Improvement of field forage crops agronomy and grassland management

Within the programme of improvement of field forage crops agronomy and grassland management, the research will be carried out within five thematic units: Importance of forage cover crops; Forage plants intercropping; Improvement of perennial forage legumes agronomy; Impact of technological practices on yield and quality of natural grasslands; Current aspects of forage crops quality. The first thematic unit is related to the forage crops importance for sustainable agriculture, with emphasis on decreasing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. The genetic resources of cover crops and the possibilities of adaptation and cultivation of specific species will be worked out. Companion crops in the establishment of perennial forage legumes will be dealt with, as well as diverse combination of mutual annual legumes intercrops. The application of lime for the improvement of soil characteristics will be investigated, as well as the improvement of the agronomy of alfalfa and red clover. By a balanced agronomy, primarily fertilization, way of use and grassland cutting schedule, it is possible to affect the presence of forage legumes, as important quality components and the grassland biodiversity. The final expected outcome of an appropriate and environment-friendly agronomy is the production of healthy and safe feed. Thus, the fifth and the last thematic unit of the project is related to the contemporary aspects of forage crops quality, with emphasis upon the cellulose complex fraction.