Description
The efficacy of liquid fertilizer formulation in forage production is unclear. This preliminary study compared the impact of liquid fertilizers sources compared to traditional granular fertilizers in forage bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) production. The experimental design was a randomized complete block replicated three times. Ten N fertilizer treatments were applied to forage systems: a well-established ‘Tifton 9’ bahiagrass. The N fertilizer treatments included a control (C, no nitrogen), two granular fertilizers [urea (U, 46-0-0) and urea ammonium sulfate (UAS, 33-0-0)], and four liquid N fertilizers [ urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN, 32%), Royal Grow (RG, 30-0-0), Pasture Booster Prime (PBP, 30-0-0), and Agritech Plus (AGP, 10-20-10)]. The fertilizers RG, PBP, and AGP were applied at the recommended rate of 1 gal ac-1 and adjusted to meet the recommendation of 50 lb N ac-1. The granular fertilizers U and UAS, and UAN were applied to the equivalent of 50 lb N ac-1. Liquid fertilizers were applied using a 6-ft boom with a CO2 backpack sprayer to supply a rate of 20-gal ac-1 at 60 psi after harvest. The biomass yield of liquid fertilizers applied to the recommended manufacturer’s recommendation did not improve production. Nutritive value was only affected by harvest date. Crude protein was affected by fertilizer application rate rather than the fertilizer source. Further research is necessary to understand the limitation of liquid fertilizers based on application rates and costs.
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Efficiency, Yield, and Nutritive Value of Perennial Warm-season Grass Under Liquid Fertilizer Applications
The efficacy of liquid fertilizer formulation in forage production is unclear. This preliminary study compared the impact of liquid fertilizers sources compared to traditional granular fertilizers in forage bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) production. The experimental design was a randomized complete block replicated three times. Ten N fertilizer treatments were applied to forage systems: a well-established ‘Tifton 9’ bahiagrass. The N fertilizer treatments included a control (C, no nitrogen), two granular fertilizers [urea (U, 46-0-0) and urea ammonium sulfate (UAS, 33-0-0)], and four liquid N fertilizers [ urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN, 32%), Royal Grow (RG, 30-0-0), Pasture Booster Prime (PBP, 30-0-0), and Agritech Plus (AGP, 10-20-10)]. The fertilizers RG, PBP, and AGP were applied at the recommended rate of 1 gal ac-1 and adjusted to meet the recommendation of 50 lb N ac-1. The granular fertilizers U and UAS, and UAN were applied to the equivalent of 50 lb N ac-1. Liquid fertilizers were applied using a 6-ft boom with a CO2 backpack sprayer to supply a rate of 20-gal ac-1 at 60 psi after harvest. The biomass yield of liquid fertilizers applied to the recommended manufacturer’s recommendation did not improve production. Nutritive value was only affected by harvest date. Crude protein was affected by fertilizer application rate rather than the fertilizer source. Further research is necessary to understand the limitation of liquid fertilizers based on application rates and costs.
