Changes in the major chemical constituents of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) during growth. II. The non-carbohydrate fractions and their relationship to the carbohydrates.

Abstract

The series of subterranean clover samples whose carbohydrate contents had been determined previously (Hardwick 1954) was further investigated. Percentages of lignin were found to be low in the young plants, but rose rapidly during wilting. High and fairly constant values were recorded for ethanol-benzene extractives until the wilting period, after which there was a sharp fall. The ash and crude protein contents of certain samples were determined. The former did not fluctuate greatly during the season. Protein percentages fell gradually until late September (wilting), after which there occurred an unexplained increase. The totals of percentages of all estimated constituents, including the carbohydrates, fell short of 100 per cent. by values ranging from 9.4 to 15.7 per cent. It was found that the percentage ratios cellulose: lignin were fairly constant until several weeks prior to wilting, after which they decreased. The total weights per acre of the four fractions determined were calculated.