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Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization for Production of Crested Wheatgrass and Native Grass in Northeastern Montana 1
Author(s) -
Black A. L.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
agronomy journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.752
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1435-0645
pISSN - 0002-1962
DOI - 10.2134/agronj1968.00021962006000020021x
Subject(s) - agronomy , phosphorus , forage , human fertilization , nitrogen , fertilizer , nitrogen fertilizer , agropyron , biology , subsoil , agropyron cristatum , zoology , chemistry , soil water , ecology , organic chemistry
Nitrogen and N‐P fertilization consistently increased forage yields of native grass and crested wheatgrass ( Agropyron desertorum [Fisch.] Schult., ‘Standard’). Plant responses were greatest the year of fertilization, but residual effects were significant 1 to 2 years later. Aplications of N at rates of 45 kg/ha or greater, regardless of P treatment, increased water‐use efficiencies of both grasses 1.5‐ to 2.5‐fold for 2 to 3 years. Increased wateruse efficiency was at least partly due to more efficient extraction of subsoil water. Plant P content was increased substantially by applied P the year of application and 3 years later, regardless of N treatment. Plant recovery of N applied alone at rates of 45 or 90 kg/ha for the 4‐year period averaged 65.8% for crested wheatgrass and 60.0% for native grass. Recovery of N applied in combination with P averaged 73.1% for crested wheatgrass but only 38.2% for native grass. Phosphorus fertilizer stimulated uptake of soil N by both grasses about 20%. Nitrogen increased the 4‐year production of crude protein 1.5‐ to 2.6‐fold for both grasses. High N fertilizer rates were more economical than low N rates, regardless of P treatment.