Yield of alfalfa as influenced by levels of P and K fertilization

Abstract

This study was conducted to ascertain further the need for P and K fertilizers to obtain maximum herbage yields from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Vernal alfalfa was established on a low K Piano silt loam (Typic Argiudoll) soil and topdressed with zero, 22.4, and 44.8 kg/ha of P in autumn of seeding year and with zero, 224, and 672 kg/ha of K as KC1 each autumn. The harvest schedule was three cuts annually at first flower; a schedule widely recommended in the North Lake states. No statistical significance was found for P levels nor for the P x K interaction; significance was found only for K levels. Maximum herbage yield was obtained with 224 kg/ha of K in the first harvest year, but with the 672 kg/ha of K rate in the second harvest year. Herbage K and Cl percentages and amounts removed from the soil increased significantly each year with each increase in K applied. Herbage P and N percentages were decreased significantly with the first increment of K. Residual herbage yields showed dramatically the influence of K fertilization on winter survival. All alfalfa stands with no K fertilization were killed completely. Residual yields and stands increased with each increase in K applied. Yield increase over the control was significant only with the second increment of K, while stands increased significantly with each increase in K applied. These data continue to confirm that high levels of soil K are needed for stand survival as well as for high herbage yields.     

Tillage System and Seeding Time Effects on Forage and Seed Yield of Alfalfa and Bromegrass

Abstract

Perennial forages are an important component for the cropping systems of the Parkland region in the Canadian prairies, but only a few studies have reported on direct seeding of forages in northeastern Saskatchewan. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of tillage (conventional tillage, CT, and zero tillage, ZT) for seedbed preparation and different seeding times (October 1993, May 1994, and June 1994) on forage and seed yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa Leyss) and bromegrass (Bromus inermis Lyess) on Gray Luvisol (Typic Cryoboralf) soils (sandy at Gronlid and clayey at Ridgedale) in northeastern Saskatchewan. Visual inspection of plant stands in the establishment year indicated that plant densities were generally higher under CT than ZT and with spring than autumn seeding. Forage yield in 1994 was greater under ZT than CT for alfalfa at both sites and for bromegrass at Ridgedale. In 1995 and 1996, tillage had no effect on forage yield in most cases. The 3‐year forage production was greater under ZT than CT for alfalfa by 647 and 770 kg ha^?1 at Gronlid and Ridgedale, respectively, and for bromegrass at Ridgedale (by 697 kg ha^?1), with the opposite result at Gronlid (by 237 kg ha^?1). The effect of seeding time on forage production was not consistent. The seed yield in 1995 and 1996 was somewhat greater with ZT than CT, with autumn than spring seeding, and with May than June seeding for alfalfa, whereas the opposite was true for bromegrass, except at Ridgedale when autumn seeding produced greater seed yield than spring seeding. In summary, the lower plant population under ZT than CT in the establishment year did not necessarily result in lower forage and seed yield of alfalfa and bromegrass, suggesting that ZT can replace CT for forage production, and seeding time effect was mainly observed in the first year.     

The effect of preplant nitrogen and soil temperature on yield and nitrogen accumulation of alfalfa 1

Abstract

Recommendations for the use of preplant N in alfalfa establishment are controversial. Growth chamber experiments were conducted to examine the effect of preplant N and soil temperature on yield and N accumulation of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Alfalfa was grown in river sand at three day/night soil temperatures (18/12°C, 24/16°C, and 27/21°C), and at five levels of preplant N (0, 10, 20, 40, 80 kg ha^?1). At 18/12°C, 40 kg ha^?1 preplant N resulted in a 69% increase in shoot dry matter yield. Dry matter and N accumulation rates were greatest at 40 and 80 kg ha^?1. Preplant N effects on dry matter and N accumulation at 18/12°C were expressed primarily between the early bud and early flowering stages. Assessment of soil temperature and soil N availability is necessary to determine the potential for a yield response of alfalfa to preplant N.     

Evaluation of N,P, S and B fertilization of Kentucky bluegrass seed in northern Idaho

Abstract

Current nitrogen (N) fertilizer recommendations for Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) seed production in northern Idaho are based on potential yield and annual precipitation. Soil test correlation information collected for other northern Idaho crops provide the basis for P, S and B recommendations. The objective of this paper is to assess the current recommendations with a series of forty field trials conducted on ten sites during four seed production seasons. All field trials were conducted on Alfisols and Mollisols initially containing less than 60 kg N/ha, 3.5 μg/g NaOAc extractable P, 40 kg extractable SO₄‐S/ha and 0.5 μg/g extractable B. Fertilization rates evaluated included: 0, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150 and 200 kg N/ha; 0, 30 and 60 kg P₂O₅/ha; 0, 25, and 50 kg SO₄‐S/ha, and 0 and 1.5 kg B/ha. Five field sites contained the cultivar ‘Argyle’ Kentucky bluegrass seed, while the other five sites contained the cultivar ‘South Dakota’.

Excellent relationships between percent maximum Kentucky bluegrass seed production and the sum of inorganic soil N + fertilizer N applied were observed for the ‘Argyle’ (R²=0.65) and ‘South Dakota’ (R²=0.72) cultivars. Phosphorus applications of 30 kg P₂O₅/ha improved seed yields from 10.0 to 51.6% when initial soil test values were less than 3.0 6 μg/g NaOAc extractable P. When initial SO₄‐S soil values were less than 32 kg/ha fertilizer additions increased seed yields from 12.6 to 107.3%. Boron applications did not improve seed yields. Analysis of these trials indicates that adequate information is available to make satisfactory P, S and B fertilizer recommendations; however, additional soil test correlation information is needed for N recommendations.     

Influence of high rates of topdressed KCl and K2SO4 on recovery of K,Cl, and SO4‐S by alfalfa and residual amount remaining in the soil

Abstract

This study was conducted to ascertain the percent of available K, Cl, and SO₄‐S recovered by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv. ‘Vernal') herbage when various rates of K as KCl and K₂SO₄ were topdressed and also to determine where residual K, Cl, and SO₄‐S accumulated in the soil profile. An established stand of alfalfa growing on low fertility silt loam soil was topdressed in the spring of each of two harvest years with 0, 448, 896, 1344, and 1792 kg/ha of K as KCl or K₂SO₄. Four harvests were taken during each harvest year (1972 and 1973). Soil samples were taken during the autumn of 1973 to a depth of 91.4 cm in KCl‐fertilized plots, and to a depth of 76.2 cm in K₂SO₄‐fertilized and control plots.

Potassium recovery by alfalfa during two harvest years where K as KCl was applied at 448, 896, 1344, and 1792 kg/ha/yr was 56, 33, 20, and 17%, respectively. Recovery of available Cl from those same treatments was 30, 17, 12, and 10%, respectively. Where K as K₂SO₄ was applied at 448, 896, 1344, and 1792 kg/ha/yr, 55, 35, 27, and 22%, respectively, of available K was recovered. Recovery of available SO₄‐S from those same treatments was 16, 9, 7, and 5%, respectively. At the end of two years, a majority of the residual K was in the top 15.2 cm of soil. Residual Cl and SO₄‐S were concentrated at a depth of 30.5 to 76.2 cm in the soil profile.     

Effect of B,Mn and Zn on nodulation and N2‐fixation in southernpeas

Abstract

Two greenhouse studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of B, Mn and Zn on nodulation and N₂‐fixation of southernpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Halp.) cultivars ‘Freezegreen’, ‘Mississippi Silver’ and ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull’. The cultivars were grown in plastic pots with a Norfolk sandy loam (fine, loamy siliceous thermic, Typic Paleudult) soil treated with B, Mn and Zn at rates of 0, 5, 10 and 20 kg/ha each at pH levels 5.5, 6.0 and 6.5. At pH 6.5 all micronutrient treatments significantly increased nodulation and N₂‐fixation over the control (no micronutrient applied). The effects of B, Mn and Zn on nodulation and N₂‐fixation depended on the cultivar and soil pH. For plants given the 5 kg/ha B and Mn treatments, ‘Mississippi Silver’ produced the highest number of nodules and ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull’ the least. At 20 kg/ha Zn, nodulation of ‘Freezegreen’ was highest and ‘Pinkeye Purple Hull’ the lowest. As a whole, maximum nodulation was at 5 kg/ha B and Mn and 20 kg/ha for Zn. Nitrogen fixation rates responded similarly except that the optimum rate for Zn was 10 kg/ha. Seed yield of plants peaked at 5 kg/ha for B and 10 kg/ha for Zn, indicating a possible relation of N₂‐fixation to seed yield.     

氮、磷肥对裸燕麦子粒产量和β-葡聚糖含量的影响

以裸燕麦青永久887(Avena nuda L. cv. Qingyongjiu No.887)为材料,研究了施氮和施磷对子粒产量与β-葡聚糖含量的影响;分析了N、P肥对裸燕麦子粒产量构成因素,穗数、穗粒数、穗粒重、千粒重的影响,并进行了经济效益分析。结果表明,裸燕麦穗数、穗粒数、穗粒重、千粒重及子粒产量,随施氮量的增加呈先增后降变化趋势;随施磷量的增加而增加。β-葡聚糖含量随施氮或施磷量的增加而增加。在N 90 kg/hm2、P2O5 90 kg/hm2处理下,裸燕麦穗数、穗粒数、穗粒重、千粒重、子粒产量均达最高值;在N 135kg/hm2、P2O5 90 kg/hm2处理,裸燕麦子粒β-葡聚糖含量最高。经济效益分析表明,经济施肥量为:N 90 kg/hm2、P2O5 90 kg/hm2。裸燕麦子粒产量Y (kg/hm2),可用其与N (kg/hm2)和P (P2O5,kg/hm2)肥间的二元二次回归方程估测。     

Effect of Varying Nitrogen Regimes on Growth,Seed Yield,and Nutrient Accumulation in Isabgol

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to determine the optimum dose of nitrogen (N) fertilizer for attaining maximum yield of isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk.). Sixty three-day-old plants were subjected to varying levels of N (0, 30, 60, and 90 kg N/ha) until seed harvesting. Maximum growth and seed yield occurred at 60 kg N/ha, whereas 90 kg/ha was inhibitory to isabgol growth. The growth and seed yield recorded at 30 or 60 kg N/ha did not differ much, and in view of the high cost to be incurred from applying 60 kg N/ha and the relatively low yield achieved at this level, 30 kg N/ha would be a much more suitable level for isabgol. Accumulation of N, potassium (K), and phosphorus (P) in shoots or roots of isabgol increased consistently under increasing levels of N, but this pattern of increase in the levels of three nutrients in plant tissues was negatively associated with the growth of the crop, particularly at the supra-optimal N level (90 kg N/ha).     

Alfalfa responses to foliar and soil applications of manganese

Abstract

Manganese (Mn) deficiency often occurs in crops grown on well‐limed sandy soils of the Atlantic Coastal Plain region of the United States. This study was conducted to compare the responses of established alfalfa (Medicago sativa S.) to various application methods of manganese sulfate (MnSO₄) fertilizer. Experiments conducted in farmers’ fields at three New Jersey locations determined the effects of applied Mn on forage yield, tissue Mn concentration, and leaf chlorophyll meter readings. An untreated control was compared to the following treatments: foliar Mn applied once before each harvest, foliar Mn applied twice before each harvest, and a one‐time broadcast Mn application in April Or May at 22.4 kg Mn/ha to the soil surface. The rate of foliar Mn used in 1990 was 1.12 kg Mn/ha and in 1991 was 0.56 kg Mn/ha at each treatment time. Forage yield increases were greater with foliar than soil‐applied Mn but there were no differences between foliar‐applied Mn treatments. Total seasonal forage yields were increased (P<0.05) at all three locations with foliar‐applied Mn but at only one location with soil‐applied Mn. When averaged across all locations, forage yields were 6.4% higher than the control for the foliar‐applied Mn treatments compared to 2.9% higher for the soil‐applied Mn treatment. A Mn concentration of 21 mg/kg was determined as the critical level in the upper 15 cm of alfalfa tissue at the early bloom growth stage. Foliar Mn applied twice between harvests most effectively increased tissue Mn concentrations. Soil‐applied Mn initially increased tissue Mn concentration, but there was little long‐term benefit from this treatment. Applied Mn was observed to improve leaf color and chlorophyll meter readings of Mn‐deficient alfalfa. Results indicate that foliar Mn applied before each harvest was a more effective treatment for correction of Mn deficiency of alfalfa than a one‐time soil application of Mn.     

Fertilizer placement studies on calcareous and non‐calcareous chernozemic soils: Growth,P‐UP‐take,oil content and yield of Canadian rape

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted on calcareous and non‐calcareous Orthic Black Chemozemic soils over a five year period to study the effect of rates and placements of P‐fertilizer on Canadian rape (Brassica napus L. cv Tower) production. Six rates of P as mono‐ammonium phosphate (MAP) were applied at seeding using four placement methods: i) broadcast and cultivated 10 cm into the soil (BC); ii) banded in the seed row with the seed (PWS); iii) banded 2.5 below and 2.5 cm to the side of the seed (PSS); iv) banded 2.5 cm directly below the seed (PBS). Soil type had no significant effect on rape growth, seed yield and P‐uptake. Rape responded best to P‐fertilizer banded with (PWS) or near (PSS, PBS) the seed. But, placing 15 kg/ha P or greater with the seed reduced seedling emergence; with 25 kg P/ha insufficient plants emerged to justify harvesting. The reduced seedling emergence resulted in reduced seed yield and P‐uptake. Maximum yields were obtained when the fertilizer was banded 2.5 cm away from the seed (PSS, PBS). The BC method produced the least growth, yield and P‐uptake responses of the four methods. Only when broadcast rates of P were in excess of 10 kg/ha did rape dry matter, seed and P‐uptake increase. Banding 10 kg/ha with or near to the seed was equivalent to broadcasting 25 kg/ha in terms of seed yield and P‐uptake. Application of P fertilizer also increased seed protein and oil concentrations.     

Nitrogen utilization efficiency variability in genotypes of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) under contrasting N supply

Abstract

Identifying genotypes of high nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE) under contrasting N supply is a way of improving N economy of Indian mustard (Brassica juncea Czern &; Coss) under different soil fertility. A field experiment was conducted with 22 Indian mustard genotypes grown under normal and limited N supply conditions to investigate the genotypic variations of NUtE. The genotypes ranking to NUtE was different under normal and limited N supply, however, seven genotypes (RH 1222-28, RH 1301, RH 1117, RH 601, RH 1053, NRCDR 2, RH 1441) were identified as N-responder under normal N supply, and N-efficient under limited N supply. The lowest seed yield reduction (<20%) under limited N supply was recorded in RH 601 (15%), RH 1301 (17%), RH 1215 (17%), and DRMRIJ 31 (18%) compared to normal N supply. Among these genotypes, DRMRIJ 31 and RH 1215 were the highest seed yielder (>3.0 t/ha) under normal N supply and RH 601 (>2 t/ha) under limited N supply. The linear regression analysis showed significant and positive relationship between N uptake and seed yield. Whereas, N uptake and utilization efficiency showed negative trend and decreased with increase in N uptake beyond 120?kg N/ha under normal N supply, and 60?kg N/ha under limited N supply. NUtE was positively correlated with seed yield under both normal as well as limited N supply. These results may be used to identify the key associated traits, and to isolate target genes for developing varieties/hybrids to harness better N economy.     

Apical bud removal increased seed yield in hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

In plants, apical dominance prevents the development of lateral shoots. It can be overwhelmed by apical bud defoliation, allowing numerous lateral buds to develop into more lateral branches carrying more fruits and possibly increasing seed yield. This study tested this hypothesis on five hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivars in a 2-year field experiment. In comparison to the intact ones, the defoliated plants developed several lateral shoots. The hemp seed yield was significantly influenced by the year of production, the apical bud removal, and the cultivar. The average two-year seed yield of the defoliated plants (715?±?47?kg/ha) was significantly higher than the yield of the intact plants (568?±?35?kg/ha). Absolutely the greatest effect of apical bud removal on the seed yield was observed for the cultivar ‘Novosadska konoplja’, where increase was 225?kg/ha (25%); a slightly smaller difference occurred for the cultivar ‘Uniko-B’ (183?kg; 30%), followed by ‘Juso-11’ (140?kg/ha; 27%) and ‘Bialobrzeskie’ (128?kg/ha; 29). Cultivar ‘Beniko’ presented the smallest difference with apical bud removal – 58?kg/ha (15%) yield increase We maintain that hemp producers can achieve a larger seed yield not only by selecting an appropriate cultivar and row distance but also by removing apical buds.     

Yield and protein quality of five soft red winter wheat cultivars as affected by nitrogen fertilization rate

Abstract

This study reports the relationship between N levels (22, 56 and 112 kg/ha) and its effect on yield and protein quality for five cultivars of soft winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell). The objective was to determine the relationship of amino acid content and total protein at various levels of N. The 56 and 112 kg N/ha rates resulted in higher wheat yields than the 22 kg N rate over the 3 yr. mean. A cultivar x N level interaction for yield occurred when certain cultivars did not respond to higher N rates in 1972. Total seed protein increased with each increase in If. Increasing N levels generally resulted in a higher amlno acid content of the seed. Cultivar effects were found for 6 of the 17 amino acids (threonine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine and lysine) indicating that cultivars differed in total amino acid content. Cultivars Arthur and Holley gave the greatest response (percentage amino acid) to N application. Coker 68–8 was intermediate in response while Coker 68–15 and Blueboy showed small inconsistent responses to H application.     

Response of mustard to seed treatment with pyridioxine and basal and foliar application of nitrogen and phosphorus

In a simple randomised field trial conducted during 1985–86/ 1986–87, the effect of basal nitrogen (45 and 60 kg N/ha) and basal phosphorus (15 and 20 kg P/ha) applications together with the soaking of seeds in 0.025% aqueous pyridoxine hydrochloride solution for 4h and foliar applications of 15 kg N/ha and 5 kg P/ha in two installments at 70 and 90 days after sowing (DAS) was studied on the performance of mustard (Brassica juncea L.). Recommended basal applications of 90 kg N/ha and 30 kg P/ha (BN₉₀P₃₀) was used as the control. The parameters studied included leaf area index (LAI) at 60, 80, and 100 DAS, net assimilation rate at 60–80 and 80–100 day intervals, and pods/plant, seeds/pod, seed yield, oil content, and oil yield at harvest. In general, the pyridoxine treatment proved superior over water soaking. The higher basal fertilizer dose was effective and foliar application of N and P gave higher values as compared to the water foliar application alone. The combination of pyridoxine + BN₆₀P₂₀+ FN₁₅FP₅ significantly enhanced the performance of the crop and enhanced seed yield and oil yield by 15.8 and 13.5%, respectively, over the check BN₉₀P₃₀ treatment.     

RESPONSE OF ALFALFA SEED YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS TO PHOSPHORUS FERTILIZING SYSTEMS AND SEEDING RATE AT SEMI-SALINE SOIL CONDITIONS

To study the effects of phosphorus (P) fertilizer (cow manure, phosphorus solublizing bacteria) and sowing density on seed production of alfalfa, an experiment was laid out in a three-replicated split-split plot design with four phosphorus fertilizer rates (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg ha^?1) in main plots, three phosphorus-solublizing bacteria (9, 41strains, and no bacteria) in sub-plots and three sowing densities (2, 6 and 10 kg ha^?1) in sub-sub plots. The highest seed yield resulted from 60 and 90 kg P ha^?1. Application of bacteria strain 41 was more efficient than bacteria strain 9 in seed yield and 1000-seed weight. Seed yield at 6 seed kg ha^?1 treatment was higher than 10 kg ha^?1, although there was no significant difference between them. Based on the results of this experiment the triple application of P60, B41 and SD6 could be recommended as the best treatment for seed production of alfalfa (Cultivar ‘Nikshahri’) under the semi-saline condition.     

Chlorine concentrations in alfalfa herbage and soil with KCl topdressing of a low fertility silt loam soil

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of Cl in plants and soil following topdressing of alfalfa with increasing amounts of KCl (0–0–60). The study was conducted with Ranger alfalfa on a low K Piano silt loam soil that had been topdressed twice during three years with a total of zero, 203, 406, 1220, and 2034 kg/ha of Cl as KCl (0, 224, 448, 1334, and 2240 kg/ha of K). Herbage was harvested annually three times at first flower plus an early October cut (4 cuts). The 3‐year average herbage yields were highest with 1220 kg/ha of topdressed Cl. Herbage yields decreased with 2034 kg/ha of Cl, but not significantly below that at 1220 kg/ha. Weakened and yellowed plants were noted in the spring of the second harvest year after 2034 kg/ha of Cl had been applied, and the first‐flower herbage contained 1.90% Cl. It was concluded that the weakened condition of the alfalfa was due to excess Cl.

Movement of Cl through the silt loam soil was rapid. The largest concentrations of Cl in the soil two years after the last KCl application were at the 76 to 91‐cm soil depth, the deepest soil sample tested.     

Effects of foliar fertilization on yield,protein, oil and elemental composition of two soybean varieties

Abstract

The effects of foliar fertilization on the yield and seed composition of two soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) varieties were investigated under mid‐Missouri conditions over a 2‐year period. The foliar fertilizer treatments consisted of (i) 80–8–24–4 (NPKS) kg/ha, (ii) 40–4–12–2 (NPKS) kg/ha, and (in) control (no foliar treatment) with the optimum proportion of N:P:K:S in the solution 10:1:3:0.5 respectively. Nutrient sources were urea, potassium polyphosphate, and potassium sulfate. Water solutions of fertilizers (pH 6.9) containing 0.1% Tween 80 (v/v) were sprayed on the plants using a CO₂ ‐ pressurized back‐pack sprayer. Foliar fertilizer was split between four equal applications during the seed filling period. The variety Mitchell at the higher rate and the variety Williams at the lower fertilizer application rate produced slight, though statistically insignificant, yield increases. At the higher rate of application, the seed protein contents of both varieties increased, while the oil contents decreased. The concentrations of P and K in the seeds were not affected by foliar fertilization, but at the higher rate, there was a small decrease in S content of Williams variety.     

Migration,colonization and seedling growth of rhizobia with matrine treatment in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to determine the effect of matrine on the migration and the colonization dynamics of the two fluorescent-tagged rhizobia in Gannong No.5 alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. Gannong No. 5) tissues, and also to determine the effect of the combination treatments on alfalfa seedlings’ growth.

Materials and methods: 0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 mg L^?1 matrine levels were added into two cyan fluorescent protein (CFP)-tagged rhizobia; Ensifer meliloti LZgn5f (gn5f) and Ensifer meliloti 12531f (12531f), respectively; and drenched the alfalfa root with the inoculants. Then the migration and colonization of the two rhizobia in alfalfa on D7, D14, D21 and D28, and subsequently seedling growth were investigated.

Results: The results showed that the optimum matrine level enhanced the colonization of both fluorescent-tagged rhizobia in alfalfa roots and the highest colonization densities of log 6.31 cfu g^?1 and log 5.87 cfu g^?1 were achieved by adding 300 mg L^?1 matrine into 12531f and adding 100 mg L^?1 matrine into gn5f, respectively. They could migrate to the aerial tissues and most colonize stems through the application of adding 300 mg L^?1 matrine into 12531f and 100 mg L^?1 matrine into gn5f, respectively. No fluorescent-tagged rhizobia were detected in the control treatment. Alfalfa seedling growth parameters like leaf chlorophyll content, seedling growth rate, root length, seedling biomass and total N percentage also increased the most when 300 mg L^?1 matrine was added into 12531f and 100 mg L^?1 matrine added into gn5f treatments.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that 300 mg L^?1 matrine added into 12531f and 100 mg L^?1 matrine added into gn5f might be exploited to promote the colonization of rhizobia in alfalfa tissue and positively impact growth and yield, indicating possible benefits for plant cultivation.     

OPTIMUM DISTRIBUTION BETWEEN AUTUMN-APPLIED AND SPRING-APPLIED NITROGEN IN SEED PRODUCTION OF TALL FESCUE

The effect of different autumn and spring nitrogen (N) application rates on plant establishment, plant development, and seed yield were tested in a field experiment using tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Results clearly showed that the optimum distribution of N between autumn and spring to achieve the highest seed yield and economical benefit was dependent on the choice of cover crops and location. The economically optimum N application rate was in the range from 44 to 73 kg ha^?1 in autumn and 94 to 157 kg ha^?1 in spring. The results are discussed in relation to Danish N regulations and plant establishment and development.     

Nutrient content of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) at five growth stages

Abstract

Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) grown during the wet season in the Ord Irrigation Area of Western Australia was sampled at five growth stages. The samples were separated into bark, wood, tops plus foliage and, where applicable, seed. Each fraction was analysed for zinc, manganese, iron, copper, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium by atomic absorption spectroscopy, and for nitrogen and phosphorus by colorimetry. Concentrations of these elements in each plant fraction are presented. Calculation of total above‐ground nutrient content of the crop indicated a high content of potassium throughout the growth cycle (up to .280 kg/ha), an initially high content of nitrogen (150 kg/ha) stabilising at a lower level (about 75 kg/ha) up to maturity, and an increasing content of zinc (150 g/ha to 350 g/ha) and calcium (65 kg/ha to 105 kg/ha) with age. A higher content of iron at maturity was also apparent (up to 1400 g/ha). A comparison with other reported data is made.