Abstract
To improve sward efficiency and maintain high feed quality in organic farming—as well as compensate for yield losses under anticipated drought periods—alternative fertilization practices should be considered. In this context, this study aimed to assess the response to summer drought of grass–clover sward in organic cultivation under various conditions of foliar fertilization with silicon (Si) (without Si, Si applied with multicomponent fertilizer Herbagreen, Si applied with growth stimulator Optysil). The research was conducted at the certified organic field in the 3rd, 4th and 5th year of mowing utilization (from 2015 to 2017). The studies demonstrated a beneficial effect of Si application on the yield of the grass–clover sward, especially under multicomponent fertilizer. Both fertilizers increased roots mass, but growth stimulator (containing mainly Si) had a stronger impact, especially with rainfall scarcity. In such conditions the application of Si decreased flavones concentration in plants and increased values of chlorophyll index. This study also indicated the potential for applying Si fertilizers to improve content of nutrients (crude protein, organic matter digestibility, potassium and phosphorus) in the sward. The results of presented studies may be used in fertilization practice of organic crop for enhancing sward productivity and to compensate for yield losses under condition of rainfall deficiency.
Highlights
Summer droughts observed in recent years because of global climate change are a serious agronomic problem
We focused on the following questions: (1) How does grass–clover sward as well as belowground biomass of plants in organic cultivation respond to silicon fertilization under summer drought? (2) Are the values of the physiological parameters of Lolium perenne and Trifolium pratense under the influence of silicon-containing fertilizers similar in case of rainfall deficiency? (3) How does silicon fertilization affect the content of nutrients in sward of temporary grassland in organic farming?
High temperature and lack of rainfall in the first half of August and low rainfall in September strongly limited the third regrowth of plants
Summary
Summer droughts observed in recent years because of global climate change are a serious agronomic problem. They are the most important factor contributing to crop yield losses on grasslands. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1007 as soil type, pre-drought climatic conditions and the intensity of management [1,2]. According to Vogel et al [4], low mowing frequency increases drought resistance of plants. The number of species and aboveground biomass are positively related even under drought conditions, which shows that biomass yield is higher the more diverse a plant community is. Low management intensity is more important for high resistance against drought than species richness
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