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Effectiveness and Recovery of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers Topdressed on Meadows
Author(s) -
Hanway John,
Stanford George,
Meldrum H. R.
Publication year - 1953
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1953.03615995001700040020x
Subject(s) - potassium , phosphorus , agronomy , fertilizer , acre , hay , nutrient , zoology , amendment , chemistry , potash , soil test , environmental science , soil water , soil science , biology , organic chemistry , political science , law
A two‐year experiment was conducted in which phosphorus and potassium fertilizers were topdressed each year on an alfalfa‐timothy meadow. In 1950, rates of 0, 60, and 120 pounds per acre of P 2 O 5 and K 2 O were applied alone and in all combinations. In 1951 each plot was split with a factorial of 0 and 60 pounds per acre of P 2 O 5 and K 2 O. Determinations of yield, botanical composition and chemical composition of the hay were made. Soil analyses were made to determine depth distribution of available nutrients in the soil. The soil was very low in “available” phosphorus and potassium and large increases were obtained from the fertilizer applications. There was competition between the alfalfa and timothy for both phosphorus and potassium. Alfalfa was the dominant competitor for phosphorus while timothy offered the most competition for potassium. Very efficient recovery of the topdressed phosphorus was indicated. The apparent recovery of applied potassium was as high as 100% from several treatments. The chemical data indicate that even the maximum application of 180 pounds of K 2 O per acre in the two years was not sufficient for maximum yield on this very potassium deficient soil. Soil tests at the end of the experiment indicate a considerable increase in “available” phosphorus in the surface layer from applications of 120 or more pounds per acre of P 2 O 5 . The residual effect of potassium applications could not be detected by soil tests.