The Influence of the Habitat on the Chemical Composition and Morphology of Silky Bent Grass (Apera spica-venti (L.) Beauv.) Occurring in Arable Fields (Lower Silesia, Poland)

Abstract

One of the most common annual overwintering weeds in various crops worldwide is silky bent grass (Aspera spica-venti (L.) Beauv). The aim of this study was to investigate the selected morphological characteristics and chemical composition of A. spica-venti from different cultivation fields in Poland, depending on the macronutrient content of the soil. The average pH values of the soil samples, and the average concentration of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the samples were statistically different between study sites. In turn, the concentration of potassium (K) was at the same statistical level. The average values of N, P and K concentrations in the straw of A. spica-venti (% dry matter) in particular study sites were not statistically different. The mean values of the examined morphological features of A. spica-venti did not differ statistically between the individual test sites. Overall, there was no significant impact of the habitat on the chemical composition and morphology of the A. spica-venti occurring naturally in arable fields. However, an increase in soil abundance in some macronutrients (mainly K) may positively affect the morphology of this weed as opposed to an increase in nitrogen concentration in the soil, and an increase soil pH. The lack of significant influence of soil conditions and location of APESV sites on the morphology and chemical composition of the weed indicates that it has high plasticity and is able to thrive under varying habitat conditions.