Effects of phosphorus fertilisation and harvesting stages on forage yield and quality of narbon vetch

Effects of fertilisation and harvesting stages on forage yield and quality of hairy vetch (Vicia villosaRoth.)

“…An enhanced forage yield with advancing maturity is consistent with results of several researchers (Munoz et al 1983;Hintz et al 1992;Osborne & Riedell 2006;Turk et al 2007). …”

“…Our results confirm those of Turk et al (2007). Bell et al (2001) reported that P is the most important fertiliser nutrient required for growing vetch, with N ranked next most important.…”

“…The effects of P rates on Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations were not significant. Similar results were reported by Turk et al (2007).…”

“…Maturity stage at harvest is the most important factor determining forage quality. Because P, Ca, Mg and K contents of forage decreased with delayed cutting, forage quality declines with advancing maturity (Blaser et al 1986;Tan & Senn 1996;Turk et al 2007). Tan et al (2003) reported that the contents of K, Mg, Ca and P decreased as plant growth advanced.…”

“…Phosphorus fertilisation affects dry matter yield and chemical composition of vetch (Bell et al 2001 ;Turk 2001). Turk et al (2007) reported that P fertilisation increased dry matter (DM) yield, N, P, K, Ca and Mg contents, but it decreased K, tetany ratio (K: (Ca + Mg)), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and had no effect on Mn, Cu and Zn.…”