Agroeconomic Value of Some Lathyrus and Vicia Species in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

The efficient use of the biological potential of the leguminous plants that are adapted to the local climatic conditions becomes more and more relevant. The local ecotype of the species Lathyrus sativus, Lathyrus sylvestris, Lathyrus tuberosus, Vicia hirsuta, Vicia sativa, Vicia tenuifolia maintained in monoculture on experimental land in the NBGI Chişinău, served as objects of study. We found that the dry matter of the studied whole plants contained 169-257 g/kg CP, 96-125 g/kg ash, 219-346 g/kg CF, 244-371 g/kg ADF, 427-576 g/kg NDF, 34-58 g/kg ADL, 210-313 g/kg Cel, 183-205 g/kg HC, 64-150 g/kg TSS, with 59.3-69.4% DMD, RFV = 93-151, 11.87-13.55 MJ/kg DE, 9.75-11.13 MJ/kg ME, 5.77-7.22 MJ/kg NEl. The prepared hay contained 153-264 g/kg CP, 91-135 g/kg ash, 244-356 g/kg CF, 294-393 g/kg ADF, 475-606 g/kg NDF, 36-65 g/kg ADL, 258-329 g/kg Cel, 191-214 g/kg HC, 6-99 g/kg TSS, with 59.2-66.0% DMD, RFV = 90-129, 11.57-12.95 MJ/kg DE, 9.50-11.09 MJ/kg ME, 5.51-7.10 MJ/kg NEl. The haylage is characterized by pleasant smell and color, pH = 4.40-4.95, 4.7-6.1 g/kg acetic acid, 27.9-38.0 g/kg lactic acid, butyric acid was not detected, 159-180 g/kg CP, 105-125 g/kg ash, 296-343 g/kg CF, 316-360 g/kg ADF, 460-579 g/kg NDF, 51-55 g/kg ADL, 263-309 g/kg Cel, 142-219 g/kg HC, 43-106 g/kg TSS, 60.9-64.1% DMD, RFV = 98-129, 12.03-12.61 MJ/kg DE, 9.88-10.35 MJ/kg ME, 5.89-6.37 MJ/kg NEl. The harvested fresh mass and the haylage prepared from the studied species can be used as substrates in biogas production via anaerobic digestion for renewable energy production, with carbon nitrogen (C/N) ratios 12-20. The biochemical methane potential reached 320-378 litre/kg organic matter. The investigated leguminous species are an important forage source for livestock, many birds, bees and entomophagous insects, and they are excellent plants for erosion control and for reseeding and increasing the economic value of permanent and temporary grasslands. The harvested biomass can be used as alternative fodder for farm animals or as substrates in biogas generators for the production of renewable energy.