Phosphorus Sources and Rates Associated with Nitrogen Fertilization in Mombasa Grass Yield

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the important causes of degradation of cultivated pasture under tropical conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate phosphate rates and sources, and N rates on the concentration and uptake of N and P, and shoot dry mass (SDM) yield of Megathyrsus maximum grass cv Mombasa in an Ultisol. The trial was carried out in a greenhouse in pots with 4.0 dm −3 of soil. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with four replicates. The 3 × 3 × 3 factorial treatments consisted of phosphorus sources [reactive rock phosphate from Morocco (RPM), reactive rock phosphate from Algeria (RPA) and triple superphosphate (TSP)], three phosphorus rates (0, 150, and 300 mg kg −1), and three N rates (0, 250, and 500 mg kg −1). The SDM and tillering of Mombasa grass were significantly influenced with the TSP, RPM, and RPA application associated with N fertilization. The RPM, RPA, and TSP met the nutritional demands of Mombasa grass. The three P sources showed the same effect on the total N uptake by Mombasa grass. The P use efficiency (PUE) when fertilizer-P sources were added alone by Mombasa grass was <12% of the added P, and PUE decreased as follows: TSP > RPA > RPM. When P and N-fertilizer were added together, the fertilizer-N use efficiency (NUE) was 62%. The reactive phosphate (RPM and RPA) is an efficient P sources for Mombasa grass, but requiring higher rate of application compared to TSP source.

Recomendações De Adubação E Desfolha Do Capim Mombaça Para a Região De Carajás – Pará: Eficiência E Efeitos No Solo

“…TSD responses indicate stimuli to tillering caused by the association of N, P and cutting management (Ihtisham et al, 2018), condition of the 70 cm defoliation strategy. Heinrichs et al (2016), evaluated nitrogen, phosphate and potassium fertilization in Mombaça grass and observed an increase in 28,6% of TSD with effects on MTF, as noted in this study. When fertilizing with intermediate doses, such as in PR, and the frequency of harvest increases (70 cm), there is already stimulus of tillering (Table 4).…”

Chelated zinc leaf application on nutrients concentration and yield of Mombasa grass

“…Megathyrsus maximum (syn. Panicum maximum), varieties Tanzania and Mombasa, are among the innovative forage responsible for the technological leap which have increased productivity per area, as well as the nutritional value of the pastures' production system (Moreno et al 2014;Heinrichs et al 2016). To complement the soil fertilization, foliar fertilization is also used.…”

Role of Slow-Release Phosphate Nanofertilizers in Forage Nutrition and Phosphorus Lability

“…Phosphorus directly influences the pasture establishment, and its application is noticeably responsible for forage species tillering . This P importance in tillering is evident after the second cut since HAP and its synthesized nanocomposites performed better than BAY and the control.…”

“…Potassium (K) was applied as potassium chloride (KCl) at a dose of 20 mg kg –1 of K 2 O. Since P is responsible in pastures for root growth and tillering, an essential nutrient for good forage yield, this plant species is ideal for analyzing the actual effect of this new fertilizer technology. The micronutrients were fertilized with a nutrition solution containing MnSO 4 , H 3 BO 3 , CuSO 4 , ZnSO 4 , and Na 2 MoO 4 , according to Malavolta …”