Biodiversity in morphological properties and nutritional values of forage grass species

Abstract

This study was conducted under humid and warm climatic conditions in 19 Ondokuz Mayis University, Kurupelit campus area (1300 ha) during March and July in 2004. The study aimed to evaluate the forage grass species, which have been protected for over 30 years, and to observe the biological diversity by determining their morphological characters and forage qualities. Some morphological characters and chemical properties of 20 grass species were examined. Statistically significant differences were determined regarding all morphological characters and chemical properties within species and individual species. In examined grass species, number of tiller per plant and main stem length ranged from 5.5 to 40.5 and 39.38 to 96.18 cm, respectively. Root crown diameter, dry matter of root, dry forage weight changed between 6.24 and 21.60 mm, 0.27 and 20.33 g plant(-1), 0.80 and 46.76 g plant(-1), respectively. Protein content of the samples varied from 4.37 to 9.42%. Trace elements content of the samples such as Ca (0.08-0.79%), Mg (0.06-0.17%) and K (0.76-3.03%) were also determined. Potassium contents of dry grass forages were excessively high, however their phosphor contents were generally insufficient, calcium and magnesium contents were fairly insufficient and K/Ca+Mg ratios were over the critic value (2.20) except for two species. In general, Fe, Zn and Mn in dry grass forage samples were found adequate.