The Effect of Different Boron Fertilizer Doses on Plant Height, Forage Yield and Crude Protein Content of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) Under Ankara Conditions

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different fertilizer doses on plant height, forage yield and crude protein content of berseem. It was carried out as a field trial in the experimental fields of Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Field Crops Department between the years of 2017 and 2018. The experimental field research was set up in 3 replicates compatible with split parcel experimental design technique in random blocks. Three different berseem varieties (Derya, Erix, Mario) were sown to main parcels and 5 different boron fertilizer doses (0, 100, 200, 400, 800 g/da) were applied to sub-parcels. Plant height, fresh forage yield, hay yield and crude protein content are recorded in the experimental. According to the results between the varieties and boron doses of both years; plant height changed between 67.20 - 98.33 cm, fresh forage yield 1317.67 - 2016.33 kg/da, hay yield 137.00 - 635.00 kg/da and crude protein content %13.27 - 16.98. Considering the features examined in the research; it was determined that variety of Mario was superior in terms of plant height, fresh forage yield and hay yield, variety of Derya in crude protein content to other varieties. When boron doses applied to varieties in sub-parcels were compared with control parcels, the highest plant height, fresh forage, hay and crude protein content were obtained at 100 g/da boron dose. Hence, 100 g/da boron dose was determined as the best dose for high forage yield and quality in berseem clover. On the other hand, significant decrease in yield has been observed in boron increased parcels. This situation was showed that amount of causing the deficiency symptoms and toxic effect is very close to each other. Boron applications should be treated fairly, without boron analysis of soil should be given to the plant. Before boron fertilization, it is important to know the boron requirement of the plant. In order to produce efficient and quality fodder crops, the amount of boron needed should be given considering the amount of boron present in the soil.