Summary
Górski and Płaza (2023) evaluated how mixing ratios and harvest timing affect heavy metal accumulation in field pea and spring triticale grown as animal forage. Cadmium and lead remained below detection thresholds across all treatments, whilst 75:25 and 50:50 mixture ratios yielded the most chemically balanced feed. Although the green matter appears safe for livestock, the authors recommend continued monitoring for heavy metal contamination.
UK applicability
These findings are relevant to UK mixed farming systems incorporating legume-cereal intercropping for forage production, particularly regarding food safety assurance for livestock feed. The recommended 75:25 or 50:50 pea-to-triticale ratios may inform UK agronomic practice and feed quality protocols, though soil and environmental conditions in the UK may differ from the Polish trial setting.
Key measures
Heavy metal content (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni) determined by emission spectrometry; component proportions in mixture; harvest stage (flowering vs. flat green pod)
Outcomes reported
The study measured concentrations of six heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni) in field pea and spring triticale mixtures at different harvest stages and component ratios. Results indicated that cadmium and lead were below detection limits, and mixed crop compositions of 75:25 and 50:50 pea-to-triticale ratios provided the most favourable chemical composition for animal feed use.
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