The effect of soil conditioners on yield of dry matter, protein, and sugar in grass

A b s t r a c t. A three-year field experiment was set up in the experimental facility of the University of Natural Sciences and Humanities in Siedlce (52°12'N, 22°28'E) in the autumn of 2011. It was carried out in a split-plot design, in three replicates, with plots of 3 m2 as experimental units. The purpose of the research was to examine whether soil conditioners (UGmax, Eko-Użyźniacz, Humus Active Papka) available on the market and used in farming substantially increase the yield of dry matter, together with total protein and soluble carbohydrate content, in selected grass species (Dactylis glomerata L., Lolium perenne L.). Out of all treatments, UGmax with mineral fertilisation increased the yield of dry matter, total protein, and soluble carbohydrates to the highest level. The soil conditioners applied in the experiment positively affected the content of nutrients, which could have contributed to an increase in forage intake by animals. These results confirm the advantages of their use in organic farming, creating the possibility of a partial reduction of mineral fertilisers use. K e y w o r d s: biological preparations, dry matter yield, protein yield, sugar yield, grass, Dactylis Glomerata L., Lolium perenne L.