The effect of light and temperature on the chemical composition of pasture plants

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Abstract
The effect of different levels of light and temperature on the chemical composition of some representative pasture grasses and legumes was investigated. Substances estimated included various nitrogenous constituents, sugars, ash, fructosan, and organic acids. The effect of two levels of light and of temperature has been measured. The most striking changes were found in nitrate content, this being highest with low light and high temperature and lowest with high light and low temperature. White clover and short-rotation ryegrass showed some differences in behaviour when compared with other species. An experiment using white clover at three different levels of light, other conditions being similar, showed a definite relationship between light intensity and chemical composition. Finally, results are reported for three species grown in controlled environment cabinets at temperature levels varying from 45°F to 95°F.