Agronomic Responses of Forages to the Effect of Acetylsalicylic Acid

The research investigates the impact of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on the agronomic performance and nutritional quality of forage species under varying cutting intervals. Forages, being subject to biotic and abiotic stress, often experience changes in productivity and composition, significantly affecting their utility in livestock nutrition. This study evaluates the growth responses and chemical composition of Lolium rigidum, Poa pratensis, and Plantago lanceolata when treated with three ASA doses (0, 1, and 1.5 L/ha) over cutting frequencies of 25, 35, and 45 days. The experiment employed a bifactorial randomized block design with 3×3 treatment combinations. Results indicate that a higher ASA dose of 1.5 L/ha positively influenced plant height, stem density, vigor, and dry matter yield, with a maximum yield of 1922.73 kg DM/ha at 45 days of cutting. This demonstrates that increased ASA application and extended cutting intervals optimize biomass accumulation and agronomic traits. However, shorter cutting intervals at 35 days improved the forage's nutritional content, including ash, protein, and ether extract, suggesting a trade-off between quantity and quality. Lolium rigidum displayed the highest protein content (18.05%) and moisture levels, making it suitable for high-protein diets but less ideal for storage. Conversely, Poa pratensis exhibited higher fiber content, impacting digestibility but enhancing its use in maintenance diets. Plantago lanceolata, with elevated ether extract content, offers potential for energy supplementation in high-demand scenarios. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring ASA doses and cutting strategies to specific forage species and production goals, emphasizing their role in sustainable livestock management. These results provide valuable insights into optimizing forage quality and yield under challenging environmental conditions. Keywords: Climate change, nutritive values, organic biostimulants, template forages, small livestock.