Effect of Amino Acid and Titanium Foliar Application on Smooth-Stalked Meadow Grass (Poa pratensis L.) Macronutrient Content

Abstract

As plant growth stimulants, Ti and amino acids affect physiological processes of plants, promoting their vegetative and generative development and improving their yield and its quality. An experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station of the University of Agriculture in Krakow on degraded black earth soil formed from loess. Its aim was to determine the effect of two products, one containing amino acids and the other with Ti, on the Poa pratensis yield and its quality. Foliar application of amino acids and Ti, used on their own and together, constituted the main factor of the experiment. It was found that the treatment with both stimulants applied together significantly affected plant parameters. Compared to control, plants treated with those growth stimulants produced higher dry matter yields and contained significantly more phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium in dry matter. The highest effect was recorded on plots where combined application of amino acids and Ti was used. Almost as good results were recorded when amino acids were applied on their own. Regarding the cuts, higher effects were noted in the first and second ones than in the third. The growth stimulants used in the present experiment had a positive effect on the chemical composition of Poa pratensis meadow plants. The results indicated that the treatment significantly increased macronutrient content, compared to control plants. The most favourable effects were recorded for plants on the plot with combined application of amino acids and Ti. Similar results were also obtained on plots where only amino acids were used. Regarding the harvests, better results were noted in the first and second ones than in the third. In view of the potential benefits, it would be advisable to extend and update research on the effects of these stimulants on other common varieties of forage grasses.