Publication Date
1989
Description
Eragrostis curvula is widely planted as a hay crop in the summer rainfall areas of South Africa. For many years the main yield determinants have been regarded as N and P. As a result of the depleting effect of crop removal low K status is becoming more common. The beneficial effect of K fertilization, in combination with N, has been illustrated by Miles et al. (1986) and Rethman and De Witt (1839). Information on the rate of build up and/or depletion of soil K under different fertilization regimes is, however, required to facilitate the planning of fertilization strategies. The monitoring of K content of both herbage and soil during the conduct of a N x K fertilization trial over an eight year period in the Eastern Transvaal provided such data.
Citation
Rethman, N.F G. and De Witt, C C., "The Depletion of Soil K as Affected by Fertilization of Eragrostis curvula Used for Hay Production" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 12.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session1/12
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The Depletion of Soil K as Affected by Fertilization of Eragrostis curvula Used for Hay Production
Eragrostis curvula is widely planted as a hay crop in the summer rainfall areas of South Africa. For many years the main yield determinants have been regarded as N and P. As a result of the depleting effect of crop removal low K status is becoming more common. The beneficial effect of K fertilization, in combination with N, has been illustrated by Miles et al. (1986) and Rethman and De Witt (1839). Information on the rate of build up and/or depletion of soil K under different fertilization regimes is, however, required to facilitate the planning of fertilization strategies. The monitoring of K content of both herbage and soil during the conduct of a N x K fertilization trial over an eight year period in the Eastern Transvaal provided such data.
