Sida Hermaphrodita Research Articles

Digestibility and palatability of Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita R.) silage in sheep.

The aim of the current study is to evaluate Virginia fanpetals silage based on an apparent digestibility and palatability test performed on six adult rams. Alfalfa silage was used as standard forage for comparison. Virginia fanpetals samples were harvested in the bud-formation stage and alfalfa samples were harvested in the late bud stage. Virginia fanpetals silage had a crude protein (CP) content of 176 g kg dry matter (DM), a neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of 378 g kg DM, and a lignin content of 42.8 g kg DM. Virginia fanpetals silage had higher acidity (pH of 4.30) and was characterized by intense lactic acid fermentation compared with alfalfa silage (80 % vs. 51 % of the total acids). The digestibility coefficient of Virginia fanpetals silage was as follows: for DM it was 0.707, for organic matter (OM) it was 0.724, for CP it was 0.861, and for NDF it was 0.609. In comparison with alfalfa silage, Virginia fanpetals silage was characterized by higher apparent digestibility of nutrients, but a significant difference was noted only for CP. The voluntary intake of Virginia fanpetals silage was significantly higher than that of alfalfa silage (1427.4 vs. 954 g DM). The greatest differences in voluntary intake were observed 0–2 and 8–12 h after feeding. Virginia fanpetals silage had a chemical composition similar to that of alfalfa, but it was characterized by a more desirable fermentation pattern and higher digestibility, and it was more willingly consumed by rams. The present findings indicate that Virginia fanpetals silage can be fed to sheep.

Assessment of Quality Indicators of Pressed Biofuel Produced from Coarse Herbaceous Plants and Determination of the Influence of Moisture on the Properties of Pellets

Three coarse herbaceous energy plants—such as Miscanthus (Miscanthus sinensis), sida (Sida hermaphrodita Rusby) and cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.)—were grown and investigated in the experimental fields of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, and the technical means of plant processing and utilization for solid biofuel were investigated. The physical–mechanical properties and quality indicators (moisture content, biometrical properties, density, and resistance to compression) of coarse stem herbaceous plants milled and compressed into 6 mm diameter pellets were investigated. The moisture content of the tested pellets was sufficiently low and ranged from 8.7% to 9.6%. The highest density was that of sida pellets (1072.3 ± 43.4 kg m−3 DM), and the lowest density was that of Miscanthus pellets (713.5 ± 67.1 kg m−3 DM). In order to evaluate the influence of moisture content on the properties of biofuel pressed into pellets, the density and the destructive compressive force of the different-moisture pellets were investigated and their change in the range of 5–15% pellet moisture content was evaluated. Criterion k was calculated to determine the effect of moisture on the pellet quality indicators (density, destructive compressive force, and lower heating value), and the following results were obtained: the highest influence of moisture on density was observed in sida (k = 34.280), on destructive compressive force in Miscanthus (k = 14.5), and on the lower heating value, also in Miscanthus (k = 0.198). After a comprehensive investigation and evaluation of these properties, an empirical model suitable for practical use was developed and prepared. Emissions of harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, were determined when various coarse stem herbaceous energy plants were burned. The determined emissions of harmful gases into the environment did not exceed the permissible values.

Effects of Red Mud on Plant Growth in an Artificial Soil Mixture

Transforming economies towards the increased circular use of raw materials and keeping resource consumption within planetary boundaries is a major challenge. In our previous research, we utilized sewage sludge to produce artificial soil mixtures well-suited to the biological recultivation of degraded areas. The present study investigated how we can integrate red mud, often considered waste, into this circular management form. With red mud volume ratios of 15% and 30%, we experienced good germination and growth in Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila L.), white poplar (Populus alba L.), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and the perennial multipurpose crop, Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita L.). Our results indicate that it is worthwhile to scale up this cheap, economically and ecologically favourable combined waste recovery and mine reclamation technology and to expand its use to fullscale operation.

Fatty Acid Profile of Intramuscular Fat in the Longissimus Lumborum and Semimembranosus Muscles of Bulls Fed Diets Based on Virginia Fanpetals, Grass and Maize Silages

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita) silage on the fatty acid profile and the content of selected nutrients and vitamins in the Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles of young bulls. Forty Polish Holstein-Friesian bulls aged 16 months were assigned to four dietary treatments (n=10) and were fed different types of silage during a 7-month fattening period. The proportion (g/kg dry matter) of silage in the diets was as follows: (1) grass silage (GS) (600); (2) Virginia fanpetals silage (VFS) (600); (3) VFS (300) and GS (300); and (4) VFS (300) and maize silage (MS) (300). Silage was supplemented with concentrate at 400 g/kg DM in each diet. The animals were slaughtered at the end of the fattening period. The intramuscular fat (IMF) of bulls fed GS had the highest (P<0.05) concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and linolenic acid (LNA), whereas the IMF of bulls receiving GS and VFS was characterized by the highest proportion of MUFAs, mostly oleic acid (C18:1 cis 9). In comparison with the LL muscle, the SM muscle contained less IMF (by 40%) with a more nutritionally desirable profile. The SM muscle was characterized by a more desirable mineral composition and a higher concentration of α-tocopherol.

Harvesting Technologies and Costs of Biomass Production from Energy Crops Cultivated on Farms in the Małopolska Region

This study aimed to assess biomass production costs from perennial energy crops, such as Miscanthus giganteus, Sida hermaphrodita, and coppiced willow, in selected agricultural holdings. This assessment was based on applied technologies for harvesting the biomass of the energy crops mentioned above. The scope of the study included research on ten farms located in Małopolska and establishing the possibility of biomass production from selected energy crops in these entities. Biomass production costs have been estimated using the computer application “Bioalkylation”. The result of the research was the answer to the question: what can be the cost range of biomass production from perennial energy crops for the crops Miscanthus giganteus, Sida hermaphrodita, and coppiced willow as the most popular plants? The study shows that production costs depend primarily on the harvesting technology used and the machinery used in the farm. The harvest with rotary mowers, small presses, and windrows was applied regarding Miscanthus giganteus and Sida hermaphrodita. The costs of biomass production were, on average, 424.7 EUR ha−1 for Miscanthus giganteus and 278.9 EUR ha−1 for Sida hermaphrodita. Concerning tonne, this was 37.6 EUR t−1 for Miscanthus giganteus and 30.0 EUR t−1 for Sida hermaphrodita, respectively. In the case of harvesting energy willow, in the form of whole shoots, inefficient and labour-intensive technologies using chainsaws and combustion cutters were applied. The biomass production costs were thus the highest among the assessed plants and amounted, on average, to 612.1 EUR ha−1, which in terms of tonne corresponded to a value of 30.6 EUR. The obtained results and the analysis presented in the paper may help in planning the cultivation of perennial energy crops in order to obtain biomass used for heating purposes on a farm.

Alternaria alternata as a Seed-Transmitted Pathogen of Sida hermaphrodita (Malvaceae) and Its Suppression by Aureobasidium pullulans

Background: Sida hermaphrodita (Virginia fanpetals) was introduced to Poland nearly 70 years ago as a potential fodder plant, and it is gaining importance as an energy crop. Alternaria alternata transmitted by seeds may exert a negative effect on the health of Virginia fanpetals plants. Methods: The virulence of the A. alternata pathogen, isolated from Virginia fanpetals seeds, was tested on detached leaves of Virginia fanpetals plants. The isolates were identified as A. alternata based on partial sequence analysis of Alta1, TEF1a and gdp genes and the ITS 1–5.8SrDNA–ITS 2 region. Pathogen transmission from seeds to seedlings and the influence of seed dressing with a suspension of Aureobasidium pullulans on seedling health were analyzed in a greenhouse experiment. Results: Three of the nine analyzed A. alternata isolates were highly pathogenic for S. hermaphrodita. The initial symptoms of leaf infection were small, round dark brown or black spots which grew into larger dark brown spots surrounded by a chlorotic halo. Alternaria alternata was re-isolated from inoculated plants and was identified as the causal agent of Alternaria leaf spot disease. In the greenhouse experiment, S. hermaphrodita seeds dressed with a suspension of A. pullulans and inoculated with A. alternata produced a higher number of seedlings with a higher health status than non-dressed seeds. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that A. alternata is transmitted from infected S. hermaphrodita seeds to developing plants and biological control limits this phenomenon.

Comparison of thermochemical conversion and anaerobic digestion of perennial flower-rich herbaceous wild plant species for bioenergy production

The combustion quality of three perennial wild plant species Tanacetum vulgare L., Centaurea nigra L. and Artemisia vulgaris L. was investigated in comparison to the energy yield obtained from anaerobic digestions of these biomasses. Combustion resulted in 1.5–2.8 times higher energy yield compared to anaerobic digestion. All wild plants showed a similar higher heating value to Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter and Panicum virgatum L. (16.0–17.0 MJ kg−1). The ash-melting behavior of all wild plants was like Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby, since the ash did not sinter at 1200 °C. However, Artemisia vulgaris L. had highest ash content (5.2–5.7% of dry matter) with a low ash melting behavior (1000 °C) attributed to a high potassium content and calculated phase composition. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to select the wild plants to meet the requirements for their use as solid biofuels in residential and commercial applications.

The Quality, Intake, and Digestibility of Virginia Fanpetals (Sidahermaphrodita L. Rusby) Silage Produced under Different Technologies and Its Effect on the Performance of Young Cattle.

Simple SummaryCompetition for high-quality arable land has prompted a search for alternative forage crops. For example, Virginia fanpetals is a high-yielding perennial plant with low soil requirements. Due to its chemical composition, it can be a valuable component of ruminant diets. Previous research has shown that it cannot be used for hay production, and the natural moisture content of silage was unsatisfactory. Laboratory analyses suggest that the quality and feed value of Virginia fanpetals silage may be affected by harvesting and preservation methods. However, to date, most studies have focused on the nutritional value of Virginia fanpetals silage and its inclusion in animal diets. Therefore, the present study investigated different harvesting and preservation methods, such as direct-cut harvesting with a forage harvester, and harvesting after field wilting with a forage harvester or a round baler. The quality parameters, intake and digestibility of silage, and the performance of growing bulls, fed the experimental silage, as the sole forage was evaluated. It was discovered that the highest-quality silage was produced when herbage was harvested with a forage harvester after field wilting.Different harvesting and preservation methods of Virginia fanpetals herbage were evaluated, based on the chemical composition and digestible organic matter (OM) content (D-value) of silage fed to adult sheep, the intake and digestibility of silage, and the performance of young cattle. The following harvesting methods were compared: direct-cut harvesting with a precision-cut forage harvester (DC), harvesting after field wilting with a precision-cut forage harvester (WC) or a round baler (WRB). The silage was fed for 81 days to 24 Polish Holstein Friesian (HF) bulls, as the sole forage supplemented with 3.0 kg of concentrate/head/day. Harvesting methods affected the density (p < 0.001) and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (p = 0.047). Differences were found among the groups in the digestibility coefficients of OM (DC-73.7, WC-78.9, WRB-79.9%) (p = 0.007), and crude protein (CP) (69.8%, 77.1%, 78.5%, respectively) (p < 0.001). Dry matter intake (DMI) reached 8.38 kg (DC), 8.74 kg (WC) and 7.21 kg (WRB). Live weight gain (LWG) differed (p < 0.001) among groups (0.939, 1.033, 0.813 kg/day, respectively). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) tended to improve in WC (8.66 kg DMI/kg LWG) (p = 0.08). The highest-quality silage was produced in group WC, and it could be successfully fed to growing bulls as the sole forage.

New energy crop alternatives for Northern Europe: Yield, chemical and physical properties of Giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis var. ‘Igniscum’) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita)

New energy crops adapted to northern conditions of Europe can broaden the portfolio of agricultural based biofuel options in an area with currently few alternatives. This study evaluates two energy crops, giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis var. ‘Igniscum’) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita), as possible biomass feedstocks for biofuels in southern Finland. The collected data includes yield productivity, physical and chemical properties, and energy content. The dry matter yield of giant knotweed ranges from 5.41 odt·ha−1 to 27.67 odt·ha−1, whereas Virginia mallow ranges from 6.72 odt·ha−1 to 16.72 odt·ha−1. Pellets from both crops meet the requirements regarding standards. Giant knotweed presents a bulk density of 677.71 kg·m−3 and Virginia mallow 725.18 kg·m−3. The results of mechanical durability of giant knotweed do not exceed the minimum threshold of the standards, with 96.73 w-%, while Virginia mallow is 92.86 w-%. The analysis of the ash content results in 1.5% for giant knotweed and 2.19% for Virginia mallow. The quantities of chlorine (Cl) and sulphur (S) are below the recommended thresholds. Finally, the energy content with moisture content of 5 w-% of giant knotweed and Virginia mallow were 19.97 MJ·kg−1 and 19.68 MJ·kg−1, respectively. Both crops prove are valid alternatives in the climatic and soil conditions of Northern Europe.

Wieloletnie użytkowanie ślazowca pensylwańskiego – wartościowego źródła biomasy

Next-generation biomass feedstocks are needed to optimize sustainability in a wide range of soils and climates. Species that has been recently noticed in Europe is Virginia fanpetals (Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby). A critical question with research of this species is its field propagation. A long-term (2003–2012), field experiment was conducted to determine the impact of propagation method on yields and productivity this species. The hypothesis was higher yields of S. hermaphrodita biomass from vegetative propagations than from generative propagations, also over the long term. On average, from first 10 years of lifespan of Virginia fanpetals (2003–2012), biomass dry matter (DM) yields were significantly higher by vegetative propagation (16.8 Mg ha–1) as for generative (10.9 Mg ha–1). The average gross energy yield obtained by the vegetative propagation reached 304 GJ ha–1 while by the generative propagation was 196 GJ ha–1. The determined heat of combustion reached 18.1 GJ Mg–1 DM, the ash content was 28 g kg–1, and the nitrogen (N), sulphur (S), and chlorine (Cl) contents were 1.9 g kg–1, 0.52 g kg–1 and 0.23 g kg–1, respectively, regardless of propagation methods.

Meadow hay, Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L. as potential non-wood raw materials for the pulp and paper industry

While the demand for paper and packaging material is increasing, industry and consumers are searching for more sustainable raw materials. This study evaluates three non-wood perennials to find alternative raw materials for the paper and pulp industry. Meadow hay, cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) are attracting attention as potential raw materials for the bioeconomy due to biodiversity benefits, low fertilizer requirements as well as high yields. For the first time a detailed view on their fibre morphology and use as paper feedstock is given. After three different mechanical grinding methods, the plant material was screened, pulped in NaOH and beaten in a PFI mill. Birch fibre has been chosen as short-fibre control and blend base. Hand-sheets with different pulp blends of birch and one of the three raw materials were made, and paper properties were measured. For meadow hay, Virginia mallow and cup plant fibre lengths of 0.5, 1.3, and 0.9 mm were measured. Therefore, all perennial plant materials have comparable fibre lengths to hardwoods. Meadow hay blends with birch pulp percentages of 50 % and 75 % generated higher paper strength compared to the pure birch paper at a beating intensity of 5000 revolutions (PFI). The paper strength of cup plant and Virginia mallow blends is comparable to the strength of the birch control. Due to these promising results, all analyzed raw materials could find their application, especially in the growing area of sustainable packaging materials.

Physiological status and biomass yield of Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby cultivated on two distinct marginal lands in Southern and Northern Poland

Under EU legislation, energy crops must be grown on marginal land. Sida hermaphrodita L. Rusby is one of the promising perennial energy crops. The study aimed to investigate the physiological status of S. hermaphrodita mature plantations growing on two different marginal lands - one contaminated with heavy metals (M) and one nutrient-poor sandy soil (NM). On the second marginal land, two different harvesting practices have been carried out since establishment: one harvest (NM1) and two repeated harvests (NM2) of biomass each year before the experiment. Measurements were made of gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence, plant pigment content, canopy architecture, growth parameters, and biomass yield. A higher biomass yield (2-fold) was found on the M site compared with both treatments on the NM site. It could be concluded that soil quality was the main reason for the higher yield at M site. S. hermpaphrodita being a heavy metal excluding plant is a more suitable option for fertile but heavy metal polluted soils than nutrient-poor soils, however, biomass quality should be further investigated.

Promotion of ground beetles by integrating perennial energy crops into existing agricultural landscapes

Perennial energy crops as an alternative to maize (Zea mays L.) have the potential to promote biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. Ground beetle (Carabidae) assemblages of cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.), Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita L.) and tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum Podp.) were assessed in four replicated field trials in Bavaria and compared to an annual crop rotation (winter rye (Secale cereale L.)), maize, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)). Additionally ground beetle fauna in cup plant was compared to that in maize on fields under real farm conditions at six sites in Bavaria with widely diverging soil–climate conditions. Ground beetles were collected in pitfall traps in winter (one field trial), spring (four field trials) and summer (six fields) in 2017.Overall, results for activity density and species richness of ground beetles under perennials compared to annuals were site-specific and there were no pronounced differences of species compositions.The highest activity density of seed-eating ground beetles occurred in Virginia mallow, which was invaded by weeds. Some indication of benefits for hibernation and larval development in cup plant were found. Tall wheat-grass had the lowest ground beetle diversity and activity density of all crops. Species accumulation curves on farmed fields in summer indicated higher species richness of ground beetle fauna in cup plant than in maize. Diversification of cultivated plants with perennial energy crops can provide additional niches for ground beetles, such as undisturbed soil. Effects, however, varied with site and species/genus in a complex manner.

Environmental competitiveness evaluation by life cycle assessment for solid fuels generated from Sida hermaphrodita biomass

As part of a comprehensive evaluation of the use of Sida hermaphrodita (hereafter referred to as Sida) biomass as a solid biofuel, a life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO 14040/14044 was carried out by means of a suitable cradle-to-gate system design. The supply and use of chips, pellets and briquettes was studied by internal and external comparisons to show competitiveness and improvement options. The results show fewer differences within the Sida process chain designs but larger distinctions to compared alternative biofuels such as wood or Miscanthus pellets. A major finding is that Sida process chains cause lower environmental impacts in comparison with alternative biofuels. The study identified hot spots within the Sida process chains and starting points for further improvement. A sensitivity analysis of important parameters, such as specific yield or heating values was performed. Because there are no similar investigations on the environmental impact of Sida used as a biogenic solid fuel to date this manuscript presents first results. So far, the results indicate that Sida provides a more sustainable option for the use of biomass in combustion processes in relation to environmental impacts.

Assessment of photosynthetic productivity of new perennial forage crops in forest-steppe conditions of Western Siberia

The article presents the results of six years of experience in comparative evaluation of perennial forage crops (Sida hermaphrodita Rusby., Silphium perfoliatum L., Polygonum divaricatun L., Polygonum weyrichii Fr. Schmidt, Helianthus tuberosus L., Rhaponticum carthamoides (Willd.), Symphytum asperum Lep., Urtica dioica L., Isatis tinctoria L., Rumex tianschanicus L. × Rumex patientia L.) on parameters of photosynthetic activity and dry matter yield in the forest-steppe conditions of Western Siberia. These crops are characterized by environmental plasticity, longevity (up to 25 years), high productivity (30-100 t/ha of green mass). And they have a versatile economic use. The experiment’s purpose is to assess the potential of crop cultivation and recommend species for inclusion in the regional cropping system. It was found that the largest area indicators of the assimilable apparatus (131.4-149.3 thousand m2 / ha) and photosynthetic potential (4.5–4.6 million m2 day/ha) were in S. hermaphrodita and S. perfoliatum crops, which exceeded the maize values by 1.2–2.4 times. A significant increase in leaf area in these crops contributed to a 23% decrease in net photosynthesis productivity compared to maize. By collecting dry matter for two mowings, these crops surpassed maize by 65-85% with a relatively high indicator of EER PAR (1.2 - 1.4%).

Thermochemical properties of energy crop species planted in Slovakia

In the last decades, a new phenomenon has arisen in connection with temporary or permanent non-use of land for agricultural activity, namely the cultivation of energy crops in these localities, because of growing demand for biomass as a fuel. Farmers are expected to sell energy crops and the fuels they produce, both at home and in the surrounding countries. To choose economically efficient energy crop species to cultivate, the thermochemical parameters of the crop should be used to support decision-making process of farmers. This paper summarizes the results of small-scale laboratory tests of three energy crop species planted in Slovakia – Sida hermaphrodita, Arundo donax, and Miscanthus × giganteus – used for determination of thermal and chemical properties of the energy crop species to evaluate their suitability for energy purposes. The most suitable species for energy purposes was found to be Miscanthus × giganteus with higher heating value of 19.6 MJ/kg, lower heating value of 14.8 MJ/kg (at moisture content of 17%), and ash mass of 2.67% dry mass (d.m.). From a lignin mass and activation energy point of view, the most suitable for energy purposes was Arundo donax, with a lignin mass of 20.5% d.m. and an activation energy of 124.2 kJ/mol.

Glyphosate Toxicity to Native Nontarget Macrophytes Following Three Different Routes of Incidental Exposure.

ABSTRACTA major goal of invasive plant management is the restoration of native biodiversity, but effective methods for invasive plant control can be harmful to native plants. Informed application of control methods is required to reach restoration goals. The herbicide glyphosate, commonly applied in invasive plant management, can be toxic to native macrophytes. Our study assessed the response of 2 macrophytes that are endangered in our study area (Ammannia robusta and Sida hermaphrodita) to glyphosate concentrations that mimic incidental exposure from nearby invasive plant control: spray drift of 4 × 10−7% to 5% glyphosate; pulse and continuous immersion in water containing 2 to 41 µg/L glyphosate; and rhizosphere contact with 5%‐glyphosate‐wicked invasive plants. We assessed macrophyte sensitivity at 14‐d postexposure, and quantified abundance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Glyphosate spray concentrations as low as 0.1% reduced macrophyte growth. Ammannia was more sensitive overall to glyphosate spray than Sida, although sensitivity varied among measured endpoints. Conversely, macrophytes were not affected by immersion in low concentrations of glyphosate or rhizosphere contact with a glyphosate‐wicked plant. Likewise, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi abundance in roots was similar among glyphosate‐sprayed and control plants. Based on our results, we recommend that invasive plant managers reduce risks to native nontarget plants through implementing measures that limit off‐target spray drift, and consider the feasibility of more targeted applications, such as with wick equipment. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:597–613. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

Effect of various additives on the chemical composition, fermentation parameters and apparent digestibility of Virginia fanpetals silage in sheep

Effect of various additives on the chemical composition, fermentation parameters and apparent digestibility of Virginia fanpetals silage in sheep

Effects of Dietary Substitution of Alfalfa Silage with Virginia Fanpetals Silage in Lactating Polish Holstein Friesian Dairy Cows

Simple SummaryAlfalfa silage, owing to its chemical composition, complements maize silage in many rations for dairy cows. The disadvantages of alfalfa are the high soil requirements, agrotechnical treatments and sensitivity to cold and flooding. Many dairy farms are unable to grow alfalfa because of poor quality of the soils, and grass crops are unreliable due to increasing drought. For this reason, alternative plants are being sought out to produce feeds for dairy cows. So far, Virginia fanpetals has been used as an energy source, but thanks to its high levels of protein (17–25%), the possibility of using it in cattle feed has been recognized. Virginia fanpetals grows well in poor quality soils, in difficult climatic conditions (frost, drought), with no need for annual treatments, and the harvest is carried out with maize harvesting equipment. To date, no studies have been carried out on the possibility of replacing alfalfa with Virginia fanpetals in the diets of dairy cows. Based on our results, it was concluded that Virginia fanpetals is a good source of protein and can be a substitute or supplement to alfalfa silage. The best production results were obtained with half-substitution of alfalfa silage by Virginia fanpetals silage in diets based on maize silage.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of partial or complete substitution of alfalfa silage with Virginia fanpetals silage in rations based on maize silage on feed intake, digestibility, ruminal fermentation and milk yield and physicochemical characteristics. Nine Polish Holstein Friesian cows in the second half of lactation were fed three experimental diets in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design as follows: maize silage + alfalfa silage, maize silage + alfalfa silage and Virginia fanpetals silage in a 50:50 ratio, maize silage + Virginia fanpetals silage. Complete substitution caused an increase in dry matter intake (DMI), total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetic acid to propionic acid (A/P) ratio, N-NH3 in the rumen contents and milk urea and a decrease in the feed conversion ratio. The partial and complete substitution changed the profile of milk fatty acids, resulting in a slight increase in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a decrease in unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) as well as in all functional fatty acids except vaccenic acid. The most promising production effects were achieved through partial substitution of alfalfa silage with the Virginia fanpetals silage.

Cultivation of energy crops by ecological methods under the conditions of global climate and environmental changes with the use of diatom extract as a natural source of chemical compounds

Modern agriculture must be subject to some adaptation processes due to unpredictable climate changes. One of the activities that enables the production of plant biomass in adverse climatic conditions is the development of ecological and innovative crop technologies using natural plant extracts. The elimination of synthetic fertilizers and their replacement with products based on organic matter will increase the plant’s resistance to negative conditions of environmental stress, will have a positive effect on the development and yielding of plants and will reduce cultivation costs. The plant material: willow (Salix viminalis), Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) and Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita). The natural extract was obtained from Navicula sp. (Bacillariophyceae) monocultures, which was applied to plants in three variants: watering, spraying (foliar application) and watering and spraying. Every 2 weeks: plant height and chlorophyll content index were determined and at the end of the growing season, an analysis was made of: fresh and dry biomass, gas exchange activity in plants (net photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductivity and intercellular CO2 concentration). The enzymatic activity of acid (pH = 6.0) and alkaline (pH = 7.5) phosphatase, RNase, dehydrogenases, as well as the integrity of cytoplasmic membranes was determined. The obtained results confirmed the positive effect of diatom monoculture extract on the growth and development of the plants. The analyzed physicochemical parameters were characterized by 15–20% higher values in comparison with the control. The use of natural extracts from Navicula sp. can be an alternative to chemical fertilizers and is considered one of the promising strategies in organic agriculture.