THE EFFECT OF NATURAL GROWTH REGULATORS OBTAINED FROM Ecklonia maxima AND MINERAL NITROGEN ON TRUE PROTEIN AND SIMPLE SUGAR CONTENTS OF Dactylis glomerata L. AND Festulolium braunii (K. richt.) A. camus

Abstract

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of the biostimulant Kelpak on true protein and simple sugar contents of Dactylis glomerata and Festulolium braunii at different nitrogen rates. A field experiment was set up as a randomised sub-block design (split-split-plot) with three replicates. The following factors were examined: the biostimulant with trade name Kelpak SL, nitrogen rates: 0, 50 and 150 kg N. ha-1, pure-sown grass species and cultivars (monoculture). Protein compounds and simple sugars were determined in the dry matter of plants, and a carbohydrate/protein ratio was calculated. The Ecklonia maxima extract significantly increased true protein and simple sugar contents as well as the sugar/protein ratio in the tested plants. Nitrogen rates significantly influenced protein and sugar contents in the dry matter of Dactylis glomerata and Festulolium braunii. The carbohydrate/protein ratio averaged 1.07 and was within the range of values which are believed to be optimal for ruminants.