Yield and quality of natural grassland fodder in the Moravički District

Abstract

 In the Moravicki District area, over 77,763ha or 46.4% of the total arable area (167,710 ha) are under grasslands with natural meadows and pastures covering 45,001 ha and 32,762 ha, respectively.

The aim of the investigations was to examine the floristic composition and green fodder yield and quality at a number of representative sites, having in mind the distribution of natural meadows and pastures.

The investigations were conducted at seven sites of the Moravicki District. A total of 12 natural grasslands were selected and used for sampling at an optimal plant growth and developmental stage for determination of fodder yield and quality. The distribution of good-quality species of grasses and legumes in phytocenoses of these grasslands was low, as opposed to the high share of other plants. Apart from a significant percentage of good-quality species of grasses and legumes considerably higher fodder yields with higher crude protein content were achieved on fertilised grasslands.