Minerals management in silvopastoral system of karst pasture

Abstract

A survey of mountain pasture topsoil was undertaken first to set up field experiment in karst region on effects of applied P on minerals concentration in herbage. Content of SOM, C, N, CEC of soil and its base saturation are presented in the article. Great variability in depth, pH value and K level was found in soil. Low base saturation and high deficit of P was more common for all soil samples. Six different plant species presenting a great portion of herbage available for grazing and browsing at different occasions during grazing season were sampled and analysed for macro- and some microminerals. Concentration of P was very low in perennial grasses (1.1 g P kg⁻¹ of DM). In leaves of common hazel (Corylus avellana L.) and common beech (Fagus silvatica L.) the concentration of P was identical as in white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and the level was high enough to cover animal needs when intake of herbage was sufficient. Leaves of woody plants were high in Mn concentration, but still below the levels that reduced growth rate in lambs. Application of P fertilizer had only small effect on increase of P in herbage, but large one on decrease on concentration of Ca in herbage. There was not clear effect of added P on concentration of Zn, Mn, Fe and Cu. Higher yield of DM induced with added fertilizer had not have any dilution effect on concentration of those minor elements in herbage.