FERTILIZER AND LIME INFLUENCE ON ENGMO TIMOTHY YIELD AND MINERAL COMPOSITION ON THE LOWER KENAI PENINSULA OF ALASKA
Laughlin, Winston M.; Smith, Glenn R.; Peters, Mary Ann; Martin, Paul F.
Date:
1981-04
Publisher: Agricultural Experiment Station, School of Agriculture and Land Resources Management, University of Alaska
Type: Report
Table of Contents: Acknowledgments -- List of Tables -- List of Figures -- Note -- Abstract -- Introduction --
Experimental Procedure: Experiment 1, Experiment 2, Experiment 3 -- Results and Discussion: Experiment 1, Experiment 2: Soil Reaction and Available N 0 3-N, P and K, Bluejoint Invasion, Yield, Crude Protein Percentage, N Uptake, and N Recovery; Experiment 3: Yield, Crude Protein and N 0 3-N Percentages and Nitrogen Uptake, Phosphorus Concentration and Uptake, Potassium Concentration and Uptake, Sulfur Concentration and Uptake, Calcium and Magnesium Concentration and Uptake, Soil Reaction and Available N 0 3-N, P, and K -- Conclusions -- References Cited
Abstract:
Another forage to supplement the native bluejoint (Calamagrostis canadensis) in the Caribou
Hills area on Alaska’s lower Kenai Peninsula is needed. Domestic grass growth has seldom been
successful, although timothy (Phleum pratense) is more tolerant of the acid conditions found in
this area than are many other grasses suited for use in Alaska.
This report summarizes the results of three separate experiments evaluating the effects of
lime and fertilizers on forage production and chemical composition of Engmo timothy on Kachemak
silt loam (Typic Cryandept). A 3-year study showed that lime markedly improved growth
and yield of tim othy in an area where domestic grasses had seldom survived. Ammonium phosphate
nitrate, calcium metaphosphate, and treblesuperphosphate were equally effective as a
source of phosphorus (P).
In an adjacent 6-year study, each lime increment over 1 ton per acre increased the soil pH,
forage yield, and nitrogen (N) uptake, and tended to reduce the crude-protein concentration in
forage. Increasing N applications increased yields, crude-protein percentage, and N uptake.
Native bluejoint gradually replaced the timothy on plots receiving less than 2 tons lime per acre,
responded to the high N rate, and thrived with two cuttings per growing season.
In a 5 -year study, oven-dry yields of both cuttings increased with N rates up to 120 lb N
per acre with no further increase at 180 lb N per acre. Each increasing N rate each year increased
the crude protein and nitrate (N 0 3 -N) concentrations of both cuttings. Nitrogen rates exceeding 60 lb N per acre increased the mean seasonal P uptake and tended to increase the P concentration.
Mean seasonal potassium (K) uptake varied with N rate as follows: 120>180 and 240> 60
lb N per acre. Each increasing N increment through 180 lb N per acre increased the mean seasonal
calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) uptake. Increasing P rates from 75 to 150 lb per acre had no
effect on forage yield. Increasing the P rate from 75 to 150 lb per acre increased the P concentration
of both cuttings and the mean seasonal P and sulfur (S) uptake and depressed the mean
seasonal Ca and Mg uptake. Increasing the K rate from 83 to 166 lb per acre increased the K concentration
and depressed the crude-protein concentration of both cuttings as well as increasing
the mean seasonal K and total N uptake. The higher K rate increased oven-dry yields of both
cuttings and the mean seasonal N 0 3 -N uptake at the higher N rates.
The soil became more acid from 1972 to 1976 with September pH values generally lower
than those of the preceding June, particularly in the top 2 inches. The highest N application
(240 lb/A) produced the greatest pH reduction. The N 0 3 -N in the soil increased with each increasing
N rate. Available P increased over time, accumulated in the top 2 inches, and was greater
with the heavier P application. Available K also accumulated in the top 2 inches, was greater in
September than in June, and was greater where 166 lb K per acre had been used than with 83 lb. These experiments demonstrated that Engmo timothy can be grown successfully on the
more acid Kachemak silt loam with lime application and proper fertilization.
Description:
This report contains the results of a cooperative investigation between Agricultural Reseach,
Science and Education Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, and the Palmer
Research Center, Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Alaska.
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