RELATIVE RESPONSE OF FORAGE AND SEED YIELD OF ALFALFA TO SULFUR,PHOSPHORUS, AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION

A field experiment was conducted from 2000 to 2007 on three-year old alfalfa stand near Star City in northeastern Saskatchewan to determine the influence of balanced application of sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), or potassium (K) fertilizers on forage dry matter yield (DMY) and seed yield, protein concentration (PC) in forage, concentration and uptake of total nitrogen (N), P, K, S, and boron (B) in forage and seed, and residual soil extractable P, exchangeable K and sulfate-S. Appropriate application of S, P, or K fertilizer nutrients was required to obtain optimum yield, PC, and nutrient concentration and uptake, especially when alfalfa was grown for hay production. Yield response to fertilization was much more frequent and much higher when alfalfa was managed as hay compared to when managed for seed production. The results suggest the importance of proper fertilization in increasing longevity of alfalfa stands. Under both hay and seed plots, there was only a small increase in residual sulfate-S from S fertilization, but significant accumulation of extractable P mainly in the 0–15 soil layer from P application. There was relatively higher concentration of exchangeable K in soil in the seed plots than in hay plots. In hay plots, concentrations of residual exchangeable K in soil were negatively related to DMY, especially in 2007. The findings suggest that when a soil is testing low (or deficient) in a nutrient and alfalfa growth is reduced, then alfalfa producers should consider applying fertilizers to supply adequate amounts of nutrients that are lacking in the soil, especially for optimum forage production. However, it is still difficult to predict accurately if a profitable alfalfa seed yield response to fertilization would occur, particularly when soils are testing marginal in some nutrient levels and yields are negatively affected by abnormal weather conditions (drought soil moisture conditions reducing plant growth, wet, cloudy and cool weather conditions decreasing pollination activity and late summer and/or early autumn frost damage to seed formation) that often occur in the growing season in this region.     

Alfalfa/grass response to nitrogen and phosphorus applications

Abstract

Alfalfa/grass (Medicago sativa/Dactylis glomerata, Bromus) yield and quality responses to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer applications are well documented. The magnitude of the P response and in turn N, may however, be limited by the relative immobility of P in the soil. A two‐year field study was conducted to determine the response of an established alfalfa/grass stand to combinations of a one‐time broadcast application of N, P, and sulfur (S) rates with fall or spring applications of P. Nitrogen and P applications increased forage production, nutrient concentration and nutrient content, particularly in the first production year. No S response was observed. Fall P applications were superior to spring applications only in the first year of production. If annual broadcast applications of P are made to existing alfalfa/grass stands in Intermountain areas, fall applications are recommended.     

氮、磷、钾肥配施对紫花苜蓿产量及营养物质含量的影响

2008年在内蒙古西辽河平原灰色草甸土上,采用"3414"二次回归最优设计试验方案,研究施肥对不同品种紫花苜蓿的产量效应及营养物质含量的影响。研究结果表明,紫花苜蓿产量最高的施肥方案为N 0 kg/hm2、P2O5 63.56 kg/hm2、K2O 110.00 kg/hm2,并筛选出WL-232HQ为适宜通辽地区种植的最佳苜蓿品种。同时分析不同施肥水平对紫花苜蓿营养物质含量的影响,14个处理组合中,处理N0P2K2、N1P1K2、N2P2K0、N2P1K2和N2P2K3是试验条件下获得粗蛋白含量较高的组合。     

Effect of potassium,sulfur, boron,and molybdenum fertilization on alfalfa production and herbage macronutrient contents

An established two‐year‐old stand of ‘Apollo’ alfalfa (Medicago saliva L.) was used to determine the alfalfa yield and macronutrient contents response to potassium (K), sulfur (S), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo) fertilization under a high yield environment. A split, split block field design was used with nine micronutrient treatments (0, 50, and 100 g Mo ha^‐1 and 0, 1, and 2 kg B ha^‐1) in a factorial arrangement (3²) as the subplots and three K levels (150, 300, and 600 kg K ha^‐1) as the main plot in three replications. Two levels of S (0 and 240 kg S ha^‐1) fertilization were applied in strips across the main plots (K levels) resulting in the split, split block design. Alfalfa yield and macronutrient contests were determined. Increased in K or S rate increased K contents of the plants, however, the differences between the K or S rates were not significant and B or Mo application did not have a marked effect on alfalfa K levels. Alfalfa calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), or phosphorus (P) content was not significantly affected by K, S, B, or Mo fertilization. Potassium, S, B, or Mo fertilizer application also did not have a marked effect on alfalfa yield during this study. Combinations of K, S, B, and Mo fertilizer had variable effects and the effects were dependent on the combination of fertilizer, sources, and levels. With a few exceptions, there was lack of alfalfa yield and nutrient contents response to K, S, B, and Mo applications which was due to the effect of low available soil moisture as a result of low incident rainfall during the study on these nutrients availability, uptake, and alfalfa growth.     

Fertilization of rabbiteye blueberries grown on a typic paleudult soil

A 6 year field study comparing the effects of 5 fertilizer sources applied at 4 levels to 3 rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) cultivars was established on a Typic paleudult soil in southern Misssssippi. Fertilizer sources had little influence on plant height, vigor, chlorosis, or fruit yield. The first year, ‘Tifblue’ was lowest in vigor and fruit yield, but after 4 growing seasons, had the highest plant height and fruit yields. Chlorosis symptoms were more prevalent at the highest fertilization rate, in the cultivar ‘Woodard’, and with Ca(NO₃)₂ fertilizer. During the first 5 years, fruit yields increased as fertilization levels increased from 0 to 5.9 g N/plant but additional fertilization did not influence yields There were no differences in plant vigor due to cultivars but the highest rate of fertilization decreased vigor. The cultivar X fertilization rate interaction was significant for plant height in 1983 and for fruit yields in 1984 and 1985. ‘Delite’ and ‘Woodard’ plant height increased while height of ‘Tifblue’ decreased as fertilization rates increased from the 0 to 5.9 g N/plant levels; higher rates decreased plant height in all cultivars. In 1984 and 1985 fruit yields of ‘Woodard’ and ‘Delite’ were not influenced by fertilization but yields of ‘Tifblue’ indicated a negative response to increasing fertilizer levels.     

Response of tall fescue to fertilizer placement at different levels of phosphorus,potassium, and soil pH 1

Fertilizer application, particularly nitrogen (N), is important in cool‐season grass forage production. Subsurface (knife) placement of N often has resulted in higher forage yield and N uptake of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) compared to surface‐broadcast fertilization, but further studies were needed to indicate whether soil pH, phosphorus (P), or potassium (K) modifies the response. Experiment I tested responses of forage yield and N and P concentration to N, P, and K amount and placement. Two types of fertilizer placement ‐ broadcast and knife ‐ were used with 13, 112, or 168 kg N; 0 or 19 kg P; and 0 or 37 kg K/ha in a factorial arrangement. Yields increased by 53% as N fertilization went from 13 to 112 kg/ha and by 69% as N increased from 13 to 168 kg N/ha. Forage yield was increased 26% from knife compared to broadcast fertilizer placement. P application increased forage production by 13%, but K application had no effect on yield. Forage N concentrations increased by 25% as N fertilization went from 13 to 112 kg/ha and by 38% as N increased from 13 to 168 kg N/ha. Effects of added P and fertilizer placement on N concentration often resulted in interactions among factors. Forage P generally was increased by added P, with some effects of interactions among N rate, P rate, and placement. In Experiment II, fescue responses to N placement were tested where different soil characteristics had been established by previous lime and fertility treatments. Forage yield, N concentration, and N uptake were highest where 9.36 Mg/ha of lime were applied as compared to the control. Previous fertility treatments had no significant (P<0.05) effect. When N was knifed, forage yield was related positively to available soil P but not to pH or K. Yield and forage N concentration and uptake were increased by 20, 11, and 33%, respectively, as a result of knife versus broadcast N application.     

Kura Clover Response to Potassium Fertilization

Kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M.B.) is a persistent perennial forage legume that produces high-quality herbage for grazing, but its response to potassium (K), an essential plant nutrient, is unknown. Our objective was to determine the effect of four dipotassium oxide (K₂O) rates on forage yields and stands of Kura clover compared to birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). There was a significant linear response in Kura clover and alfalfa forage yields to K₂O fertilization each year. Averaged over 4 years, Kura clover forage yield increased by 0.024 Mg ha^–1 per kg of K₂O applied, and the yield response was similar for alfalfa. Birdsfoot trefoil forage yield response to K₂O fertilization was less than those of alfalfa and Kura clover. In the first 2 years after seeding, Kura clover forage yields were consistently less than for alfalfa at all rates of K₂O fertilizer, but in subsequent years Kura clover yields were similar to or exceeded those of alfalfa. Final groundcover values, an estimate of stand density, of unfertilized (0 K₂O rate) Kura clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and alfalfa were 86, 35, and 21%, respectively. Final groundcover of Kura clover and alfalfa was increased by K₂O fertilization. We conclude that Kura clover has good persistence with low soil K fertility but stands and yields can be increased by fertilization.     

Forage yield and crude protein of interseeded legume‐bermudagrass mixtures as affected by phosphorus fertilizer 1

Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) is a warm season perennial that is well adapted in the southern Great Plains. It is one of the region's most important forage crops used for livestock production, and is commonly grown without legume interseeding. Recent research has investigated ways of improving the quality and quantity of this forage. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of interseeded legumes and phosphorus (P) fertilizer on bermudagrass pasture forage yield and crude protein content. One experiment was initiated in 1993 in eastern Oklahoma in an established bermudagrass pasture. Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), ladino clover (Trifolium repens L.), and two varieties of alfalfa (Medicago sativah), ’alfagraze’ and'common’, were interseeded by hand into an established stand of bermudagrass. The effect of P on forage yield and crude protein was evaluated using a 30‐kg P ha^‐1 rate applied at establishment versus no applied P. Forage yield was collected three times throughout the growing season each year from 1994 through 1997. When both alfalfa varieties were interseeded into a bermudagrass pasture without applying additional P fertilizer, forage yields for the legume‐grass mixtures decreased below those obtained from the monoculture bermudagrass in the first year of the stand. The alfalfa variety ‘alfagraze’ interseeded into established bermudagrass decreased total forage yield over the entire 4‐yr study. Interseeded red clover and ladino clover increased crude protein of the forage compared with monoculture bermudagrass the first two years of the study, with red clover continuing to increase crude protein in the fourth year. However, when 30 kg P ha^‐1 was applied to the bermudagrass prior to establishment of the legumes, no change in yield or protein was observed for both alfalfa varieties’ interseeding treatments versus the unfertilized mixtures. Although forage yield may not be increased, interseeding legumes into established bermudagrass could provide an efficient way to improve pasture crude protein without the use of inorganic fertilizers. However, if alfalfa ('common’ or ‘alfagraze') is interseeded, additional P may need to be applied at legume establishment to prevent possible yield decreases.     

施肥对不同品种苜蓿生产力及土壤肥力的影响

研究了不同施肥处理对生长7年的3个紫花苜蓿品种的产量及土壤养分的影响。结果表明,NP配施和单施K肥对苜蓿均有显著的增产效果,不同施肥对不同品种的生产力影响效果不同。N30P120处理巨人201+Z和牧歌401+Z产量最高,分别比对照增产41.1%和74.8%;单施K60处理,路宝比对照增产了76.7%。种植苜蓿可以提高土壤氮的有效性,生长7年的苜蓿根系固氮在土壤仍有累积。种植苜蓿,不施肥处理土壤全氮含量均有不同程度增加,而土壤全磷和全钾略有下降。随磷肥用量的增加而增加,N30P120处理土壤速效磷增加11.45～41.7 mg/kg;单施钾肥,土壤速效磷含量提高了3.71～4.41 mg/kg,全钾含量增加了0.06～1.69 mg/kg。     

Relationships between relative crop yields,soil test phosphorus levels,and fertilizer requirements for phosphorus

Abstract

More uniformity in methods of deriving fertilizer P recommendations from crop response data should improve accuracy and precision of fertilization rates. Experimental data that relate crop yields to soil test levels and describe the effect of fertilizer P on soil test levels provide the basis for determining fertilization rates for specific crop‐soil situations. A modification of the Mitscherlich equation was used in derivation of a new equation for calculating fertilizer P requirements as a function soil test levels of P. The equation was applied to response data for 4 crops.

Response curves and fertilizer requirements as calculated for corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and clover‐grass indicated that soybeans yielded relatively more than the other three crops at low soil test levels of P. Corn and alfalfa required higher soil test levels to reach 95% maximum yield and required higher rates of fertilizer P when initial test levels were low.     

NITROGEN,PHOSPHORUS, AND POTASSIUM EFFECTS ON GRAIN SORGHUM PRODUCTION AND STALK ROT FOLLOWING ALFALFA AND BIRDSFOOT TREFOIL

Grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.)], grown on the often infertile claypan soils of the eastern Great Plains, requires attention to soil fertility. Experimental objectives were to determine the effects of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertility levels, N application, and legume residual on grain sorghum production and stalk rot. Following alfalfa and birdsfoot trefoil, first-year sorghum yield was 7 Mg ha^?1 and not affected by N fertilizer. In subsequent years, yield increases due to N were less than 20%. Sorghum yield increased at low P and K rates, especially with nitrogen (N) fertilization and was greater following birdsfoot trefoil than following alfalfa. In 1995 when fertilized with N, lodging and stalk rot severity were increased by P and reduced by K. In 1996, stalk rot severity was reduced by K fertilization. Grain sorghum, grown after legume crops, required minimal levels of P and K, especially when N fertilizer was added.     

Potassium fractions with other nutrients in crops: A review focusing on the tropics

Potassium (K), a plant nutrient with diverse roles to play in plant metabolism, is required in large amounts by most crops. It interacts with many other plant constituents to affect crop yield and quality. The magnitude of this interaction is high in areas of high cropping intensity, as in the tropics. The interaction of nutrients with K may be in the soil or in plant. Potassium modifies ammonium (NH₄ ⁺) ion fixation in soils to restrict nitrogen (N) availability. On the other hand, an antagonistic effect between K and NH₄ absorption has been suggested in which K absorption is restricted. Similarly, magnesium (Mg) or calcium (Ca) deficiency occurs from ion antagonism in acid soils following K fertilization and in soils with high exchangeable K. Sulfur (S) has been reported to increase K absorption and productivity of oilseed crops. With increasing levels of applied or soil K, the severity of phosphorus (P)‐induced zinc (Zn) deficiency in corn has been observed to decrease. Application of K decreases manganese (Mn) content and iron (Fe) toxicity in rice. Application of K has been reported to decrease B levels in plants and to increase incidence of boron (B) deficiency. Top‐dressing with K fertilizer was reported to lower the copper (Cu) content of alfalfa forage. In root, sugar‐producing, or fiber‐producing crops, the sodium (Na) and K relationship is important with the specific response to either element depending on which element is in low or high supply. Molybdenum (Mo) stimulated K uptake in alfalfa and com. In intensive agriculture with high‐yielding single crops or with multiple crops per year, farm management must include strategies to maintain substantial K reserves in the soil and to balance K nutrition with other fertilization practices.     

Soil‐solution speciation by MINEQL+4.6 model and plant uptake of Cd and Zn by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) after application of different phosphate fertilizers

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the immediate effect of application of mono‐ammonium phosphate (MAP), single superphosphate (SSP), and triple superphosphate (TSP) fertilizers containing varying concentrations of Cd on (1) chemical speciation of Cd and Zn in soil solution by chemical‐equilibrium calculations (MINEQL+4.6 model), (2) growth of barley plants, (3) concentrations of Cd, P, and Zn in soil solution and plant tissue, as well as total plant accumulation of Cd, P, and Zn, and (4) monitoring pH and element changes during incubation periods following phosphate application. Results show that, in general, the pH of soil solution increased during the first 40 d of incubation, then declined. Also, at the end of incubation period, pH of soil solution was affected by fertilization source and fertilization rate. The concentration of Cd in soil solution changed with time. Phosphate fertilization (p < 0.05) or fertilizer source (p < 0.05) showed consistent effects. Also, the application of phosphate fertilizers with three rates significantly increased Zn concentrations in soil solution during the first half (0–30 d) of incubation period and then decreased but still more than in the control. In general, application of different sources of phosphate at 100 g kg^–1 did not change the dominant forms of Cd in soil solution during all incubation time intervals. Speciation of Zn in the control after 30 d of incubation had changed, in comparison to 10 d of incubation, and the dominant forms were Zn²⁺, ZnOH⁺, ZnHCO₃, ZnCO₃(aq), and Zn(OH)₂(aq). Adding phosphate fertilizer significantly increased both shoot and root dry weight compared to control, indicating P was a growth‐limiting factor in the control plants. The Zn concentrations in shoot and root were lower in the TSP‐ and SSP‐fertilizers treatment than those in the MAP and fertilizer treatments at all rates of fertilization. Adding phosphate increased the Cd : Zn and P : Zn ratios in the shoot and root tissue, with the effect being greater with increasing fertilization rate. Phosphate fertilization greatly increased the total accumulation of Cd of barley compared with the control plants (p < 0.001), with the effect being greater with increasing fertilization rate. Source and rate of fertilizers, and their interactions had significant effect (p < 0.05) on Cd accumulation in the whole plant.     

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.     

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizations alter nitrogen,phosphorus and potassium resorption of alfalfa in the Loess Plateau of China

Abstract

Nutrient resorption from senescing leaves is a pivotal component of nutrient conservation strategy in a plant. Thus understanding the response of nutrient resorption to fertilization is of great help to minimize fertilizer use and further optimize fertilization management. However, little is known about how nutrient resorption responds to fertilization in N₂-fixing species. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers were applied at different rates to alfalfa stands in the Loess Plateau. N fertilization hardly affected leaf N and K resorptions, but tended to increase P resorption. P fertilization increased N and K resorptions but affected P resorption in various ways. However, effect of N or P fertilization was significantly interplayed by P or N rate. At N100P60, alfalfa had the maximum biomass accumulation and less leaf resorption. Therefore, alfalfa could be performed well with 100?kg N ha^?1 and 60?kg P₂O₅ ha^?1 in this region.     

Response of apple and pear trees to nitrogen,phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers

Apple (Malus domestica, Borkh) and pear (Pyrus communis, L.) trees responded to nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers. In low P soils, leaf, and fruit P concentrations were increased and yield was improved with moderate rates of mono‐ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertilizers. Improved fruit quality including fruit firmness, red fruit color of ‘Delicious’ apples, and a lower incidence of fruit disorders of apples (bitter pit) and pears (alfalfa greening and cork spot) was frequently associated with trees that were fertilized with calcium nitrate [Ca(NO₃)₂] (CN). Although yield was often improved in experiments containing N‐P‐K or MAP fertilizers, long‐term use of N‐P‐K or MAP could be associated with a higher incidence of fruit disorders and a lower soil pH than with CN fertilizer at equivalent rates of N.     

Ryegrass forage yield and quality response to sulfur and nitrogen fertilizer on coastal plain soil

Abstract

Sulfur (S) deficiency has been reported in some upland soils of the southern United States and S application has improved forage quality on the low‐S soils. A field experiment was conducted for three years to determine ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) dry matter yield and forage quality response to S fertilization. Prilled elemental S was applied each year at two rates (0 and 45 kg S/ha) in combinations with three rates of nitrogen (N) (168, 224, and 280 kg/ha). Wet depositions of S in rain were monitored over the seasons. Sulfur fertilization generally did not increase seasonal dry matter yield and plant uptake of S. Nitrogen application generally increased dry matter yield and protein content during the season. Averaged over the three‐year period, however, forage yield and S uptake increased from 7.7 to 10.5 Mg/ha and 13.9 to 18.8 kg/ha, respectively, as N fertilization increased from the lowest to highest treatment rates. Forage dry matter for each harvest ranged from 0.6 to 2.2 Mg/ha, while S, protein, in vitro dry matter digestibility (TVDMD), and N/S ratio tended to decline seasonally from 2.5 to 1.8, 266 to 142, and 795 to 716 g/kg, and 17.8 to 11.9, respectively. Sulfur input from rainfall was small with a three‐year average of 5.8 kg/ha (±0.64 SE). In some locations of the southern United States, S may not be limiting even when applying high rates of N to high‐yielding forages which annually remove large quantities of S. Because of the lack of yield response from S application and low inputs of S from wet deposition, S from sources other than rainfall may have been considerable.     

Arsenic,molybdenum, selenium,and tungsten contents of fertilizers and phosphate rocks

Abstract

Contamination of soils with trace metals or semi‐metals has become a major public concern in recent years. Potential sources of these contaminants include commercial phosphorus (P) fertilizers and the phosphate rocks used in production of the P fertilizers. Solid commercial P fertilizers marketed in Iowa and phosphate rock samples (PRs) obtained from deposits around the world were analyzed for arsenic (As), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and tungsten (W). The fertilizer materials included 24 samples of triple superphosphate (TSP), 23 samples of monoammonium phosphate (MAP), and 25 samples of diammonium phosphate (DAP). Twelve PRs from different PR deposits in Africa, United States, and Peru were also analyzed. The concentrations of As and Mo were greater and more variable than those of Se and W in TSP, MAP, DAP, and PRs. The ranges and median values of As, expressed in mg/kg, were: TSP (2.4–18.5, 10.1), MAP (8.1–17.8, 12.4), DAP (6.8–15.6, 12.4), and PR (3.2–32.1, 9.6). The range and median values for Mo contents of TSP, MAP, DAP, and PR were: 8–17, 13; 12–17, 15; 10–21, 14; and 2–21, 6, mg/kg, respectively. The median values for the Se and W contents were: TSP (1.1 and 2.7), MAP (0.3 and 2.1), DAP (0.1 and 2.4), and PR (1.0 and 1.9). One each of the TSP and PRs contained much higher concentrations of Se than the other samples analyzed. The concentrations of As, Mo, Se, and W in the fertilizer materials and PRs analyzed were generally greater than those found in Iowa surface soils.     

水、磷对紫花苜蓿产量及水肥利用效率的影响

【目的】紫花苜蓿作为畜牧业生产中最主要的优质绿色饲料,是发展草食畜牧业的物质基础,同时它也是一种需水需肥较多的作物。如何从技术方面提高单位面积苜蓿产量,实现苜蓿高产栽培是科学研究人员及生产者研究的重点。北京市东南部接壤的蓟县、宝坻及南部接壤的廊坊、武清等地区,是北京市在生态和环境优先发展原则下畜牧养殖业外移的重要承接区域,苜蓿在当地种植缺乏科学指导,年干重产量仅为7500~10000 kg/hm2,盐碱地年产量更低,为4500~6000 kg/hm2。本研究通过苜蓿水肥试验确立紫花苜蓿达到高产的最佳磷肥施用水平和灌水量,为京南地区苜蓿高产及水肥的高效利用提供可借鉴的水肥管理技术。【方法】实验在低磷砂壤土条件下进行,选用紫花苜蓿中苜2号品种,设置全生育期不灌水（W0）、以及返青后及第1、2茬刈割后灌水且每次灌水25 mm （W1）、50 mm （W2）、75 mm （W3）4个灌水处理;每个灌水处理下设置不施磷（F0）、施P2O5 105 kg/hm2（F1）、210 kg/hm2（F2）3个施磷量处理,研究了灌水和施磷对紫花苜蓿产量、水分和磷肥利用效率的影响。【结果】1）灌水对1、2茬苜蓿产量的影响有显著差异,对3、4茬及全年产量的影响无显著差异;施磷肥对第3茬苜蓿产量没有显著影响,但对第1、2、4茬及全年苜蓿产量的影响均存在显著差异。2）灌水和施磷肥对紫花苜蓿的水分和肥料利用效率均有显著影响,随着施磷量的增加,苜蓿的水分利用率逐渐增大,说明施磷可以提高水分利用效率;随着灌水量的增加,苜蓿的磷肥利用效率呈先增加后降低的趋势,说明适当的增加灌水量可以提高苜蓿的磷肥利用效率。【结论】综合考虑紫花苜蓿产量、水分和肥料利用效率等指标,最优试验处理为每次灌水量50 mm,施P2O5 210 kg/hm2,其次为每次灌水量25 mm, 施P2O5 210 kg/hm2。     

FERTILIZER RATE EFFECTS ON FORAGE YIELD STABILITY AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF MIDLAND BERMUDAGRASS

Our objectives were to document effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on forage yields and uptake of N, P, and K by Midland bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] on a Minco fine, sandy loam in southern Oklahoma. After six years of this long-term experiment, forage yield responses to fertilization were mixed and depended on year. Stability analysis indicated forage yields responded positively to N fertilization during favorable weather conditions but negatively during poor weather conditions. Application of 112 kg N ha^?1 provided the best yield stability and mean annual forage yield among treatments, 11.5 Mg ha^?1, across years. In years with near-average weather conditions, uptake of N, P, and K increased linearly with N application rate. Limited water holding capacity of the soil and high soil P and K may have contributed to the limited yield responses to fertilization in this semi-arid environment.