New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, vol.50, no.4, pp.457-462, 2007 (SCI-Expanded)
The effects of five different phosphorus rates (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg ha-1) and three different harvesting stages (beginning of flowering, full flowering, and seed filling) on forage yield and quality of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) were evaluated under the Mediterranean conditions of Turkey in 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Dry matter (DM) yield, crude protein (CP), N, P, K, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) were determined. Phosphorus rates and harvesting stages significantly affectedmost of the quality components determined in narbon vetch. Phosphorus applications increased DM yield, CP, N, P, Ca and Mg contents, decreased K, Fe, ADF and NDF, and had no effect on Mn, Cu and Zn. Harvesting at the late stages caused a reduction in forage quality. Crude protein, N, P, K, Cu, Zn and Mg contents decreased with advancing stages, while Ca, ADF and NDF contents increased. © 2007 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.