Nutritional and fertiliser values of Suaeda vera J. F. Gmelin

Suaeda vera J. F. Gmelin, a shrub that is a frequent halophyte in the upper, clayish zones of the Guadalquivir river marshes, is an interesting fodder plant for the local livestock during dry periods, especially as a N supplement. Ash, Na, P, K, Mn, Ca/P, K/Ca+Mg, neutral detergent fibre, cellulose, lignin, dry matter digestibility, organic and protein N, free amino acids, and reducing and total soluble sugars have been determined in the branches and leaves of Suaeda plants and compared with these constituents in other species from the marshes, including grasses and legumes. In spite of its high Na and ash contents, Suaeda shows an adequate composition for the nutrition of local livestock, even when the plant grows in a sandy area. However, after a long dry period, P and some microelements decline to low levels. Suaeda vera seems also to be a useful plant for incorporation into the soil, because of its relatively high N content even in plants taken from a sandy area.