Impact of Long-Term Manure and Mineral Fertilization on Accumulation of Non-Structural Carbohydrates in Lucerne Forage

Fertilization management affects both productivity and nutritive value of forage legumes. However, there are few studies about changes in lucerne non-structural carbohydrates under long-term fertilization. The aims this study were to compare the effects mineral fertilization organic manure on plant parts (leaf, stem) starch water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) accumulation association with canopy structure following 60 years different approaches. Treatments investigated were: two contrasting levels N, P2O5 K2O application (0:0:0 91:71:175), each without farmyard manure. Changes mainly reflected WSC content where intensive consistently reduced stem contrast unfertilized control or alone. These could be associated a dilution effect presented by highest increase maximal length at these treatments. Manure improved leaf despite weight ratio, probably as result soil environment together potentially increased presence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Results showed that has potential for improvement WSC, some negative relationships between traits sugar content.