Mineral fertilization and grass productivity in a long-term field experiment

• Published in: Archiv für Acker- und Pflanzenbau und Bodenkunde Vol. 58; no. sup1; pp. S127 - S131
• Main Authors: Kádár, Imre, Ragályi, Péter
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 01-10-2012; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: all-grass; diagnostic criteria; hay yield; mineral elements; NPK fertilization
• ISSN: 0365-0340; 1476-3567
• DOI: 10.1080/03650340.2012.695864

The effects of different N, P and K supply levels and their combinations were examined on the yield and element content of an established all-grass on a calcareous chernozem soil.
(1) During the four years, the N alone produced 4.8 t ha
−1
, while the K gave 0.5 t ha
−1
hay surplus. The N-fertilization lifted the hay mass four to five times compared to the N-control. The 200 kg ha
−1
yr
−1
N-dose was optimal. The 150 mg kg
−1
AL-P
2
O
5
and AL-K
2
O supply satisfied the P and K demand of the grass. The rising N, P and K supply together increased the hay yield to its sevenfold.
(2) Air dry hay yield surplus produced per 1 kg N was 33 kg in the 100 kg ha
−1
yr
−1
treatment.
(3) The second cuts yielded less hay with higher element concentrations. The N, P, Cu content increased by 30-50% and Mo content by 200-500% in some cases. The phosphate/molybdate and nitrate/molybdate anion antagonism had negative effect on Mo uptake.
(4) The Cu/Mo ratio showed great variability according to the N × P interactions and cuts. A long-term fertilization can drastically modify the element composition of the fodder, so its regular control by hay analysis seems to be reasonable.