Variability and forecasting forage production in high mountain areas.

摘要

With the cold dry conditions and agricultural practices prevalent in the inner valleys of the N. Alps, it is difficult to apply the practices usually advised for the improvement of permanent pastures (particularly early cutting). Compared with lesscold and wetter areas of the Alps, grass grown in the conditions of the inner Alps has a lower proportion of stems for a given fertilizer rate, which improves the nutritive value. Factors affecting DM production and nutritive value of hay-meadows in thevalleys of the inner Alps were investigated. Factors reducing growth, such as nutrient deficiencies and low water temperature increased digestibility and protein content, whereas climatic stresses (snow, hot weather) reduced nutritive value. These factors interacted in a complex manner, causing marked annual variation in DM yields and nutritive value. Some simple indicators that can be used for a rapid field diagnosis are proposed.