| Abstract: | Abstract The influence of limestone and N:P:K fertilizer rates on elemental composition of Coastal bermudagrass forage was determined to evaluate causes for high yield responses to dolomitic limestone at high N:P:K rates, as well as severe stand loss, and chlorosis of bermudagrass in the unlimed treatments. Increasing N:P:K fertilization resulted in severe Mg deficiency. Maximum yields (when limed with dolomitic limestone) were associated with Mg concentrations of 1.0 g/kg plant tops. Magnesium lost to plant removal, Mg loss to enhanced leaching under N fertilization, and K interference associated with excess K accumulation at high rates of NK inputs all contributed to Mg deficiency. However, the accumulation of excess K, which interfered with Mg uptake when high rates of N and K were applied, was considered to be the primary cause of the observed Mg deficiency. |
