Net Mixture Effects on Nutritive Value in Lucerne‐Grass Swards of Varied Composition and Diversity

• DOI: 10.1111/gfs.12699
• Publication Date: 2024-11-29T03:19:23Z
• Authors: Sebastian Christo...; Martin Komainda; Edmund Leisen; Jürgen Hummel; Johannes Isselstein
• Keywords: Value (mathematics)

ABSTRACT Climate change and associated risks of extreme weather has led to growing interest in drought‐tolerant species such as lucerne ( Medicago sativa L.), tall fescue Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) cocksfoot Dactylis glomerata L.) mixed grass‐legume forage production North‐Western Europe. Lucerne grasses have distinct nutritive value that can be combined when grown mixtures. The extent a ‘net mixture effect’ (NE) on the value, is deviations quality from expected one derived pure stands, not been studied any depth requires further investigation context climate change. present study was conducted at four sites during two main cropping years with aim comparing potentially mixtures against stands. With significant sward type × site year interactions, swards often differed significantly ranging intermediate between component stand value. concentration water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) did differ Significant NE were found, larger measured concentrations compared those predicted, for neutral acid detergent fibre crude protein:WSC ratio. WSC metabolizable energy smaller than expected. influenced by or number, except few sites. results show improved knowledge positive mixing effects could used specifically enhance grasses‐lucerne irrespective diversity.