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The Effect of Potassium on Sugars, Crude Protein, and Tonnage in Limpograss

Applied Research

J.K. Yarborough
Livestock and Natural Resources Agent
Orlando

Abstract

The roots of Agriculture Extension have always been feed with producer input. Whenever producers have issues, they let Extension know so that we may examine the issue and try to come to a resolution. This project began just as so. A producer familiar with watermelon production prosed the hypothesis that Potassium fertilization would increase sugar content in Limpograss (Hermarthria altissima). So, at the UF/IFAS Trial Plots in Kenansville FL we designed a randomized block trial with 4 treatments, and 3 replications. 0 (control) 80, 100, and 120lbs of Potassium per acre were the treatments. Sugar content in the forage was quantified by crushing sample plant material and placing the extractant on a refractometer and estimating Brix content. In conjunction Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) was measured using in vitro analysis. Forage yield was measured by cutting and weighing round bales after each treatment. Our results showed that Potassium fertilization decreased sugar content in Limpograss. There was also an inverse relationship between Potassium fertilization and crude protein concentration. However, there was no significant difference between Potassium treatments. Potassium fertilization also increased forage yield. Our logic is that by increasing the forage yield from Potassium fertilization, the sugar content either doesn’t increase at a similar rate or doesn’t increase at all. Thus, causing the increase in yield to “dilute” the sugar content.

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: J.K. Yarborough, Stacey Strickland, Joseph Walter, Brittany Justesen, J.J White, Caitlin Banium, Laura Bennett, Kalan Taylor, Megan Brew, Jonael Bosques-Mendez, Ed Jennings, Wendy Mussoline, Tim Wilson
  1. Yarborough, J. Livestock and Natural Resources Agent, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32812
  2. Strickland, S. CED and Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS, Florida, 34744
  3. Walter, J. Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32926
  4. Justesen, B. Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS, Florida, 34744
  5. White, J. Soil and Water Technician, Osceola County, Florida, 34744
  6. Banium, C. Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS, Florida, 34470
  7. Bennett, L. Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS, Florida, 33525
  8. Taylor, K. Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32724
  9. Brew, M. CED and Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32778
  10. Bosques-Mendez, J. CED and Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS, Florida, 33873
  11. Jennings, E. CED and Extension Agent IV, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32621
  12. Mussoline, W. Extension Agent II, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32131
  13. Wilson, T. CED and Extension Agent III, UF/IFAS, Florida, 32092