The effects of different sources and doses of zinc on hay yield and quality characteristics of Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) x triticale (x Triticosecale) mixture

This study was conducted to determine the effect of different zinc sources (ZnSO4, ZnO, Zn-EDTA and Zn-Nano) and zinc doses (0, 200, 400, 800 Zn/da) on the hay yield and quality of Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz.) and triticale (x Triticosecale Wittmack) mixture (50% Hungarian vetch + 50% Triticale). The experiment was established at Split Plots on Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 replications.The plant height, SPAD, fresh forage yield, hay yield, crude protein, ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber), ash content, and the concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, P, and Zn were assessed. The data were analysed with "Split Plots on Randomized Complete Block Design" for repeated measurement using. It would appear that the application of zinc fertiliser to zinc deficient soils has resulted in an increase in both the hay yield and the crude protein ratio, as well as a decrease in the ADF and NDF rates of the hay. Considering both hay yield and quality together, 400 g Zn/da and 800 g Zn/da applied from Zn-Nano and 800 g Zn/da applied as ZnSO4 and Zn-EDTA provided the best results. However, considering the price and availability of fertilizer, 400 g Zn/da as Zn-Nano and 800 g Zn/da applied from ZnSO4 and Zn-EDTA can be preferred for growing 50% Hungarian vetch + 50% triticale mixture for similar ecologies with similar soil properties