TitleImpact of selenium biofortification on production characteristics of forages grown following standard management practices in Oregon.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsHall JA, Bobe G, Filley SJ, Bohle MG, Pirelli GJ, Wang G, T Davis Z, Bañuelos GS
JournalFront Plant Sci
Volume14
Pagination1121605
Date Published2023
ISSN1664-462X
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Low selenium (Se) concentrations in soils and plants pose a health risk for ruminants consuming locally-grown forages. Previous studies have shown that Se concentrations in forages can be increased using soil-applied selenate amendments. However, the effects of foliar selenate amendments applied with traditional nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium-sulfur (NPKS) fertilizers on forage yields, and nutrient contents, and agronomic efficiencies are unknown.

METHODS: Using a split plot design, we determined the effects of springtime sodium selenate foliar amendment rates (0, 45, and 90 g Se ha) and NPKS application (none, NPK for grasses/PK for alfalfa, and NPKS/PKS fertilization at amounts adapted to meet local forage and soil requirements) on forage growth and N, S, and Se concentrations, yields, and agronomic efficiencies. This 2-year study was conducted across Oregon on four representative forage fields: orchardgrass ( L.) in Terrebonne (central Oregon), grass-clover mixture in Roseburg (southwestern Oregon), and both grass mixture and alfalfa ( L.) fields in Union (eastern Oregon).

RESULTS: Grasses grew poorly and were low in N content without NPK fertilization. Fertilization with NPK/PK promoted forage growth, increased forage N concentrations, and had to be co-applied with S when plant available S was low. Without Se amendment, forage Se concentrations were low and further decreased with NPKS/PKS fertilization. Selenate amendment linearly increased forage Se concentration without adversely affecting forage yields, N and S concentrations, or N and S agronomic efficiencies.

DISCUSSION: Importantly, S fertilization did not interfere with Se uptake in Se amended plots. In conclusion, co-application of NPKS/PKS fertilizers and foliar sodium selenate in springtime is an effective strategy to increase forage total Se concentrations, while maintaining optimal growth and quality of Oregon forages.

DOI10.3389/fpls.2023.1121605
Alternate JournalFront Plant Sci
PubMed ID37063195
PubMed Central IDPMC10102540