Search

The exploitation of the permanent meadows in the Moldavian forest-steppe, encountered in natural conditions completely different from those found in the other regions of the country, is not possible without a thorough knowledge of the ecosystems of the meadows. Mineral and organic fertilization of grasslands is the main way to increase the yield of dry matter and forage quality in Moldavian forest steppe. The Festucetum valesiacae associations from the are in most part of low quality, with inadequate floristic composition, situated on soils with low natural fertility. The main ways to improve these grasslands consist in the correction of the soil fertility with mineral and organic fertilizers. The objective of our work is to analyze the effect of manure in combination with mineral fertilizers on biomass productivity and forage quality of Festuca valesiaca grasslands. From the results obtained during the experimentation period on the Festuca valesiaca meadow, it was found that their productivity and quality is very poor in the absence of improvement elements and can be substantially increased if the necessary measures for improvement and use are applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiversity conservation is essential in the fight against climate change. Nothing can reduce global warming or the effects of climate change better than healthy ecosystems. And grasslands have a key role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems because many species live here or are linked to them. The application of organic and mineral fertilizers for extended period of time has determined a high biodiversity of the investigated grassland. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the applied management on the phytodiversity of a Dichanthium ischaemum (L.) Roberty permanent meadow in the Moldovian forest-steppe. The experience field was organized on a permanent grassland of Dichanthium ischaemum (L.) Roberty in Andrieşeni locality Iaşi, county framed between the parallels 47°30' 45.2" N and 27°15' 42.0" E. The experimental factors were represented by the harvesting phenophase with three graduations: a1- harvesting at plants height of 15-18 cm, a2-harvesting at the ear formation (control), a3-harvesting to full flowering and fertilization with seven graduations: b1- unfertilized (control), b2- N50P50 kg/ha-1 annually, b3- N75P75 kg/ha-1 annually. b4- N100P100 kg/ha-1 annually, b5-10 Mg·ha-1 sheep manure annually, b6-20 Mg·ha-1 sheep manure annually and b7- 30 Mg·ha-1 applied at two years. The study shows that the applied fertilizers influenced the floristic composition, producing appreciable, quantitative and qualitative changes in the plant cover. The number of species, as well as the variation of the Shannon diversity index, were largely influenced by the amount of mineral N, the amount of manure, but also by the climatic conditions of the experimental period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of research carried out in 2022 at Ezăreni Farm (47°05'-47°10 ' North latitude and 27°28'-27°33' Eastern longitude) belonging to the Ia Şi University of Life Sciences, was to analyze the competitiveness of the species Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Trifolium pratense L., grown alone or in simple mixtures, under different conditions of fertilization with complex mineral fertilizers, under the climatic conditions from Moldavian Forrest Steppe. The studied factors were: species or mixture of grasses and perennial legumes, with 5 graduations, respectively a1 - Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (100%); a2 - Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (75%) and Trifolium pratense L. (25%); a3 - Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (50%) and Trifolium pratense L. (50%); a4 - Festuca arundinacea Schreb. (25%) and Trifolium pratense L. (75%); a5 - Trifolium pratense L. (100% ) and fertilization with mineral fertilizers, with 5 graduations, respectively b1 - unfertilized, b2 - N50P50; b3 - N75P75; b4 - N100; b5 - N150P150. In the second year of vegetation, the RYT index (Relative Yield Total) recorded values >1, except for variants fertilized with N150P150, showing that the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Trifolium pratense L. species competes for the same vegetation factors, and the CR index for the Festuca arundinacea Schreb. species was higher than in the case of the Trifolium pratense L. species only at a percentage of participation in the mixture of 75%, under fertilization conditions, in which case the species was more competitive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seed production is undoubtedly of particular importance for the overseeding or reseeding of permanent grasslands and the establishment of temporary meadows, by providing the necessary seed material. The research conducted during the period 2022-2023, at the Research and Development Station for Meadows, Vaslui (46°40' - 36°10' north latitude and 27°44' - 20°40' east longitude) pursued the influence of fertilization and the distance between rows on seed production (kg/ha) for smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.). The organized experience was trifactorial, 2x3x5 type, it was placed according to the method of subdivided plots, with the plot harvestable area of 20 m² (2 m x 10 m), in three replications, and the studied factors were: A - variety (a1 - Mihaela, a2 - Iulia Safir), B - the distance between rows with three graduations (b1 - 25 cm, b2 - 37.5 cm and b3 - 50 cm) and C - fertilization with five graduations (c1 - unfertilized, c2 - N50P50, c3 - N50P50K50, c4 - N75P75K75 and c5 - N100P100K100). Following the study, it was found that by applying mineral fertilized with N75P75K75 and by sowing at 25 cm distances between rows seed production was higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of diversity has reached the top of current concerns, because modern agriculture has recently been focused on the development of methods and procedures that allow the administration of a relatively small number of species, with the aim of immediate economic interest. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the applied management on the phytodiversity of a Festuca valesiaca permanent meadow in the Moldovian forest-steppe. The experimental factor was: fertilization with seven graduations: V1-unfertilized (control), V2- N50P50 kg/ha annually, V3- N75P75 kg/ha annually, V4- N100P100 kg/ha annually, V5-10 t/ha sheep manure annually, V6-20 t/ha annually and V7-30 t/ha annually sheep manure applied at two years. The applied fertilizers influenced the floristic composition, producing, quantitative and qualitative changes in the vegetal cover. The dominance and frequency of the species, as well as the variation of the Shannon diversity index, were largely influenced by the amount of mineral N, the amount of manure, but also by the number of years of the fertilization period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fodder base represents the most significant means of increasing economic efficiency in the livestock sector. For this, permanent and sown meadows are an important source of fodder. The establishment of temporary meadows on the lands of steppe and forest-steppe areas, poorly productive, with erosion problems, the improvement of permanent meadows by overseeding, the reforestation of slopes, slopes, irrigation canals, requires the production of large quantities of perennial grass seeds, the most important species being Bromus inermis Leyss. The production of seeds for these species is done in separate cultures, according to a specific technology. Through the research carried out within the Research - Development Station for Meadows, Vaslui, was studied the influence of two factors, respectively, the distance between the rows and fertilization with mineral fertilizers on the behavior of the species Bromus inermis Leyss., in the first year of vegetation, being analyzed the ability of installation of the species and some morphoproductive elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enhancement of permanent meadows involves conducting complex research, in order to know the limiting factors in the optimal development of vegetation, specific improvement measures to be taken to increase production capacity, feed quality and grazing capacity. The quantity and quality of the vegetation of the permanent meadows are largely conditioned by the characters of the seasonal conditions, to which are added the anthropogenic influences through the exploitation system. The objectives of this study were to highlight the influence of harvesting phenophase and fertilization with mineral or organic fertilizers on the productivity and quality of the forage, with important implications for obtaining high quality forage, depending on the type of fertilizer and the size of application doses. The experience field was organized on a permanent grassland of Dichanthium ischaemum (L.) Roberty, in Andrieşeni locality, Iaşi county, framed between the parallels 47°30'45.2"N and 27°15'42.0" E. The experimental factors were represented by the harvesting phenophase, with three graduations: a1-harvesting at plants height of 15-18 cm, a2-harvesting at the ear formation (control), a3-harvesting to full flowering and fertilization with seven graduations: b1-unfertilized (control), b2-N50P50 kg/ha-1 annually, b3-N75P75 kg/ha-1 annually, b4-N100P100 kg/ha-1 annually, b5-10 t/ha-1 sheep manure annually, b6-20 t/ha-1 annually and b7-30 t/ha-1 annually sheep manure applied at two years. From the results obtained on the Dichanthium ischaemum meadow, it was found that its productivity is very low, and the level of dry matter production can increase considerably depending on the harvesting phenophase and the fertilization used. The harvesting phenophase and the applied fertilization had a marked influence on the quality of the fodder obtained from this type derived from meadows, materialized by changes in the chemical composition with implications on the value of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research conducted during the period of March to October 2019, at the Meadows Research and Development Station, Vaslui (46°40'-36°10' north latitude and 27°44'-20°40' east longitude) followed the influence of fertilization and the distance between rows on the seeds production (kg·ha-1), seeds 1000 grains mass (g) and seeds germination (%), at sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) seeds culture, in the first year of vegetation. The organized experience was bifactorial, 3x5 type, placed according to the method of subdivided plots, with the plot harvestable area of 13.5 m2 (1.5 m x 9 m), in three replications, and the factors studied were: A - the distance between rows with three graduations (a1 - 25 cm, a2 - 37.5 cm and a3 - 50 cm) and B - fertilization with five graduations (b1 - unfertilized, b2 - N50P50, b3 - N50P50K50, b4 - N100P100K100 and b5 - cow manure 20 Mg·ha-1). Following the study, it was found that by applying mineral or organic fertilizers higher quantities of seeds were obtained, with higher values of 1000 grains mass and germination and by sowing at longer distances between rows smaller quantities of seeds were obtained with higher values of 1000 grains mass and germination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of a small urban vegetable garden is very important because in this way the site area allocated to it will be used at maximum capacity to provide decor and sufficient production for family use. In this paper, we studied the way of designing an ornamental vegetable garden on raised beds with different heights and the appearance offered by them. The environment, the way of preparing the site and creating the raised beds will play an important role on the vegetable garden composition spectrum. According to the information gathered from preliminary research some visual results regarding the development of the plants will be evident from the first week of planting due to the different heights of the raised beds. Vegetable and medicinal plants such as curly kale, mangold, patisson, lavender, rosemary, basil and other ornamental species such as French marigold, silver ragwort, fountain grass, will offer the ornamental value. Most species had a good production and development in V1 (40 cm above ground level). Instead, mint and leeks had higher values in V3 (at ground level) and V2 (20 cm above ground level), respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent grasslands are an important source of fodder, due to the areas that they occupy, but also to high and good quality production that can be obtained from them. By using a rational management, grassland production may rise considerably. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of harvesting phenophase under the influence of organic and mineral fertilization on the productivity, composition and structure of vegetation cover of a grassland of Festuca valesiaca Schleich. ex. Gaudin. The researches were conducted at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Iasi, Ezareni farm (47°05'-47°10' north latitude and 27°28'-27°33' eastern longitude). The experimental factors were represented by the harvesting phenophase, with three graduations: a1-harvested at plant height of 15-18 cm, a2-harvested at the ear formation (control) and a3-harvested to full flowering and fertilization with seven graduations: b1- unfertilized (control), b2-N50P50K0 kg·ha-1 annually, b3-N75P75K0 kg·ha-1 annually, b4-N100P100K0 kg·ha-1 annually, b5-10 Mg·ha-1 sheep manure annually, b6-20 Mg·ha-1 annually and b7-30 Mg·ha-1 annually sheep manure applied at two years. The results obtained showed that dry matter production was influenced both by the harvest phenophase and the fertilizer doses used, the higher dry matter production values obtained in the fertilized variants with N100P100K0 kg·ha-1 annually and 30 Mg·ha-1 of two-year-old sheep manure harvested in full-flowering phenophase of the dominant species. Both harvesting in different phenophases, but especially fertilization, led to the modification of structure of vegetation cover by favoring valuable species from fodder point of view. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporary meadows are an important source of feed through both productivity and the quality of the forage obtained. Biomass quality obtained from temporary grassland is influenced by component species, their proportion in the mixture and by management system and use. The results of the study conducted revealed that the mineral fertilization achieve a higher quality forage, mainly influenced the type of mixture used and dosage. Thus, the highest content of crude protein, of 17.7% (g·100 g-1 DM), was recorded in the mixture Brous inermis Leyss. 25% + Onobrychis viciifolia Scop. 75%, fertilized with N100P100, the difference compared to the control is very significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research conducted between 2013-2014, at Ezăreni Farm, Iaşi (47°05' - 47°10' north latitude and 27°28' - 27°33' east longitude) investigated at alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), in the second, third, fourth and fifth vegetation year at the first cut, the influence of alfalfa plant phenophase at harvest on plant production of leaves, stems and whole plant (DM - dry matter) per hectare and leaves, stems and whole plant N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), Ca (calcium) and Mg (magnesium) content. The experiment was laid by randomized block method in three replicates. Graduations of the studied factor were represented by the development phenophases: early bud, mid bud, late bud; early bloom, 10% bloom and full bloom. The results showed that the total production of DM was between 3.20 Mg·ha-1 (control variant) and 4.73 Mg·ha-1 (full bloom variant). At a more detailed analysis of interdependencies between mineral elements studied were highlighted some important ideas. Thus, from mineral elements studied in whole plants, between Ca and P there is the slightest interdependent relationship. The relationships N-P/P-N (R²=0.739-0.841) and N-Mg/Mg-N (R²=0.613-0.661) are positive, and the relationship Mg-Ca/Ca-Mg (R2=0.576-0.653) is negative. The results can be useful to improve alfalfa fertilization system and to balance the Ca/P ratio from alfalfa plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the establishment of temporary meadows it is envisaged choosing the most suitable species of perennial grasses and legumes, with high adaptability to the use procedure planned for the cultivated area. In most temporary meadows changes occur in the floristic composition of the vegetation cover, determined by the use procedure, the aggression of the species from the mixtures and the climatic conditions evolution. The studies have followed the evolution of the vegetation cover under the influence of mineral fertilization and the used mixture. The researches were conducted during 2013 - 2014, in the Agricultural Research - Development Station Secuieni, Neamt county, where it was followed the influence of four doses of nitrogen on a phosphorus agri fund at an experience formed of three mixtures of perennial grasses and legumes used in mixed regime. The obtained results showed that the use period of the studied mixtures was of 168 days, and the grasses were prevailing in the vegetation cover at each harvest, with a participation percentage that manifested a slightly decreasing trend. The highest yield, of 13.04 t/ha d.s., was recorded at the mixture formed from Dactylis glomerata 60% + Lolium perenne 25% + Lotus corniculatus 15%, fertilized with N80P40, and the lowest one, of 6.08 t/ha d.s., was obtained in the same mixture, in the unfertilized variant, which highlights the need of fertilization of the temporary meadows for production intensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand-based rootzone mixtures used in establishing turfgrass areas have many advantages such as: reduced compaction from traffic and a fast rate of water infiltration. At the same time rapid draining and the lightweight of secondary materials used along with sand, such as peat or composted manure result in an overall lower weight of such rootzones compared to soil. This experiment studied the performance of some species of perennial cool season grasses for turf grown on four different rootzone mixtures in greenhouse conditions. Results demonstrated that a rootzone made by sand and sphagnum peat mixed in a ratio of 2:1 by volume considerations, obtained the highest turf quality in terms of establishment capacity, recovery after cutting, vertical growth, turf density, percent ground cover, thermo-hydric stress tolerance and general ornamental appearance. Compared with the rootzone made from 100% soil, sand + peat mixture offered a better availability of water and nutrients for plants. But using sand as a primary material for growing turf recommends a greater attention for supplying water and nutrients to the plants, imposing an intensive management where irrigation and fertilization should be done with smaller but more frequent doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Permanent grasslands of Festuca rubra L. and Nardus stricta L. represent an important source of fodder in Dorna Basin. Although they have low productivity and inferior quality, these grasslands are used by grazing or alternative use. Improving soil nutrients regime, through fertilization with manure, causes changes in floristic composition and proportion between species in favor for valuable species, thus, contributing to the increase of production and improvement of quality. Research were conducted in the pedo-climatic conditions of the locality Saru-Dornei, in the period of 2012-2014. The experiment was organized on a field located at an altitude of 940 m, with a terrain slope of 10°, where was studied the effect of fertilization with 20-50 t/ha manure applied annually or every 2 years, on production, biodiversity and sward structure of a Festuca rubra L. and Nardus stricta L. type grassland. Application of manure resulted in production increases from 87.9 to 120.3% statisticaly assured. Organic fertilization resulted in a decrease of Nardus stricta L. species from 47-65% up to 8-17% in favor of valuable species: Arrhenatherum elatius, Festuca rubra, Trisetum flavescens, Trifolium pratense and Trifolium repens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research conducted during March-October 2011, on Ezăreni farm, studied the influence of innoculation, fertilization and plant growth stage at harvest on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) content and calcium/phosphorus ratio at alfalfa crop (Medicago sativa L.) in the second year after sowing, at first cut. Factor A - inoculation with two graduations (a1 without seed inoculation, a2 with seed inoculation); factor B - fertilization with four graduations (b1 -unfertilized, b2 - N50P50, b3 -N75P50, b4 -30 t/ha manure); factor C - plant growth stage at harvest with six graduations: early bud (c1), mid bud (c2), late bud (c3); early bloom (c4), 10% bloom (c5) and full bloom (c6). The results showed that each of the three studied factors had a different impact on the Ca and P content in the plants. Following analysis results of the influence of seed inoculation on the Ca and P content in alfalfa it was observed that this factor had not a significant influence. In fact, the differences were as small as 0.03 g⋅kg-1 DM or there was no difference. Regarding P content in alfalfa plants, fertilization determined positive differences (0.27-0.35 g⋅kg-1 DM) statistically assured in all studied variants and on Ca content, positive and negative differences, depending on the fertilizer type. The influence of harvest time on Ca content in the entire alfalfa plant, leaves or stems showed that as plants are aging, the concentration of this element increases very significant. Phosphorus content recorded a decrease with alfalfa aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research in the period 2010-2011, within the Ezareni Farm from Iasi, were focused on the influence of inoculation, fertilization and harvesting growth stage on the leaf/shoot ratio and dry matter (DM) yield, at alfalfa (medicago sativa L.) in the second year after sowing at the first harvest. The results indicated that the interaction between inoculation, fertilization and harvesting growth stage determined increases of yield in the range of 23-110%. The control plot where fertilization was not applied, without inoculation, which was harvested at early bud registered the lowest yield, 3.21 t/ha D.M., and the biggest yield (6.72 t/ha) was registered at the plot with inoculation, fertilized with N75P50, harvested at 10% blooming. The leaves/shoots ratio registered differences in the range of +11% to -42%, accordingly to the interaction between the inoculation, fertilization and harvesting growth stage. The highest leaves/shoots ratio, 0.64% was observed at the plot with inoculation, unfertilized, harvested late bloom, and the lowest leaves/shoots ratio (0.33) was observed at the plot without inoculation, fertilized with N75P50 harvested at full bloom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has sought to influence the proportion of legumes in mixtures simple participation on nutritional status of forest steppe grasslands temporary conditions in Moldova. In 2006, it appears that nutritional status nitrogen mixtures with Medicago sativa and Dactylis glomerata was better compared with mixtures with Bromus inermis and Onobrychis viciifolia. The mixture with 20% Medicago sativa + 80% Dactylis glomerata and at all mixtures with Onobrychis viciifolia nitrogen nutritional status on the four graduation was poor during the first year of vegetation. In 2007 nitrogen nutritional status was better than first year, the average index was between 96 - 108 INN at the mixtures with Medicago sativa + Dactylis glomerata and between 91-102 at the mixtures with Onobrychis viciifolia + Bromus inermis. In 2008 nitrogen nutritional status was better than in previous years due to symbiotic activity of legumes from mixtures, the index was between 119-134 at the mixtures with Medicago sativa and Dactylis glomerata and between 114-128 at the mixtures with Onobrychis viciifolia and Bromus inermis. From the mixtures used the highest value of 140 INN was obtained from the mixture with 70% Medicago sativa + 30% Dactylis glomerata at fertilization with N200P100 kg/ha. At the mixtures with Onobrychis viciifolia the highest value of the INN was 130, at the mixture with 70% Onobrychis viciifolia + 30% Bromus inermis at fertilization with N200P100 kg/ha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Romania are sold turfgrass varieties that are imported from foreign countries. Turf seed farms from countries like France, Germany, Netherlands and Great Britain are involved in the breeding process of a large variety of species and varieties used for turf. They have a major objective of testing the performance of the new turf varieties in diverse climatic areas from countries where they intend to sell. These tests or trials are meant to evaluate the performances of a large number of varieties and doing so, to indicate which one is best adapted to a specific climatic area. One of the most important indicators of turf quality is represented by the drought resistance of turf, because of the latest trend in turfgrass management towards a low input management, specifically a reduced irrigation and fertilization, or even no irrigation at all. For this specific reason, creating new and improved cultivars that can resist to moisture stress has become a key factor in turfgrass breeding. In this research we have evaluated eighteen imported varieties and one romanian variety which represented the control factor. The evaluation of turf drought tolerance was done using a visual rating system, with ratings from 1-9, where 9 represents the best drought resistance. The data was collected in the years 2005 and 2007. The results indicated that the species with the best drought resistance was Festuca arundinacea, where two varietes, Montserrat and Starlett were rated 9 in the year 2005. The english ryegrass varieties had a good drought tolerance only in the year 2005, but later, in 2007 they failed to resist at extended drought. Three of five imported varieties were rated lower than control variety and only Capri and Keystone were rated 3.7 the same as the romanian variety Mara. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pastoral area of Romania, covering of over 4.8 million ha, has been influenced, over the last decades, by natural and human factors, which affect the normal functioning of the grassland ecosystem. The aim of this paper is to point out the dynamics of phytocoenotic biodiversity, as a result of applying grassland technical measures, in order to improve the yield and quality of grassland ecosystems with minimum effects on the environment. Therefore, the main aim of our study is to establish a positive relationship between biodiversity and the optimum quantity of organic fertilizers, which would improve the quality and quantity of the yield, without diminishing the floristic biodiversity. In the case of the studied grasslands, the phytocenotic biodiversity is influenced by the type of fertilization, the used rates and by the soil and climatic conditions. These grasslands may be improved by manure fertilization and reasonable usage, if proper management is applied. In Gradinari, Caras-Severin county, the dominant species are Festuca rupicola and Calamagrostis epigeios, in Magurele, Brasov county, Agrostis capillaris, Festuca pratensis, Poa pratensis and Trifolium repens, and in Pojorata, Suceava county, Agrostis capillaris, Trisetum lavescens, Trifolium repens and T. pratense species. he highest number of identified species (43) has been recorded by the meadow made up of Agrostis capillaris and Festuca rubra, from Pojorata, Suceava county. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semi-natural grasslands in Romanian mountains are particularly important for the sustainable development of this region. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to evaluate the effects of mineral and manure fertilization upon the sward in order to recommend certain versions which have minor repercussions upon the plant diversity. In this study, we examined the influence of organic and mineral fertilizers on the production, biodiversity and quality of green fodder. The experiment was set up in mountain grassland of Festuca rubra L. and Agrostis capillaris L., during five years. In the experiment was evaluated the effects of management treatments on productivity, biodiversity and quality of the forage grass. The rate applications of fertilizers determine the number of species and the rate of production. The small quantities of organic and mineral nutrients (10 t·ha-1 manure and 30 kg·ha-1 nitrogen) can lead to larger yields while at the same time, improving biodiversity conservation and the quality of forage. Using a low input-based management system can be a solution that will lead to higher yields and contribute to biodiversity conservation and the good quality of the forage. In conclusion the use of a fertilizer management regime based on small quantities of organic and mineral nutrients can lead to larger yields while at the same time, improving biodiversity conservation and the quality of forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative use of alfalfa, for various purposes, including the production of biofuels or food supplement for human alimentation, is a study topic still in its early stages of research. Studying and understanding the biology of alfalfa and the factors with a major influence on it are very important activities. The productivity and quality of alfalfa are two indicators that help determine, in addition to economic value, the way in which alfalfa can be used. Evolution of alfalfa yield and quality depends on many factors, such as the growth stage of alfalfa plants at harvesting. It was observed over three years of vegetation the influence of alfalfa plant growth stage at harvest on plant height, leaves/stems ratio, production of leaves, stems and whole plant (DM - dry matter) per hectare and on quality indicators (CP - crude protein, NDF - neutral detergent fiber and ADF - acid detergent fiber). The results showed that, with the advancement of phenological phases, from early bud stage to complete flowering, the total biomass output raised from 2.79 Mg⋅ha-1 to 4.60 Mg⋅ha-1, the neutral detergent fiber raised from 48.4-50.6% to 62.0-67.7%, while crude protein content decreased from 21.2-24.0% to 13.3-16.5%. The parameter values were correlated with alfalfa growth stage during the harvesting (significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 probability levels). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of spread and habitat preferences during invasion of four alien species of Lepidium in Romania, namely L. demiflorum, L. oblongum, L. sativum, and L. virginicum are presented in this paper. The floristic records of these species, collected between 1816 and 2013, were used in the study. L. sativum was sporadically mentioned by earlier botanic references, as a casual alien plant in ruderal places. L. oblongum was reported from a single locality, but it may be considered a potential invader of ruderal habitats from southern regions. For L. demiflorum and L. virginicum, distribution maps were made in the Universal Transverse Mercator system, and exponential regression models were fitted to the cumulative number of records against time. Both Z. demiflorum andZ. virginicum are invasive in Romania, and their spread was initiated at the middle of last century. The slope of invasion curves, which was used as a measure of the invasion rate, did not differ significantly between the two invasive species. Although both L. demiflorum and L. virginicum were first reported in the North-West of the country, they followed different paths of migration in Romania. Ruderal habitats associated with railways played an important role in the invasion process of both species, but invaded habitats became more diversified over the time. Among the four species, only L. demiflorum tends to invade agricultural crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]