Effects of fertilization on yield and chemical composition of hay in pastures of Çanakkale province

This study was carried out to determine the effects of fertilizers on pasture hay yield and chemical composition between the dates March 2010 and January 2011 in Gerlengeç village of Biga town of Çanakkale. Experiments were designed in split block design with four replications. Fertilizers (control, 5 kg 4M, 10 kg 4M, 5 kg composite and 10 kg composite) were distributed over plots in strip fashion. Monthly plant samples were taken from each plot by cutting inside 0,5 m2 frames.Soilage and hay yield of pasture increased with fertilization. While the average soilage and hay yield of unfertilized plots were 1817,0 and 458,0 kg/da, yield values of fertilized plots were 2475,0-2582,5 and 592,0-818,2 kg/da, respectively. The highest yield was observed on May 10-20. A regular change was not observed in botanical composition of the pasture with fertilization. Grazing capacity of the pasture was 7,89-10,91 HOA in fertilized plots and 6,11 HOA in control plot. The highest grazing capacity was observed on May 20-30. Average plant height were between 110,6-127,0 cm in fertilized plots and 107,4 cm in control treatment. The pasture had commonly the biggest plant height on May 30. Quality level of the pasture increased with fertilization but all plots were classified in ?fair? class. Dry matter ratio and Ca content of hay decreased and digestibility increased with fertilization. With regard to plant growth, while dry matter, NDF, ADF and ADL ratios were increasing, a decrease was observed in crude protein ratio, mineral content and digestibility. Results revealed that 4M or composite (20.20.0) fertilization at 5 kg/da nitrogen rate should be applied for the highest yield and quality and pasture should be grazed between April 20 and November 1 and implemented as 1-1,5 HB per hectare.Key Words: Hay yield, botanical composition, chemical composition, grazing capacity, grazing season.