The Influence of Fertilization and Plant Density on the Dry Matter Yield and Quality of Black Mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch]: An Alternative Forage Crop

Abstract

Black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] is mainly cultivated as a seed crop, and there is a lack of information on biomass quality and its potential for animal feeding. A 2-year field experiment was set up in a split-plot design with 2 main plots (plant densities: 46 and 76 plants m−2), 4 sub-plots (fertilization levels: control, compost, urea with and without urease and nitrification inhibitors) and 3 replications for each treatment. The highest dry matter yield (17.55–18.34 tn ha−1) was observed in high-density plots fertilized with urea fertilizer coated with double (nitrification and urease) inhibitors. In terms of the qualitive parameters of total above-ground biomass, the highest crude protein (CP) content was achieved in plots with low density and urea with double inhibitors. Moreover, the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of above-ground biomass were found under compost and urea with double inhibitors. The high ADF, NDF and relatively high CP content characterized that black mustard aerial biomass can meet the requirements of lactating animals, and therefore the production of black mustard biomass as a forage crop could be of great importance. As a conclusion, black mustard cultivated at plant densities higher than 46 plants m−2 and under inorganic fertilization, especially with urea coated with double inhibitors, could be successfully used as a novel forage crop in ruminants’ diets.

Proximate Analysis and Antioxidant Properties of Young Plants of Sinapis alba L. Depend on the Time of Harvest and Variety

“…On the contrary, in the seeds, Piętka et al [12] indicate a higher oil content in the seeds of the Warta cultivar (32.5%) compared to the Bamberka cultivar (31.4%), presenting two-year results from 12 field experiments: The third harvest, on average, 1.17 DM compared to the second harvest. This may explain the fact that Karydogianni et al [53], in experiments conducted with the use of black mustard biomass, obtained a higher crude fat content of 2.66 and 2.62% DM. The aim of these studies was to use the crop for fodder, so older plants were probably used in this experiment.…”

“…20%. Karydogianni et al [53] found that the crude ash content in the aboveground biomass of black mustard was not dependent on plant density; however, plots with low density reached slightly higher values of this feature and it was 14.05% and 13.95% DM in the first and second experimental periods, respectively. Plots with a high density of plants were 13.89% and 13.63% DM for the same experimental periods.…”

“…In our study, the content of total carbohydrates in green plants of white mustard was in the range of 46.66-60.12% DM. Research by Karydogianni et al [53] carried out on black mustard biomass (Brassica nigra L.) indicate the highest total carbohydrate content in unfertilized crops in the range of 68.25 and 67.25% DM in individual growing seasons. On the other hand, for red mustard, Cho et al [47] indicate the carbohydrate content in the fresh plant at the level of 7-8%, which is an average of 68 g/100 g of dry mass.…”

Seed oil content, oil yield and fatty acids composition of black mustard [Brassica nigra (L.) Koch] in response to fertilization and plant density

“…Crop environment is referred to be comprised by agronomic practices such as seed rate, plant density, and fertilizer management, which had a significant effect on plant development, productivity, and quality (Dai et al, 2015;Karydogianni et al, 2022). High density is unfavourable because it promotes interplant competition for resources.…”