Fjölrit RALA - 15.12.2000, Page 38

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and it is untimely to conclude that the same database can not be used for these locations. The
difference can depend, for example on differences in sample treatment at these locations as
well as on local differences.
GENERAL CONCLUSION
The present project has provided valuable information on the growth and development of the
most important grass species in the countries in the North West Atlantic Region: Iceland,
Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Results from common variety trials indicate that information
obtained on Phleum pratense in one country can be applied to a certain extent in the other
countries. The same was not the case for Poapratensis. It also appeared that growing
conditions at the test locations are quite different, especially between Kollaijorður in the Faroe
Islands and Upemaviarsuk in Greenland. Results ffom these locations should therefore be
exhanged with care. This emphasises the need to carry out individual experiments at each
location.
Analyses of the effects of temperature on plant growth and development showed that
the same coefficient can be used to describe the effects of temperature on digestibility of
Phleum pratense in this study as was previously found in Sweden where summer temperatures
are higher.
NIR analysis of crude protein gave good results and the same database can be used in
all these countries, but some improvements are needed on the NIR analysis for digestibility.
The collaboration between scientists in the participating countries has led to valuable
exchange of information. In addition to results obtained from the common exþeriments the
participants have gained valuable insight from visits to the experimental sites and informal
communication over the telephone and by E-mail. Unfortunately, no decision has been taken
with respect to future collaboration in the field.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was supported by NORA (Nordic Atlantic Cooperation), together with the
Agricultural Research Institute in Reykjavik, the Agricultural Research Station in Kollafjorður
and the Greenland Agricultural Advisory Service. The field experiments were carried out by
the staff at the respective institutes. Chemical analyses were performed at the Agricultural
Research Institute in Reykjavík.