Publication Date
1985
Location
Kyoto Japan
Description
In grass/legume associations white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) contribute significantly to the nutritive value of such mixtures. Compared to Italian ryegrass (Lolium italicum), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata ), the legumes have an inherently higher content of protein, magnesium and calcium. In addition they indirectly help to improve the quality (protein and mineral content) of the companion grass, presumably over a nitrogen transfer from the legume to the grass partner: On the other hand, the chemical composition of these legumes is only little influenced by the grasses. The observed response of the grasses to the legumes is very similar to the effects of fertilizer nitrogen in pure grass stands. In mixtures these two factors act additively. The difference is, that the legume effect is longer lasting compared to the influence fertilizer nitrogen has on grasses in pure stands.
Citation
Meister, E and Lehmann, J, "Mutual Influence of Temperate Legumes and Grasses Grown in Association at Different Nitrogen Levels" (1985). IGC Proceedings (1985-2023). 56.
(URL: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1985/ses6/56)
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Mutual Influence of Temperate Legumes and Grasses Grown in Association at Different Nitrogen Levels
Kyoto Japan
In grass/legume associations white clover (Trifolium repens), red clover (Trifolium pratense) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) contribute significantly to the nutritive value of such mixtures. Compared to Italian ryegrass (Lolium italicum), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata ), the legumes have an inherently higher content of protein, magnesium and calcium. In addition they indirectly help to improve the quality (protein and mineral content) of the companion grass, presumably over a nitrogen transfer from the legume to the grass partner: On the other hand, the chemical composition of these legumes is only little influenced by the grasses. The observed response of the grasses to the legumes is very similar to the effects of fertilizer nitrogen in pure grass stands. In mixtures these two factors act additively. The difference is, that the legume effect is longer lasting compared to the influence fertilizer nitrogen has on grasses in pure stands.
