Publication Date

1997

Description

Forage and seed production responses to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer of Common buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) were evaluated for three years (1991-93). An incomplete factorial set of five rates of N and P were applied each year. Seed data were collected by hand stripping mature seed followed by a forage harvest. Seed quality characteristics were determined on each seed sample. No response to N fertilizer was observed in 1991 nor to P in any year. In 1992, there was a linear forage yield response to N fertilizer. In 1993, both the linear and quadratic effects of N fertilizer were significant. There was no consistent fertilizer response for any seed trait. Seed yields were higher in spring than autumn harvests. Mean weight per caryopsis declined with time of the year. Number of caryopsis per 100 involucres was greater in the spring/early summer than autumn and mid-May was greater than mid-June.

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Buffelgrass Forage and Seed Production Responses to N and Fertilization

Forage and seed production responses to nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer of Common buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) were evaluated for three years (1991-93). An incomplete factorial set of five rates of N and P were applied each year. Seed data were collected by hand stripping mature seed followed by a forage harvest. Seed quality characteristics were determined on each seed sample. No response to N fertilizer was observed in 1991 nor to P in any year. In 1992, there was a linear forage yield response to N fertilizer. In 1993, both the linear and quadratic effects of N fertilizer were significant. There was no consistent fertilizer response for any seed trait. Seed yields were higher in spring than autumn harvests. Mean weight per caryopsis declined with time of the year. Number of caryopsis per 100 involucres was greater in the spring/early summer than autumn and mid-May was greater than mid-June.