Fertilization of Native Grass and Weeping Lovegrass¹

Abstract

Yield responses by native range to fertilization has often been disappointing in the tall grass prairie, and the results were confounded by changes in species composition. This study evaluated the response to N and P fertilizer by monocultures of three native species ‘Kaw’ big bluestem (Andropogun gerardi Vitman), ‘Caddo’ switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), and indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash] and an introduced grass, weeping lovegrass [Eragrostis curvula (Shrad.) Ness]. Rates of N fertilizer were 0, 45, 90, and 180 kg/ha in all combinations with P at 0 and 40 kg/ha. Forage production, crude protein, fertilizer N recovery, stand longevity, and soil fertility changes were evaluated. Excellent forage yield responses to N fertilization were obtained from the native species in monoculture. Switchgrass and weeping lovegrass were the most productive species at 180 kg N − 40 kg P/ha, but had different seasonal production. All native grasses produced one flush of growth and very limited regrowth when compared with weeping lovegrass. Indiangrass had significant reductions in stand at 90 kg N and 180 kg N/ha and was the first species each year to show visual symptoms of drought stress. Severe lodging of big bluestem at 180 kg N/ha limited its potential. Fertilizer N recovery of all species was most efficient at the 90 kg N − 40 kg P/ha treatment being 52 to 66% for native grasses and 84% for weeping lovegrass. Soil tests revealed P accumulations with P fertilization, decreased soil pH associated with N fertilizer and soil K changes in relation to forage removal. The native species have some characteristics which limit their potential for use in fertilized meadows.

Herbage Dry Matter Yields of Switchgrass, Big Bluestem, and Indiangrass with N Fertilization1

“…Reports by several workers suggest that warm-season grasses n:spond to P, K, or S fertilization (6,9,11). In the pn~sent study, no DM yield response was observed for P and K (including S and Mg) fertilization in 1976 even though soil P and K levels were relatively low in the unfertilized plots.…”

Nitrogen and Harvest Frequency Effect on Yield and Cost for Four Perennial Grasses

“…Other studies have been conducted to test biomass yield response to N fertilizer for bermudagrass, flaccidgrass, and lovegrass (Prine and Burton, 1956; McMurphy et al, 1975; Overman et al, 1993; Burns et al, 1998; Silveira et al, 2007). A number of studies have found that bermudagrass responds to N fertilization, and that total biomass yield increases with multiple cuttings (Janet et al, 2004; Overman et al, 2003; Silveira et al, 2007; Boateng et al, 2007).…”

Yield, resource use efficiency and trace metal uptake of weeping lovegrass grown on municipal sludge‐amended soil

“…The increase in CP content with the application of sewage sludge was due in large measure to the increase in N availability. This is because the CP content of weeping lovegrass increases with fertilization under nutrient limiting conditions …”

“…This is because the CP content of weeping lovegrass increases with fertilization under nutrient limiting conditions. [28][29][30] Rainfall and nitrogen use efficiency RUE is a factor that indicates the productivity of an ecosystem. 18 This depends on soil and vegetation condition and its dynamic status.…”