Forage Quality Response of Tall Fescue, Orchardgrass, and Phalaris to Soil Fertility Level

Odom, J. W.; Haaland, R. L.; Hoveland, C. S.; Anthony, W. B.

Forage Quality Response of Tall Fescue, Orchardgrass, and Phalaris to Soil Fertility Level

1980

Odom, J. W. | Haaland, R. L. | Hoveland, C. S. | Anthony, W. B.

Poor steer performance was obtained on a tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) pasture on an acid soil while a nearby tall fescue pasture on a calcareous soil gave excellent steer performance. A greenhouse experiment using five soils was designed to test the effects of soil Ca and Mg levels on the digestibility and mineral composition of three cool season, perennial grasses. Soil Ca and Mg levels were associated with Ca and Mg concentrations hi the herbage of tall fescue, orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and phalaris (Phalaris aquatica L.) but concentration of Ca in the herbage had no effect on in vitro dry matter digestibility. Tall fescue had higher concentrations of Ca and Mg and lower concentrations of K than the other grass species grown on each of five soil.

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