Botanical Composition and Quality of Forage in Self-seeded Grasslands of Festulolium in Mountain Conditions

Abstract

The aim of the study is to track changes in the composition and quality of forage biomass from Festulolium cultivars (Hykor, Lofa, Felina, and Perun) in the foothills of the Central Balkan Mountains (Bulgaria).

Festulolium cultivars show high resistance, persistence, and competitiveness in medium- to long-term cultivation in mountain conditions. A clear dynamic has been observed in the changes in the relative share of the main species and the degree of weed infestation in the formed above-ground mass. In the year of sowing, the presence of Festulolium in the sown grasslands varies from 13.5 to 52.4%, and in the second, third, and fourth experimental years – from 75.7 to 99.1%. The crude protein content in the dry matter of the studied Festulolium cultivars ranged from 79.73 g kg^-1 DM (cv. Lofa) to 92.88 g kg^-1 DM (Perun). The Lofa cultivar is distinguished by the highest content of crude fat, minerals, and calcium and the lowest concentration of the macroelement P (from 35.00 to 119.29% compared to the other Festulolium cultivars studied). The highest and lowest in vitro dry matter digestibility values were observed in the Perun (636.11 g kg^-1 DM) and Felina (605.38 g kg^-1 DM) cultivars, respectively. The amount of crude fibre is highest in the self-seeded grasslands of the Hykor cultivars (381.50 g kg^-1 DM). The forage mass of this cultivar also has the lowest mineral content (60.00 g kg^-1 DM). The degree and significance of the factorial effects on the changes in the basic chemical and botanical composition of the studied Festulolium cultivars are reliable (P<0.01 -- P<0.001) and can optimize cultivar selection and ecosystem management in mountainous regions.