Publication Date
1989
Description
One of the most important forage crops grown in Florida is bahiagrass, with nearly 1 million ha grown annually. Bahiagrass is found on more acres than all other improved grass pastures combined. Average annual dry matter yields for bahiagrass range from 9 - 16 t/ha. Bahiagrass is adapted to most climatic conditions throughout the state and can be grown on upland well drained sands as well as poorly drained « flatwoods » soils. Until recently, little attention has been focused on the need for S fertilization for plant growth. This is understandable since, in the past fertilizers were contaminated with S, thus fanners did not need to be concerned with S fertilization. However, today in the age of modern technology, fertilizer manufacturing processes have become highly advanced and as a consequence fertilizers are free of S impurities. As a result, S deficiencies are becoming more pronounced throughout the world. When soils are low in S, forage yields, protein quality and digestibility may be reduced. Numerous studies have been conducted on the response of various crops to S fertilization, however very few studies have been conducted with bahiagrass (Tabatabai, 1986).
Citation
Rechcigl, J E.; Payne, G G.; and Stephenson, R J., "Influence of Sulfur and Nitrogen on Bahiagrass" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 13.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session1/13
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Influence of Sulfur and Nitrogen on Bahiagrass
One of the most important forage crops grown in Florida is bahiagrass, with nearly 1 million ha grown annually. Bahiagrass is found on more acres than all other improved grass pastures combined. Average annual dry matter yields for bahiagrass range from 9 - 16 t/ha. Bahiagrass is adapted to most climatic conditions throughout the state and can be grown on upland well drained sands as well as poorly drained « flatwoods » soils. Until recently, little attention has been focused on the need for S fertilization for plant growth. This is understandable since, in the past fertilizers were contaminated with S, thus fanners did not need to be concerned with S fertilization. However, today in the age of modern technology, fertilizer manufacturing processes have become highly advanced and as a consequence fertilizers are free of S impurities. As a result, S deficiencies are becoming more pronounced throughout the world. When soils are low in S, forage yields, protein quality and digestibility may be reduced. Numerous studies have been conducted on the response of various crops to S fertilization, however very few studies have been conducted with bahiagrass (Tabatabai, 1986).
