Effect of fertilization on the distribution of root phytomass and the yield of meadow stands

Abstract

In 1998–2000 the effect of fertilization on the quantity, stratification of root phytomass and yields of dry mass on mesophyte meadow stands was studied. The root dry matter in the soil depth of 0.0–0.25 m was oscillated and the extreme values in individual samplings were found in 1998 (402–702 g/m²). In 1999 and 2000 the oscillating minimum and maximum values of dry root phytomass in all were 418–622 g/m², 423–678 g/m²,respectively. The mean values of dry root mass in unfertilized treatments ranged from 484 to 540 g/m². PK increased the values insubstantially (507–565 g/m²). The higher nitrogen dose (200 kg/ha) decreased predominantly the total quantity of dry root phytomass by 36–102% was found in the control treatments, compared in the yield of dry harvestable above-ground mass. In the systematic P₄₀K₁₀₀ fertilization the root weight in slightly moistenyears (1998 and 2000) was by 18–70% higher in comparison with the dry year 1999 when the root mass was 24% less. In the fertilization 200 kg/ha N(+PK) in the first two years of studies the root phytomass was less by 12% and 38% compared with the yield of the dry meadow fodder. The mean representation of root phytomass in the soil layer 0.0–0.1 m was in 1999–2000 in the control and PK treatments nearly the same, and created 88% from the total quantity. N(+PK) fertilization caused the displacement of the root phytomass towards the surface.