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MIDLAND 99 BERMUDAGRASS FORAGE YIELD RESPONSE TO TWO YEARS OF PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIUM FERTILIZATION

Applied Research

Brian Haller
CEA-STAFF CHAIR
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
SEARCY

Abstract

Warm-season forage makes up the largest percentage of hay harvested in Arkansas.  Median soil test P(phosphorus) and K(potassium) for warm-season forages has declined since 2006, suggesting the lack of fertilizing forages sufficiently with K. This report summarizes P and K research conducted in 2011-12 on an established stand of Midland 99 bermudagrass on a farm located in El Paso, Arkansas having suboptimal soil P and K availability.  Our research objective was to evaluate soil test P and K and bermudagrass yield and nutrient uptake as affected by annual P and K fertilization.  Soil samples were collected from each plot to monitor soil-test P and K.  In the K rate trial, muriate of potash was applied in two or three applications of 0, 90, 180, 270, 360, and 450lbs. K2O/acre.  In the P rate trial, triple superphosphate was applied in one to three applications of 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150lbs. P2O5/acre.  The biomass was harvested from each plot and weighed. It was adjusted to a total dry weight of forage/acre.  Soil test P and K were increased with the treatments. Year one yields from the first two and the fourth harvest events were unaffected by K fertilization.  Phosphorus fertilization resulted in similar yield results.  Forage receiving no P produced the lowest yield at three of the four individual harvests, but the differences were never significant.  Year 2 yield was increased in treatments of P and K versus the unfertilized control.  The stand appeared to be more uniform.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: B.W. Haller, N.A. Slaton, C.G. Massey, R.E. DeLong, B. Gordon
  1. Haller, B. County Extension Agent - Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72143
  2. Slaton, N. Professor, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72704
  3. Massey, C. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72704
  4. DeLong, R. Research Associate, University of Arkansas, Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72704
  5. Gordon, B. County Extension Agent - Agriculture, University of Arkansas, Cooperative Extension Service, Arkansas, 72143