The use of phacelia as forage is limited due to the coarse pubescence of its vegetative organs, which reduces palatability. The crop possesses high nutritional value only during the budding stage, after which fiber content increases sharply and digestibility decreases.
In the reference
6
varieties
crop Lacy phacelia,
where this is mentioned in the description.
The presence of coarse, dense pubescence on the leaves and stems of Phacelia tanacetifolia is the primary obstacle to its use as a monoculture. Cattle and horses consume such forage reluctantly; therefore, it is agronomically advisable to include the plant exclusively in grass mixtures with cereal or legume crops.
Optimal nutritional indicators are achieved during the budding stage, when crude protein content can range from 13% to 19%. Upon transition to the flowering stage, the stem becomes coarse and there is a significant increase in the concentration of structural carbohydrates (ADF, NDF, ADL), which negatively impacts digestibility and the forage quality of the green mass.
General information about the subject — on the page
Forage purpose.
Varieties of Lacy phacelia mentioned in the description
Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.