The effects of NPK fertilization on hay production and some yield components of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) in the dry steppe zone of Eastern Kazakhstan

Abstract

A three-year-long field experiment was conducted in a continuous grazing system with a variable stocking rate to evaluate effects of increasing NPK fertilization rates (Control- N0P0K0, N60P40K30, and N80P50K40) in crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) on hay production, some yield components and crude protein concentration in the dry steppe zone of Eastern Kazakhstan. At harvesting, hay production (fresh and dry weight), seeding rate (SER), shrub diameter (SHD), height of generative shoots (HGS), length of root leaves (LRL), weight per bush (WEB), percentage of leaves and vegetative shoots (LVS) and crude protein concentration of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) were determined. NPK fertilizer treatments increased hay production, SER, SHD, HGS, LRL, WEB, LVS and crude protein concentration. The results showed that crested wheatgrass at the N80P50K40 treatments achieved a higher hay production and some yield components of crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum) in the dry steppe zone of Eastern Kazakhstan than other NPK treatment and control.