The effect of nitrogen, phosphate and potash fertilizers on three grass species

Abstract

SUMMARYThe effects of annual applications of up to 300 lb/acre of N, 100 lb/acre of P2O5 and 200 lb/acre of K2O on cut swards of S. 24 ryegrass, S. 37 cocksfoot and S. 215 meadow fescue were measured in an experiment lasting 3 years.There were some differences between species in their dry-matter and nutrient yield response to nitrogen and potash applications, but not to phosphate. These differences were inconsistent and over the 3-year period were negligible.A large response to nitrogen was only fully maintained when phosphate and potash were also applied. There was no response above 50 lb/acre of P2O5 in any year. In the second year, 100 lb/acre of K2O was sufficient, but more than this was necessary in the other years. Symptoms of phosphate and potash deficiency were seen where high rates of nitrogen were applied without phosphate and potash respectively.