Publication Date

1993

Description

In recent field studies, bahiagrnss (Paspalum notatum Flugge), a major forage crop in Florida, did not respond lo added Phosphorus fertiliser even though preplant Mehlich I (Ml) soil test indicated very low extractable P (<10 mg/kg). Surface (Ap), E, spodic (Bh) horizons of a Spodosol, limed spodic horizon (BhL), and commercial builders sand were packed into cylindrical plastic bags in selected combinations. The combinations were Ap-B-S, Ap-E-Bh, Ap-E-BhL, and sand. P was applied in 2 rates as O and 60 kg P/ha to selected bags. Bahiagrass sod with its stolon-root system was collected from an unfertilised bahiagrass field, then placed on the soil surface within the growth bags. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomised design with 4 replicates in a glasshouse. Total forage yield, root dry weight, root growth and distribution were determined in each bag over a period of 175 days. Total forage dry matter was increased with addition of 60 kg P/ha in all treatments. Root growth was not influenced by treatments but dry root weight was different in each treatment. Overall forage crude protein content was not influenced by treatments.

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Influence of Selected Horizon Combinations of a Spodosol on Bahiagrass Yield and Quality

In recent field studies, bahiagrnss (Paspalum notatum Flugge), a major forage crop in Florida, did not respond lo added Phosphorus fertiliser even though preplant Mehlich I (Ml) soil test indicated very low extractable P (<10 mg>/kg). Surface (Ap), E, spodic (Bh) horizons of a Spodosol, limed spodic horizon (BhL), and commercial builders sand were packed into cylindrical plastic bags in selected combinations. The combinations were Ap-B-S, Ap-E-Bh, Ap-E-BhL, and sand. P was applied in 2 rates as O and 60 kg P/ha to selected bags. Bahiagrass sod with its stolon-root system was collected from an unfertilised bahiagrass field, then placed on the soil surface within the growth bags. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomised design with 4 replicates in a glasshouse. Total forage yield, root dry weight, root growth and distribution were determined in each bag over a period of 175 days. Total forage dry matter was increased with addition of 60 kg P/ha in all treatments. Root growth was not influenced by treatments but dry root weight was different in each treatment. Overall forage crude protein content was not influenced by treatments.