Influence of phosphorus and potassium on forage yields in relation to fertilization and stage of harvest of an oat companion crop

Abstract

1. The effects on forage yields as a result of the interaction between fertilizer management and stage of harvesting an oat companion crop were studied under the climatic conditions of northern Ontario.2. Grain yields as well as silage yields were increased on the application of 400 lb. 4–24–12 per acre. Fertilization of the corffipanion crop seeded with a- hay mixture resulted in first- and secondyear yields that were significantly greater than those obtained without fertilization of the companion crop.3. By harvesting oats at the silage stage rather than as mature grain only the succeeding firstyear hay yields were significantly greater on the application of additional phosphorus and potassium.