The influence of foliar fertilisation on forage grasses seed yield

The application of liquid fertilisers at low rates is essential for the optimization of plant nutrient management in modern agriculture. Thus it is possible to minimize the harmful impacts on environment and to comply with the new trends and market requirements. There have not been carried out studies on the application of liquid fertilisers in forage grasses in Latvia, therefore it was essential to establish trials and study effectiveness of the foliar feeding in the perennial grasses crops grown for seed production. The efficiency of nitrogen foliar fertiliser KAS-32 was tested in timothy and meadow fescue. As well as, during the trials there was studied the formation process of legume seed yield. The availability of boron is the factor that may have great impact on the seed yield of clover and lucerne. Boron deficiency reduces pollen tube growth, increases seed abortion and malformed fruits (Dell&Huang, 1997). The liquid micronutrient preparation Lyderis Bor was used for legume seed crops. An insecticide was sprayed together with the foliar fertiliser. The obtained results showed that the application of foliar fertiliser Lyderis Bor 1.5 L ha(-1) together with pyrethroid Decis 0.25 L ha(-1) increased seed yield significantly both in red clover and lucerne. The treatment with nitrogen foliar fertiliser KAS-32 at the appropriate plant growth stage resulted in the improvement of timothy and meadow fescue seed yield.