Forage quality variation when using different management techniques or perennial pasture ecosystems
This article deals with the results on the forage quality of perennial ecosystems cultivated in the period of 1976-2021 to select optimal fertilization technique. To test the quality of green fodder an experiment started in 1946 was used at the Federal Williams Research Center of Fodder Production and Agroecology. The experimental design included different fertilization practices: using no fertilizers, integrated farming (Р45К90), mineral fertilizers (N120Р45К90 or N180Р45К90), and organic fertilizers (10 and 20 t ha-1 of manure once in 4 years). For the first time the data from 2017-2021 was analyzed according to GOST 57482-2017 “Korm pastbishchnyy”. Feed quality was tested with regard to seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation rates. At times low-quality green forage was obtained with poor contents of crude and digestible protein as well as crude fiber. Stress-factors were reviewed to decrease their negative effect on the forage. Optimal cultivation conditions for 30-75-year-old plant ecosystems and adequate rates of fertilizers provided sufficient concentrations of crude protein and fiber in all the variants resulting in fodder of the 1st and 2nd grade. To ensure forage quality under unfavorable conditions application of N180P45K90 was recommended.