Rangeland Ecology & Management

Get reliable science

Nitrogen fertilisation of weeping love grass (eragrostis curvula) at Dohne
Author
Birch, E. B.
Publisher
Proceedings of the Annual Congresses of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
Publication Year
1967
Body

Three field trials on the nitrogen fertilisation of the Ermelo cultivar of Eragrostis curvula conducted over seven years were collated and reviewed. Dry matter yields in tons obtained from these trials, excluding first year results, were used to derive the regression equation y = 3.9 x ? 0.4 x2 + 1.3 for the yield response to increments of 100 lb of nitrogen per morgen per annum. This response was nearly linear up to 300 lb of nitrogen, and more than 400 lb of nitrogen was required for maximum dry matter production. The crude protein content of the herbage increased progressively with increasing rates of nitrogen. The recovery of fertiliser nitrogen varied from 51 to 70 per cent ; the latter being achieved by (he application of 300 lb of nitrogen. Ammonium sulphate produced considerably higher dry matter yields than urea or limestone ammonium nitrate when applied in a single dressing in the spring. When the nitrogen was applied in three dressings the yields from urea and LAN were increased and no longer significantly different from those due to ammonium sulphate.

Language
English
Resource Type
Text
Document Type
Journal Issue/Article
Journal Name
Proceedings of the Annual Congresses of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa
Keywords
Africa