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 livestock. 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 applied. We conducted field experiments for 3 yr on a Ramsey soil (Loamy, siliceous, subactive, mesic Lithic Dystrudept) in southern West Virginia to determine (i) response to increasing fertilizer N and (ii) production of chicory as a component of swards, including grass and legume as a function of clipping frequency. Mineral concentrations and uptake in available herbage generally increased as N rate increased and were influenced by the botanical composition of the sward. As chicory content decreased in the sward, so did mineral concentrations and uptake. Changes in sward composition associated with chicory influenced important mineral ratios such as N/S, Ca/P, and K/(Ca + Mg) cation equivalent ratio that have significant bearing on livestock health and production efficiency. Clipping frequency and N inputs influenced chicory persistence and ultimately the mineral composition of the sward. Active accumulation of minerals indicates the need for high nutrient input to sustain production, especially on soils with marginal fertility. Health problems associated with mineral nutrient concentrations probably would be minimal in livestock grazing swards that include chicory.