Efficiency of Isobutylidene Diurea, Sulphur-Coated Urea and Urea Plus Nitrapyrin, compared with Divided Dressings of Urea, for Dry Matter Production and Nitrogen Uptake of Ryegrass

Abstract

SummaryTwo slow-release nitrogen fertilizers, isobutylidene diurea (IBDU) and sulphur-coated urea (SCU), and urea plus nitrapyrin were compared with urea alone for their effect on the growth and nitrogen uptake of ryegrass in a greenhouse experiment.The IBDU and the SCU were applied in one dressing before sowing and the urea in five dressings (one after each cut). Dry matter yield and nitrogen uptake of the six cuts at the optimum levels of 3 and 6 g N pot−1 (equivalent to 1120 and 2240 kg N ha−1 on a weight basis) were similar for the slow-release fertilizers and urea, showing that SCU and IBDU can be effective sources of nitrogen for ryegrass at rates far above those regarded as safe for conventional nitrogen fertilizers when applied in a single dose.Nitrapyrin at 20 ppm effectively inhibited nitrification for 12 weeks, then its effect rapidly declined, disappearing after 18 weeks. Ryegrass growth was retarded by nitrapyrin treatment, probably as a result of an accumulation of NH4-N in the soil.