Phosphorus Fertilization of Annual Ryegrass and Comparison of Soil Phosphorus Extractants Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • It is unclear how much phosphorus (P) fertilizer is needed to maximize annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.cv. 'TAM90') forage yield and nutritive value in lower-rainfall climates. It is equally unclear which soil-P extractant is most effective when making P fertilization decisions. A 3-yr field study addressed these issues using small replicated plots during the winter months in north-central Texas. The addition of P increased yields every year of the trial, but optimum levels depended on rainfall distribution: 19 kg P ha-1 yr-1 was optimum two years, while 28 kg P ha-1 yr -1 increased yields 51% the year with good mid-season moisture. The addition of P fertilizer did not increase forage crude protein or affect fiber concentrations but did increase P yields. Percent relative yield of ryegrass was correlated with Mehlich III soil test P, soil pH, and P application rate. Conversely, the acidified NH4OAc-EDTA soil P extractant failed to relate to percent relative yield. Copyright © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

published proceedings

  • Journal of Plant Nutrition

author list (cited authors)

  • Butler, T. J., Muir, J. P., & Provin, T. L

citation count

  • 4

complete list of authors

  • Butler, Twain J||Muir, James P||Provin, Tony L

publication date

  • January 2007