Amino acids are among the most important organic compounds in living organisms.  They play a vital biological role as building blocks of proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids, antioxidants, hormones and other components. Plants are capable of self-synthesis of amino acids, but this process requires much energy and time. Therefore, the use of these compounds as biostimulators may save energy and improve dynamics of plant development. The application of amino acids in plant production is a new concept of nutrient supply. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of fertilization with amino acids on the productivity and content of macro- and micronutrients in meadow plants. The study was carried out in 2014-2016, on a farm located in the Province of Małopolska, Kraków district. A field experiment in a randomized block design with four replicates was established on a permanent meadow. The area of each experimental plot was 10 m2. The soil on the experimental meadow was loess underlain by Haplic phaeozem and classified as class I in the Polish soil classification system. The experimental factor was spraying with an amino acid formulation in the form of Microfert fertilizer at two doses: 1.8 and 4.5 dm3 ha-1. Foliar fertilization with the higher dose of amino acids (4.5 dm3 ha-1) significantly (p≤0.05) improved the plant height, which was manifested by a higher dry matter yield. The greatest difference of 1.29 t ha-1 DM as compared with control was observed in the first year of the study. The plants fertilized with amino acids also absorbed more phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium. The higher dose of amino acids improved the plant uptake of zinc, copper, manganese and iron. In conclusion, fertilization with amino acids improved weight of plant aerial parts, plant yield and the use of nutrients.

23.3.2018