Effects of Fulvic Acid on Ensiling Properties of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.)

Abstract

Many silage additives have been developed for use in silage fermentation. This research was carried out to determine the effects of organic liquid based fulvic acid which derive from Isparta Keçiborlu district, on the silage characteristics and the effects on the nutrient contents of the alfalfa silage ensiling to laboratory conditions. Fulvic acid based organic liquid was applied at 0 % (control), 0,25 %, 0,50 %, 1 % levels to fresh alfalfa which dry matter content is 21 %. Fresh materials were ensiled as three repeat in 5 kg anaerobic jars. In this research, nutrition value of alfalfa silage with fulvic acid was determined after ensiling. ME and NEL contents were calculated on nutrient contents in alfalfa silages. Adding of fulvic acid based organic liquid was determined there is statistically not significant on chemical composition, energy values and quality properties in silages but pH value was decreasing 5.20 to 4.82 and Flieg point was increasing 36.82
to 52.73 depending on pH. According to our result 1 % fulvic acid is an useful material for silage and can be ensiled successfully with alfalfa.