Publication Date
1989
Description
Increasing evidence suggests that P concentration is the primary factor controlling the eutrophication of many surface waters (Taylor and Kilmer, 1980). Leaching and runoff losses of soluble P fertilizers applied to beef cattle pastures to increase forage production are believed to be a significant source of this P entering the water. Despite the fact that nearly one million hectares of bahiagrass are grown annually in Florida, relatively little is known about the nutrient requirements of bahiagrass for optimum forage production and quality. Currently, fertilizer rates of up to 112 kg P2Os/ha are being recommended for bahiagrass pastures. There is mounting evidence to indicate that high forage yields and quality can be obtained using P fertilization rates much lower than those currently being recommended (McCaleb et al., 1966). This research was conducted to determine if the current P fertilizer recommendations could be reduced without adverse effects on bahiagrass forage production and quality and to evaluate the influence of different P application rates on surface and ground water quality.
Citation
Payne, G G. and Rechcigl, J E., "Influence of Phosphorus Fertilization on Bahiagrass and Water Quality" (2025). IGC Proceedings (1989-2023). 20.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1989/session1/20
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Influence of Phosphorus Fertilization on Bahiagrass and Water Quality
Increasing evidence suggests that P concentration is the primary factor controlling the eutrophication of many surface waters (Taylor and Kilmer, 1980). Leaching and runoff losses of soluble P fertilizers applied to beef cattle pastures to increase forage production are believed to be a significant source of this P entering the water. Despite the fact that nearly one million hectares of bahiagrass are grown annually in Florida, relatively little is known about the nutrient requirements of bahiagrass for optimum forage production and quality. Currently, fertilizer rates of up to 112 kg P2Os/ha are being recommended for bahiagrass pastures. There is mounting evidence to indicate that high forage yields and quality can be obtained using P fertilization rates much lower than those currently being recommended (McCaleb et al., 1966). This research was conducted to determine if the current P fertilizer recommendations could be reduced without adverse effects on bahiagrass forage production and quality and to evaluate the influence of different P application rates on surface and ground water quality.
