Mineral composition of swards containing forage chicory

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), a highly productive forage under midsummer conditions in the eastern USA, often has higher concentrations of minerals relative to grasses and legumes. Low concentrations of minerals in herbage could reduce production efficiency or create metabolic disorders in livesto ck. information on the mineral composition of chicory is limited, but it is needed to improve our understanding of nutritive value and inputs required to sustain chicory production, especially where high rates of N are applie d. We conducted field experiments for 3 yr On a Ramsey soil (Loamy, siliceo us, subactive, mesic Lithic Dystrudept) in southern West Virginia to determ ine (i) response to increasing fertilizer K and (ii) production of chicory as a component of swards, including grass and legume as a function of clipp ing frequency. Mineral concentrations and uptake in available herbage gener ally increased as N rate increased and were influenced by the botanical com position of the award. As chicory content decreased in the sward, so did mi neral concentrations and uptake. Changes in sward composition associated wi th chicory influenced important mineral ratios such as N/S, Ca/P, and KI(Ca + Mg) cation equivalent ratio that have significant bearing on livestock h ealth and production efficiency. Clipping frequency and N inputs influenced chicory persistence and ultimately the mineral composition of the sward. A ctive accumulation of minerals indicates the need for high nutrient input t o sustain production, especially on soils with marginal fertility Health pr oblems associated with mineral nutrient concentrations probably would be mi nimal in livestock grazing swards that include chicory.