Research on the Influence of Fertilization System on the Production and Sustainability of Temporary Grasslands from Romania

Abstract

The analysis of the impact of the organic and mineral fertilization systems on the production and sustainability of the temporary grasslands in Romania represents a decisive step in establishing the optimal management in such a technology. The purpose of this research is to determine the influence of these two types of fertilization on hay production, floristic structure, chemical composition–nutritional quality, economic efficiency, and sustainability, in order to improve the cultural technology. The study was carried out in the area of Horezu, Romania. A mixture of five fodder plants was used in the study—Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Festuca pratensis, Lolium perenne, and Lotus corniculatus—which were sown in two fertilization systems: mineral and organic. The research was carried out between 2017 and 2020, very different years from a climatic point of view. The year 2017 was used to establish the autumn experience, so it is incomplete and was not used in the interpretation of the obtained results. The results of our research contribute to the implementation of better technology for the cultivation of temporary grasslands because the statistical interpretation established that they are significant for all the objectives pursued: production, floristic and chemical composition, and economic efficiency. We recommend small farmers reconsider the use of an organic fertilization system, as they can achieve maximum efficiency, improvement of all physical and chemical properties of the soil, and reduction of feed contamination.