The responses of qualitative characteristics and solar radiation absorption of berseem clover cultivars to various nitrogen fertilizers levels

摘要

In order to determine the changes of ash percentage, organic matter, important elements and solar radiation absorption of three cultivars ofberseem clover as cover crops with different levels of nitrogen starter fertilizer, an experiment was conducted in 2010, at Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch (Isfahan). A factorial layout within randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used. Cultivars were Karaj, Sacromont and Multicut, and nitrogen levels were 0,40 and 60 kg/ha. The nitrogen fertilizer was provided from urea source (46% pure N). Cultivar had significant effect on ash percentage, Fe content and solar radiation absorption. The effect of nitrogen was significant on potassium, ash and organic matter percentage and Fe and Mn content. Ash percentage, Fe content, solar radiation absorption and light transmission were significantly influenced by interaction between cultivar and nitrogen. For obtaining high potassium percentage, ash percentage and Fe in berseem clover grown in Isfahan regions, application of N 40 kg/ha was necessary. The maximum Mn and P percentages were also obtained by application of N 60 kg/ha. Organic matter percentage significantly decreased from control treatment to N 60 kg/ha. Sacromont had the highest contents of phosphorus, potassium and organic matter. The maximum ash percentage, Fe and Mn also were related to cv. Karaj. Nitrogen application management and appropriate cultivar appeared to be important parameters for obtaining high forage quality yields and high nutritive value for each cultivars of berseem clover in semi arid regions.