plants to access.…”

“…Calcium in these fertilizers plays a dual role: as a carrier of marine algae extract, aimed at activating microbial flora depleted by crop monocultures, and supplementing micronutrient deficiencies in the soil. The calcium contained in biostimulants is designed to raise the soil pH [3] and reduce the effects of harmful aluminum and manganese ions on the plant root system. Biostimulants and various fertilizers of this nature include: PRP-SOL, Physio-Mescal G 18, EM (Effective Microorganisms) and its various modifications (EM-1, EM-5, EM-A, EM-Farming) as well as Physactiv+1 or Sulfammo 23 N-Process, Soleflor [9,10].…”

Potential of Bacillus pumilus to directly promote plant growth

“…Progressive climate change and environmental pollution are intensifying the development of eco-friendly fertilizers ( Čimo et al, 2020 ; Dobrzyński et al, 2021 ; Kasperska-Wołowicz et al, 2021 ; Wierzchowski et al, 2021 ; Zielewicz et al, 2021 ; Heyi et al, 2022 ). One of the best solutions for safe fertilization appears to be fertilizers based on plant growth-promoting bacteria ( Čimo et al, 2020 ).…”

Journal of Water and Land Development

“…Therefore, they quickly react to fluctuations in climatic conditions [KNAPP, SMITH 2001]. It will cause changes in the species composition of grasslands, their productivity and, consequently, the quality of obtained forages [CANTAREL et al 2013;GABRYSZUK et al 2021;ZIELEWICZ et al 2021].…”