Overcoming Forage Challenges in Mesophytic Grasslands—The Advantages of Lotus tenuis

Abstract

Previous studies in the Salado River Basin (Argentina) demonstrated that the introduced forage species, Lotus tenuis Waldst. & Kit. ex Wild. (Fabaceae), possesses high tolerance to abiotic stresses—including flooding, alkalinity, salinity, and drought. The efficient biological fixation of nitrogen in a region with a scarce presence of native legumes is one of its advantages. Despite these qualities, a year-long characterization of cell wall (CW) polysaccharides in Lotus tenuis and their relationship with the high nutritional quality is missing. In this study, seasonal parametric investigations of L. tenuis, regarding its photosynthetic and ionic status, modifications in CW composition, and concomitant nutritional quality, were performed. Our results demonstrate the high plant digestibility and protein content of this legume, even in summer, when most accompanying species reduce their forage quality. Regarding gas production kinetics (in vitro production is a proxy for the animal rumen’s output), spring biomass had the highest values. The CW material yields are similar throughout the year, but with differences in polysaccharide composition. In summer and winter, pectins predominate, while in the regrowth periods (spring and autumn), pectins and β-glucans are found in similar amounts. This work confirms that Lotus tenuis can help optimize grassland productivity in challenging mesophytic terrains to increase livestock productivity through environmentally friendly services.