Introduction and agro economical value of Galega orientalis Lam

Abstract

Fodder galega (Galega orientalis Lam.) is native species of Caucasus forested slopes and river valleys belonging to the family of Fabaceae. It is especially valuable perennial and productive crop with unique chemical composition galega, thus, is a very promising crop in Lithuania and in other countries with similar geo-climatic conditions. Sound adaptability to growing conditions is characteristic to fodder galega. It can grow in all types of soil except in the waterlogged ones. Nonetheless, galega is more resistant to high water-level than lucerne. Due to important biological properties of galega it can be used for socio-ecological proposes, namely to improve soil fertility by accumulating nitrogen; enriching with organic matter and increasing the amount of humus; to decrease soil permeability, erosion; and for soil preservation. Galega is excellent quality forage for all kinds of livestock and poultry. Duration of seed maturity lasts only for 102-112 days at accumulated temperatures of 18000 C (41.9 MJ m-2). Due to productivity, ability to grow for a long time (>20 yrs) in the same place and fast re-growth in spring, seed ripening and high resistance to pest this crop successfully surpasses traditional leguminous fodder crops in temperate climate. Galega show allelopathic activity as a natural protection. Biological peculiarities of this useful deliberately introduced species were found to possess good adaptive ability and are potentially significant for naturalization. Nonetheless, galega has not spread or establish itself in natural habitat and plant communities during introduction period of more than 30 years in Lithuania.