Alsike Clover Research Articles

Screening Cover Crops for Utilization in Irrigated Vineyards: A Greenhouse Study on Species' Nitrogen Uptake and Carbon Sequestration Potential.

This study examines the potential of 23 plant species, comprising 10 legumes, 9 grasses, and 4 forbs, as cover crops to enhance carbon (C) sequestration and soil nitrogen (N) in vineyards. After a 120-day evaluation period, cover crop biomass was incorporated into the soil, and grapevine seedlings were planted in its place. Among the established cover crops, the C input potential ranged from 0.267 to 1.69 Mg ha-1, and the N input potential ranged from 12.3 to 114 kg ha-1. Legume species exhibited up to threefold greater shoot dry weight (SDW) compared to grass species. Ladino white clover, Dutch white clover, and Clover blend were superior in SDW, total dry weight (TDW), total C content, and total N content. Legumes exhibited slightly higher root dry weight (RDW) than grasses, with the exception of Fall rye leading at 15 g pot-1, followed by Ladino white clover and Dutch white clover at an average of 12 g pot-1. Legumes, particularly clover blend and Alsike clover, displayed high shoot N concentration at an average of 2.95%. Root N concentration in Legumes (Fabaceae) were significantly higher at 1.82% compared to other plant families at 0.89%, while their root C/N ratio was lower at 18.3, contrasting with others at 27.7, resulting in a faster turnover. Biomass production exhibited a negative relationship (R2 = 0.51) with soil residual NO3-. Fall rye, Winfred brassica, and buckwheat had the highest N utilization efficiency (NUtE) values (ava. 121 g g-1). Alsike clover, Ladino white clover, and clover blend showed the highest N uptake efficiency (NUpE) values (ava. 75%). The Readily Available N (RAN) Reliance Index (RANRI) is introduced as a novel indicator for quantifying the extent to which a plant relies on RAN for its total N requirement. The RANRI value represents the percentage of the plant's total N sourced from RAN, ranging from 11% for legumes to 86% for grasses. This implies a substantial influx of nitrogen through a pathway independent of RAN in legumes. Grape shoot N concentration positively correlated with soil NO3- (R2 = 0.31) and cover crop C/N ratio (R2 = 0.17) but negatively correlated with cover crop TDW (R2 = 0.31). This study highlights legume plants as more effective in C and N assimilation during establishment but cautions about potential soil mineral N depletion before reaching their full biological N fixation capacity.

Effects of landscape position on perennial biomass and food crop performance in buffer areas

AbstractDue to the environmental consequences of annual‐dominated cropping systems, there is an increasing need to identify agronomic strategies that incorporate perennial crops. One strategy for increasing perennial cover is through the targeted use of annually harvested perennial food and bioproduct crops in buffer strips, which has the potential to create new revenue streams for farmers and substantially mitigate agricultural nutrient pollution from conventional cropping systems. As buffers are typically installed on marginal land, it is critical to understand how landscape position influences the success of perennial crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the relatively early influence of landscape position on the productivity of a variety of perennial crops and their subsequent soil nutrients and soil water storing capabilities. In this experiment, nine perennial (alfalfa, alsike clover, indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, high‐diversity polyculture, low‐diversity polyculture) and two annual (corn, soybean) crops were planted across two landscape positions (hillslope and deposition). Plant biomass, plant tissue nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil NO3‐N and NH4‐N were measured and compared at two different locations in Minnesota. Overall, the polyculture mixes, and to some extent intermediate wheatgrass, performed the best with respect to biomass production while also providing ecosystem services across most soil by landscape position combinations tested in this study. However, there were some important findings specific to each soil and landscape position combination, mainly oriented toward biomass production. We also observed temporal patterns in soil moisture and depth‐related patterns in soil N reductions. This study presents an opportunity to optimize the use of perennial crops on marginal agricultural lands for improved environmental and economic benefit.

Evaluation of breeding forms and varieties of hybrid clover of different geographical origin in the conditions of the Central Black Earth Region

The aim of the research was to evaluate wild forms of hybrid clover (Trifolium hybridum L.) of di erent geographical origin in the year of sowing (the rst year of herbage life), in comparison with varieties, under conditions of unstable moisture in the Central Black Earth region. We studied 20 varieties and wild forms - varieties Novator (standard), Pervenets, Fregat, wild forms from the North- West, Central, Volgo- Vyatsky, Central Black Earth regions, Tatarstan, Chuvashia, Canada, etc.). The research was conducted in Belgorod region in two plots of collection nurseries in 2022-2023 on typical chernozem. The highest dry matter yield in the year of sowing (0.411…0.504 kg/m2) on average for two years possessed varieties Novator (standard) and Pervenets, as well as wild forms from Canada VIC 8, Tatarstan - VIC № 753, Moscow - M-2/21 and Belgorod - B-2/20 regions. The form M-2/21 is of particular value. With dry matter yield in the year of sowing in 2022 at the level of the standard (0.416 kg/m2) in 2023 the number provided a yield of 0.672 kg/m2, significantly exceeding the standard by 0.165 kg/m2, or 32.5 %. On average for two years, the samples showed signi cant morphological dissimilarity and variation in length of one stem (43.1…57.6 cm), weight of one stem (1.6…3.5 g), obliquity (26.5…50.1 %). When evaluating the forms of hybrid clover by productivity in the year of sowing, the most reliable evaluation traits include stem length (r=0.514) and stem weight (r=0.599), the degree of anthocyanin colouration of the stem (r=0.501) and leaf area (r=0.521).

Comparison of the variability and nitrogen-fixing activity of rhizobia strains isolated from <i>Trifolium Hybridum</i> L. and <i>Galegaorientalis</i> Lam. nodules at different stages of plant vegetation

BACKGROUND: The beginning of the life cycle of a leguminous plant in its natural habitat is usually associated with interaction with nodule bacteria in order to form a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. In a short period of time, a plant needs to “choose” suitable microsymbionts for itself. Since a wide variety of rhizobial strains is formed in the rhizosphere of legumes, the choice made by the macrosymbiont will further influence its productivity.
 AIM: The purpose of our work was to compare the principles of selection by different plants of their microsymbionts at different stages of plant development.
 MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nodule bacteria Trifolium hybridum L. and Galegaorientalis Lam. were taken into the study. Their genetic diversity was studied by the RAPD method, a phylogenetic analysis of bacteria and their symbiotic nodC and nifH genes was carried out, and their nitrogen-fixing activity was assessed.
 RESULTS: It was found that the rhizobia that form nodules on the roots of the studied leguminous plants at different stages of their vegetation have certain patterns. It was found that the highest polymorphism and specific nitrogen-fixing activity are characteristic of bacteria obtained from nodules formed at the initial stage of vegetation.
 CONCLUSIONS: We assume that the plasticity of the rhizobia genome gives the host plant the ability to more flexibly adjust its nitrogen-fixing apparatus to changes in growing conditions.

204 Evaluation of the Chemical Composition and Animal Performance of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) Regrowth for Potential Fall Grazing of Beef Cattle

Abstract This study assessed forage yield and chemical composition, feed intake, and performance of beef heifers grazing intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) regrowth post-grain harvest compared with a stockpiled grass/legume control in the late fall. Pastures were established in 2020 at Glenlea, MB, Canada and treatments were: 1) Courtenay tall fescue/Algonquin alfalfa/Oxley II cicer milkvetch (50:25:25; FORCON); 2) IWG, pure stand, no fertilizer post establishment (NFERT); 3) IWG, pure stand+50 kg N· ha-1 post-grain harvest (FERT); 4) IWG with Alsike clover (50:50; AL). The FORCON and IWG treatments were harvested in June (hay) and August (grain) 2021, respectively. Thirty-two beef heifers were assigned to eight paddocks, four heifers per paddock in a randomized complete block design with two blocks. Each block had four paddocks, each paddock receiving one of the four treatments. Heifers began grazing on Oct 6 for a 14-d adaptation period and a 22-d experimental period. Forage samples were obtained once every 2 weeks and analyzed for CP and TDN. Individual feed intake was estimated using the titanium oxide method with fecal samples collected on d 21 and 22 and pooled. Bodyweight and blood samples (blood urea nitrogen, BUN) were obtained on d 1 and d 22. Data were analyzed using a mixed model in R studio, with the fixed effect of forage treatment and the random effects of block and paddock. Forage yield and CP were greater for FORCON (3,515 kg· ha-1 and 14.9% DM, respectively) than the IWG treatments (mean 2778 kg· ha-1 and 12.83% DM, respectively), which did not differ (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.150, respectively). The TDN was less for FORCON (60.6% DM) than IWG treatments (mean 61.5% DM), which did not differ (P = 0.394). Dry matter, CP and TDN intake were lower for FORCON (7.91 kg· DM d-1, 1.15 kg· DM d-1, 4.98 kg· DM d-1, respectively) than IWG treatments (mean 8.54 kg· DM d-1, 1.16 kg· DM d-1, 5.44 kg DM d-1), which did not differ (P = 0.237, P = 0.218, P = 0.137, respectively). The ADG was less for FORCON (0.53 kg· d-1) than IWG treatments (mean 0.77 kg· d-1), with the greatest gains observed in IWG AL (0.90 kg d-1; P = 0.046). Blood urea nitrogen was greater for FORCON (3.95 mmol· L-1) than IWG treatments (mean 3.78 mmol· L-1), which did not differ (P = 0.203) on d 1. However, on d 22 the opposite response was observed with decreased BUN in FORCON (2.97 mmol ·L-1) than in IWG treatments (mean 3.51 mmol· L-1), which did not differ (P = 0.350). In conclusion, IWG offered comparable performance as a feed alternative to the conventional perennial grass/legume mix commonly used for extended grazing. However, the effects of fertilizer or legume on IWG may differ under different soil conditions due to high fertility at the experimental site.

Selection of rhizobial strains differing in their nodulation kinetics under low temperature in four temperate legume species

AbstractBackgroundWinter climate change including frequent freeze‐thaw episodes and shallow snow cover will have major impacts on the spring regrowth of perennial crops. Non‐bloating perennial forage legume species including sainfoin, birdsfoot trefoil, red clover, and alsike clover have been bred for their adaptation to harsh winter conditions. In parallel, the selection of cold‐tolerant rhizobial strains could allow earlier symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation to hasten spring regrowth of legumes.MethodsTo identify strains forming nodules rapidly and showing high N‐fixing potential, 60 rhizobial strains in association with four temperate legume species were evaluated over 11 weeks under spring soil temperatures for kinetics of nodule formation, nitrogenase activity, and host yield.ResultsStrains differed in their capacity to form efficient nodules on legume hosts over time. Strains showing higher nitrogenase activity were arctic strain N10 with sainfoin and strain L2 with birdsfoot trefoil. For clovers, nitrogenase activity was similar for control and inoculated plants, likely due to formation of effective nodules in controls by endophyte rhizobia present in seeds.ConclusionsSelection based on nodulation kinetics at low temperature, nitrogenase activity, and yield was effective to identify performant rhizobial strains for legume crops. The use of cold‐tolerant strains could help mitigate winter climatic changes.

A phytochemical study of the clover growing in Kuzbass

In addition to studying bioactive organic compounds in plants, it is increasingly important to determine the biological role of elements in plants growing in environmentally unfavorable areas. One of such regions in Russia is Kuzbass with its intensively developing chemical, metallurgical, and coal mining sectors. In this study, we assessed the plant materials of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.), and white clover (Trifolium repens L.) collected from their natural populations in Kuzbass.
 The qualitative and quantitative composition of heavy metals in the clover samples was determined voltammetrically. The contents of molybdenum and phosphorus were measured by the photocolorimetric method. Total nitrogen and protein were determined by the Kjeldahl method. Nickel, cobalt, and chromium were quantified by spectrophotometry.
 We analyzed the plant materials of the clover samples for heavy metals and found that the content of lead was the least in red clover and the highest in alsike clover. Copper varied in a larger range and was minimal in red clover compared to that in alsike and white clover. Zinc was found at higher concentrations of in white and red clover compared to that in alsike clover. The levels of cadmium exceeded the maximum permissible concentrations in all the clover samples. We also revealed that the clover samples contained different amounts of various amino acids, including arginine, valine, lysine, glycine, aspartic acid, and alanine.
 The plant materials of the clover species growing in Kuzbass can be used to improve the fertility of soil and nitrogen regime. However, the clover species should not be used in bulk feed for farm animals because of high concentrations of cadmium.

Pollinator visitation closely tracks diurnal patterns in pollen release.

Animal-pollinated plants face a high risk of pollen loss during its transfer. To limit the negative effect of pollen losses by pollen consumption and heterospecific transfer, plant species may adjust and stratify their pollen availability during the day (i.e., "schedule" their pollen presentation) and attract pollinators in specific time frames. We investigated diurnal patterns of pollen availability and pollinator visitation in three coflowering plant species: Succisa pratensis with open flowers and accessible pollen, pollinated mainly by pollen-feeding hoverflies; Centaurea jacea with open flowers and less accessible pollen, pollinated mainly by pollen-collecting bees; and Trifolium hybridum with closed flowers and pollen accessible only after the active opening of the flower, pollinated exclusively by bees. The three plant species differed in the peak pollen availability, tracked by the visitation activity of their pollinators. Succisa pratensis released all pollen in the morning, while pollinator activity was still low and peaked with a slight delay. In contrast, C. jacea and T. hybridum had distinct pollen presentation schedules, peaking in the early afternoon. The pollinator visitation to both of these species closely matched their pollen availability. Stratifying pollen availability to pollinators during the day may be one of several mechanisms that allow coflowering plants to share their pollinators and decrease the probability of heterospecific pollen transfer.

Biological Activities of Polar Extracts and Phytochemicals Isolated from Trifolium Hybridum L.

Biological Activities of Polar Extracts and Phytochemicals Isolated from Trifolium Hybridum L.

A villanypásztor két oldalán

Our studies were carried out in a water buffalo pasture of the Zámolyi basin, in the area of the Csíkvarsai meadow, in the bed of a former lake, which was drained in 2022, then dried up by autumn and it was grazed by domestic water buffalo. The grazed area was surrounded by an electric fence. The vegetation of this part of the area and part of the outside was surveyed on 19 of November. We took 3-3 coenological surveys in both separated areas. Based on the results, there were significant floristic and physiognomic differences in the vegetation. Among the clover species, species with ground-running stems (Trifolium repens and T. fragiferum) were dominant in the grazed area, but in the ungrazed area, there was a coherent plant population of 30-40 cm high, densely located alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum) in the lake bed. In addition, the occurrence of swamp pricklegrass (Crypsis schoenoides) was a floristic new discovery.Due to the loss of water coverage, several Trifolium species have become abundant in the area, which is a result of the germination properties of the species. The thick seed coats were cracked by the loss of the effect of the water coverage on temperature equalisation, and germination could have begun, resulting in a dominant species in the area. During the present study, we have seen a very impressive result of the analysis of the vegetation of the lake bed in autumn aspect in the Zámolyi Basin, which is the result of the impact of water buffalo grazing. The number of species was more significant in the grazed area. Moreover, floristic rarities have been found and as an indicator of grazing, species of different life form types were dominant within the same genus.

PHYTOEXTRACTION OF HEAVY METALS BY HERBAL PLANTS ON TECHNOGENIC SOILS

The purpose of the work is to study the specifics of the natural restoration of vegetation on highly toxic embryozems (on the example of the technogenic dump from the large chemical production «Usoliekhimprom», Irkutsk region). It was shown that organo-accumulative embryozem is the first stage of soil formation and the beginning of plant colonization. The level of technogenic soils pollution with heavy metals was assessed by a set of indicators, based on them, organo-accumulative embryozems were classified as soils with an extremely dangerous level of pollution. It was found that the first pioneers on these embryozems were 9 aboriginal species of herbaceous plants: Melilotus albus Medikus., Melilotus officinalis (L.) Pall., Trifolium hybridum L., Trifolium repens L., Trifolium pratense L., Vicia cracca L., Medicago sativa L., Sonchus arvensis L., Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Scop. A number of their unique features allow them to grow in conditions of very strong soil pollution – this is a high level heavy metals accumulation in phytomass, good adaptation of mineral nutrition to hard growing conditions, an increase in biomass during the growing season, and the absence of visual signs of damage. The obtained results give every reason to recommend these herbaceous plants for use as phytoextractors of heavy metals on technogenic dumps.

185 Evaluation of the Chemical Composition of Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum Intermedium) Regrowth for Potential Fall Grazing of Beef Cattle

Abstract This study evaluated the chemical composition of 3 intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) treatments compared with a grass/legume control for potential Fall grazing of beef cattle. Treatments were: 1) IWG, pure stand, no fertilizer post establishment (NFERT), 2) IWG, pure stand+50 kg N ha-1 annually post grain harvest (FERT), 3) IWG with Alsike clover (50:50; ACL), 4) Tall fescue/Algonquin alfalfa/Oxley II cicer milkvetch (50:25:25; FORCON). Small plots (4 replicates/treatment) were established in 2019 at 2 sites in Manitoba (Carman and Brandon). The IWG treatments were harvested in August for grain production and the regrowth sampled in October. The FORCON treatment was harvested annually in June and the regrowth stockpiled until October sampling. Forage samples were analyzed for crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN). Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS, with the fixed effects of treatment and location, with replicate within location nested as a random effect. For CP, in 2020 at Carman, FORCON was less (10.0%) than the IWG treatments, which, in turn, did not differ (mean 19.5%). At Brandon, the opposite response was observed with FORCON greater (11.5%) than the IWG treatments (mean 8.7%). In 2021 at Carman, FERT had greater CP (14.3%) than all other treatments, which, in turn, did not differ (mean 9.9%). At Brandon, FORCON was greatest in CP (15.8%), with ACL and NFERT least (mean 8.9%) and FERT intermediate. In terms of TDN, in 2020 at both sites, FORCON was less (mean 55.3%) than all IWG treatments, which, in turn, did not differ (mean 64.4%). In 2021 at Carman, FERT and FORCON were greater (mean 67.0%) than NFERT and ACL (mean 59.5%). In Brandon, FERT was greater than ACL and NFERT, with FORCON at an intermediate value. By the second production year, the fertility treatment significantly increased the nutritive value of the IWG treatments.

A Review of the Phytochemistry and Bioactivity of Clover Honeys (Trifolium spp.).

This review covers a comprehensive overview of the phytoconstituents and bioactivities reported to date for clover honeys produced from various Trifolium spp. against the backdrop of a more general discussion of the chemistry and bioactivity of these important agricultural species. While research into the phytochemical composition of various honeys and their associated bioactivities is growing, this review demonstrates that the literature to date has seen only a limited number of studies on clover honeys. Surprisingly, there appear to be no comparative data on the concentration of flavonoids in general or isoflavonoids specifically in different clover honeys, although the latter have been identified as a main group of bioactive compounds in red clover plants. Based on the findings of this review, the presence of phytoestrogenic isoflavonoids (e.g., formononetin, biochanin A, genistein, daidzein, glycitein) in clover plants and, by extension, in clover honeys should be further investigated, specifically of clover species outside the three popular perennial clovers (red, white and alsike clovers) to exploit new opportunities of potential benefit to both the pharmaceutical and apiculture industries.

Effect of soil capping depth on phosphogypsum stack revegetation.

Phosphogypsum is a by-product of the phosphorus fertilizer production process and is typically stacked at the production sites. These stacks can potentially pose environmental hazards, which can be substantially reduced through reclamation by capping with soil and revegetation upon decommissioning. We conducted a study on a phosphogypsum stack using five soil capping depths (8, 15, 30, 46, 91cm), an uncapped treatment, and five vegetation treatments (monocultures of four grass species Agrostis stolonifera L., Festuca ovina L., Deschampsia caespitosa (L.) Beauv., Agropyron trachycaulum (Link) Malte ex H.F. Lewis and one mix of the four species with Trifolium hybridum L.) to assess plant growth, health, rooting characteristics, and trace element uptake. Cobalt and nickel concentrations in plant tissue from plots with ≥ 15cm soil capping were within ranges found at reference sites, whereas fluorine was three times elevated. Vegetation cover was significantly greater on capped than uncapped plots, being greatest for Agropyron trachycaulum (26%) and Festuca ovina (26%). Capping depths ≥ 15cm had greater cover, biomass, and healthy plants than the 8cm cover. Soil water content was similar in the 15-46cm capping depth, with the lowest in the 91-cm caps. Fluorine, cobalt, and nickel were elevated in select plant tissue samples on the research plots relative to references, and cap depth affected tissue fluorine and cobalt concentrations but not nickel. Concentrations of these trace elements were lower than maximum tolerable levels for animal consumption. From this 5-year study, Agropyron trachycaulum and Festuca ovina and a soil cover depth of ≥ 15cm are recommended for reclamation of phosphogypsum stacks.

Can novel seed mixes provide a more diverse, abundant, earlier, and longer-lasting floral resource for bees than current mixes?

Several agri-environment schemes aim to improve pollinator diversity and abundance, including the sowing of wildflower areas. These seed mixes are often either low in floral diversity and target few pollinator species (mainly social bees), or high in floral diversity but with limited evidence of good establishment of the component species. In order to support a greater diversity of wild bees in farmland, we need more diverse seed mixes, containing species shown to support a wide diversity of insect pollinators, with good establishment and long flowering periods. Here we trialled two typical seed mixes, a low-diversity Fabaceae-heavy mix (FAB) and a more diverse wildflower mix (WF), against two novel wildflower mixes, one based on literature sources (LT), and one based on first-hand surveys of pollinator attraction to flowers growing on a wildflower farm (WB). Both new mixes were focussed on plants attractive to wild bee species. Replicated field plots were set up on two farms and monitored over three years. Our novel wildflower mixes had higher floral diversity and abundance than the FAB mix, and began flowering earlier, reaching their floral peak before the FAB mix, potentially providing forage for a broader range of pollinators or those with earlier flight seasons. The high floral abundance in LT and WB was driven by annuals in the first year, and then multiple perennials in the second and third year. We identified five perennials from four families (Daucus carota, Leucanthemum vulgare, Geranium pyrenaicum, Lotus corniculatus and Trifolium hybridum) that established well on both farms, are known to be attractive to a diversity of bee species, and thus could be considered as providing a more taxonomically diverse base for creating future mixes. However, the mixes provided few floral resources in April (needed by early-flying wild bees), and more research is required in this area.

Trifolium hybridum (alsike clover)

This datasheet on Trifolium hybridum covers Identity, Overview, Distribution, Dispersal, Hosts/Species Affected, Diagnosis, Biology & Ecology, Environmental Requirements, Natural Enemies, Impacts, Uses, Prevention/Control, Further Information.

Comparison of chemical composition and nutritive values of some clover species

This study was carried out to compare the chemical composition and nutritive value of some clover species, especially common in the rangelands of the Mediterranean region. For this purpose, clover species (Trifolium angustifolium, Trifolium cherleri, Trifolium hybridum, Trifolium lappaceum, Trifolium nigrescens, Trifolium pilulare, Trifolium resupinatum, Trifolium scabrum, Trifolium spumosum and Trifolium tomentosum) were collected from ten different points in Hatay Mustafa Kemal University campus pasture. To determine the chemical composition of collected clover species, crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose (Hcel) and cellulose (Cel) contents were investigated. In addition, dry matter digestibility (DMD), dry matter intake (DMI), relative feed value (RFV) and net energy lactation (NEL) characteristics were calculated in order to determine the nutritional value of clovers. Differences among species in terms of all features examined were found to be statistically significant. CA, CP, NDF, ADF, ADL, Hcel and Cel contents of species varied between 5.36% and 9.85%, 18.47% and 22.05%, 30.31% and 49.80%, 21.32% and 34.28, 3.25% and 5.04, 8.99% and 15.97% and 18.07% and 30.38, respectively. It was determined that the values of DMD, DMI, RFV and NEL properties calculated for the nutritive values of these plants varied between 62.20-72.29%, 2.41-3.97%, 116.20-222.18 and 1.40-1.74%, respectively. When the results obtained from the study were evaluated collectively, it was determined that T. resupinatum and T. hybridum offered a superior nutrient content and nutritional value compared to other species.

Seasonal content of heavy metals in the "soil-feed-milk-manure" system in horse husbandry in Kazakhstan.

Background and Aim:The quality of food, especially animal-based food, is crucial for human health. However, the quality of milk and other animal products has become an acute cause for concern in Kazakhstan. Technogenic dispersion of heavy metals (HMs) causes adverse effects on living organisms and creates unfavorable conditions for the existence of humans, animals, and plants. The purpose of this study was to analyze the content of several HMs in samples of soil, horse feed (hay, mixed feed, and bran), mare’s milk, and manure to assess bioaccumulation and possible adverse effects on the bodies of horses. An additional purpose was to identify areas with acceptable conditions for obtaining environmentally safe horse breeding products in the agricultural zones of the Almaty region, Kazakhstan.Materials and Methods:Samples were obtained from two farms in the Almaty region in 2020 (spring, summer, and autumn). In total, 72 soil samples were analyzed, which were taken from the upper humus horizon to the depth of the arable layer. Eighty-six samples were taken from the feed of horses. Green feed was represented by perennial and annual grasses (alsike clover, Medicago sativa, sweet yellow clover, as well as pea and oat mix). Barley and wheat bran stored in the warehouses of the farm were sampled for the research as feed supplements. The mixed feed comprised components such as maize and sunflower. In addition, 46 samples of mare’s milk and 28 samples of horse manure were collected. The HM analysis was performed in the laboratory of the Kazakh-Japanese Innovation Center. The residual amounts of HMs were determined using an absorption spectrometer with a voltammetric analyzer. The content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in all the studied samples of soil, feed, mare’s milk, and manure did not exceed the threshold limit values (TLVs), suggesting that the intake of these toxic elements into the human body with food was low.Results:The average Cd concentration was in the range of 0.29-0.31 mg/kg in soil samples and in the range of 0.20-0.27 mg/kg in feed samples. In milk, the Cd concentration varied from 0.01 to 0.02 mg/L and was lower in summer and higher in fall. The total average Cd content in horse manure was 0.1844 mg/kg. The concentration of Pb in soil samples ranged from 1.09 to 1.30 mg/kg with the lowest value in spring and the highest in fall. In the feed, the concentration of Pb varied from 0.14 to 0.76 mg/kg and in milk from 0.03 to 0.15 mg/L. The average concentrations of Hg and As in soil samples averaged 0.022 and 0.019 mg/kg, respectively, and were within the TLVs.Conclusion:In the study areas, the calculated transition rates in the soil–feed–milk–manure system revealed that the greatest transition of HMs was observed for Pb and Cd, and a smaller migration was observed for Hg and As. The tendency of accumulation of trace elements continued in the feed.

Clover Species Specific Influence on Microbial Abundance and Associated Enzyme Activities in Rhizosphere and Non-Rhizosphere Soils

Legume cultivation, especially the clover species, has shown promoting effects on soil biological properties. However, the ways in which various clover species contribute to beneficial plant-rhizosphere soil interactions have remained neglected in the past. Therefore, we performed a field experiment to assess and compare the species-specific influence of five different clover species on plant traits, microbial soil health indicators, namely soil enzymes, microbial biomass and abundance and their potential nutrient cycling abilities under rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils. For this, soil samples from bulk soil and rhizosphere of each clover species were collected and analyzed for soil enzymes including β-glucosidase, arylsulfatase, phosphatase, N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, and urease and microbial communities’ abundance. Results revealed that the soil biological properties were more affected in the rhizosoil than in the bulk soil, although the individual legume crop variants differed in the rate and extent of the differential impact on either rhizosoil or bulk soil. The most significantly affected species-specific properties were ammonium oxidizing bacteria and phosphorus-solubilizing microbiota in the rhizosoil of white clover and alsike clover variants, whereas the least impact was exerted by sweet clover. The biological properties of rhizosoil showed a significant effect on the plant qualitative and quantitative properties. We further detected antagonism among N and P + K transfer from the rhizosoil to plants, which influenced above ground and root biomass. Overall, these results suggest that the positive effects of clover species cultivation on rhizosphere soil properties are species specific.

Value of integrating perennial forage seed crops in annual cropping sequences

AbstractCropping sequences integrating perennial forages and annual crops can generate multidimensional agroeconomic and environmental benefits. A 4‐yr cropping sequence study was conducted from 2013 to 2016 to evaluate the relative merits of various cropping sequences. Three forage seed crops (creeping red fescue [Festuca rubra L.], alsike clover [Trifolium hybridum L.], and red clover [Trifolium pratense L.]) and four annual food crops (wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], canola [Brassica napus L.], barley [Hordeum vulgare L.], and pea [Pisum sativum L.]) were used to generate eight different cropping sequence treatments, which were split into three levels of nitrogen (N): 0, 45, and 90 kg ha−1. The seed yields of different crops were expressed as canola equivalent yield (CEY) and summed for 4‐yr cropping sequences. Economic benefits for 4‐yr cropping sequences were calculated using the input–output price scenarios of individual years. The highest CEY, gross return, and gross margin over partial variable costs were obtained from creeping red fescue‐based cropping sequences, irrespective of N application rates. Based on CEY and gross margins, the merit order is ranked as creeping red fescue‐based sequences > high diversity annual crop sequences ≈ alsike clover‐based sequence ≈ wheat–canola alternating sequence > continuous canola sequence. The clover‐based sequences had positive effects on the performance of succeeding crops of wheat and canola. Among the annual crop‐based sequences, economic profitability increased with the diversification from continuous canola through wheat–canola alternation to pea–barley–wheat–canola in the sequence. Further study investigating soil health and greenhouse gas emissions parameters is warranted to elucidate multidimensional agroecosystem services of diversified perennial forage seed crop‐based cropping sequences compared with annual crops‐based sequences.