Publication Date
1993
Description
Pasture yields responded to applied nitrogen (urea) at either 200, 400 or 600 kg/ha/year of N under generally adverse seasonal conditions. Dry (DM) matter production differences were measured in each year, and in all seasons except spring for the 200 v. 400 kg N comparison. Autumn DM production increased by 25% with the increase from 200 - 400 kg N, and an additional 200 kg N resulted in a further 10.4% increase in dry matter yield. Botanical composition changes were consistent with expectations that Nitrogen would favour the more valuable pasture species. The expected improvement in feed quality as a result of applied N was achieved from only leaf N concentcation. The low P and Ca, and high K concentrations of the leaf are cause for concern in dairy callle diets, and mineral supplementation prpgrammes would need to be considered to maintain long-term production of milking cows.
Citation
Reason, G K.; Bowdler, T M.; Lowe, K F.; and Chaseling, J, "Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Applied as Urea to Dryland Tropical Grass Pastures on Presentation Yield and Chemical Composition" (2024). IGC Proceedings (1993-2023). 7.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/igc/1993/session13/7
Included in
Agricultural Science Commons, Agronomy and Crop Sciences Commons, Plant Biology Commons, Plant Pathology Commons, Soil Science Commons, Weed Science Commons
Effect of Nitrogen Fertilizer Applied as Urea to Dryland Tropical Grass Pastures on Presentation Yield and Chemical Composition
Pasture yields responded to applied nitrogen (urea) at either 200, 400 or 600 kg/ha/year of N under generally adverse seasonal conditions. Dry (DM) matter production differences were measured in each year, and in all seasons except spring for the 200 v. 400 kg N comparison. Autumn DM production increased by 25% with the increase from 200 - 400 kg N, and an additional 200 kg N resulted in a further 10.4% increase in dry matter yield. Botanical composition changes were consistent with expectations that Nitrogen would favour the more valuable pasture species. The expected improvement in feed quality as a result of applied N was achieved from only leaf N concentcation. The low P and Ca, and high K concentrations of the leaf are cause for concern in dairy callle diets, and mineral supplementation prpgrammes would need to be considered to maintain long-term production of milking cows.
