Quality of diploid and tetraploid red clover on the background of varied mineral fertilization

Marek Ćwintal

Mieczysław Wilczek

Abstract

Samples of red clover cultivated for fodder in 2000–2002 were taken from particular objects to chemical analyses. Dry matter, total and specific protein, crude fiber, macroelement (P, K, Ca, Mg) and microelement (B, Cu, Mn, Mo, Zn) content was determined in samples. Dry matter, total and specific protein levels were significantly differentiated by weather conditions during the experiment, cultivars and cuts. A higher content of dry matter was found in plants from 2002 and at diploid Dajana cv.; while that of total and specific protein – at Karo cv. Red clover from the third cut was characterized by the highest concentration of dry matter, total and specific protein, as well as the lowest – of crude fiber. Weather, fertilization and cuts significantly differentiated the content of phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the dry matter of clover. The highest concentrations of P and K were found at the highest (43.6 P + 124.4 K kg ha^-1); these of Ca and Mg at medium fertilization rates (32.7 P + 93.4 K kg ha^-1). First-cut plants contained the most P and K; the second-cut ones – Ca and Mg. Increasing rates of P and K fertilization caused the increase of boron, copper, manganese, zinc and molybdenum concentrations in the dry matter. The highest amounts of B and Cu were found in plants from the third cut; Mn, Mo and Zn – in the second cut. Dajana cv. (2n) was characterized by a significantly higher Mn content and a significantly lower Mo level as compared to Karo cv. (4n).