Nutrient Status and Dynamics of Trifolium spp. at Different Growing Stages

The nutrient status and dynamics of three clover (Trifolium spp.) varieties at different growth stages were investigated with the crude protein content as an indicator of nutrient equilibrium. The crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), phosphorus (P), and calcium (Ca) content followed a decreasing trend at the initial growing stage and increased later. NDF and Ca content peaked in May, while crude protein and P content reached the highest in May and the lowest in July. The crude ash content followed an uncertain pattern as plants growing. The ash content of both wild-type red clover (T. pratensis L.) and ‘Sativum’ decreased at the beginning and then increased. However, the ash content of ‘Revendel’ white clover (T. repens L.) decreased all through the experimental period. The general trend was observed for all three clover varieties as the ash content was the highest at vegetative growing stage (May), and the acidic detergent fiber (ADF) content increased with time. The nutrient equilibrium value was ranked as ‘Revendel‘>wild-type red clover>‘Sativum‘.