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Omission Fertilization of Bahiagrass Plots, a Multi-year Study

Applied Research

J.K. Yarborough
Livestock and Natural Resources Agent
Orlando

Abstract

This study examined the effects of omitting select macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) from fertilization treatments on bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) on-farm plots in Florida to determine the impact on long-term stand health and production. The research was conducted in four counties over several years using a randomized complete block design. Treatments were as followed 1) full mineral fertilization, 2) biosolids (Class AA + muriate of potash) representing mineral-based and organic-based controls, respectively, 3) complete mineral fertilization minus N, 4) minus P, 5) minus K, and 6) no fertilization (check). Within the first season, forage production decreased over time without the addition of nitrogen, forage production decreased by the end of the second season without the additional of potassium and forage production remained equally high for treatments 1, 2, and 4 over 3 to six seasons.   The low potassium treatment reduced stand density over time and increased weed intrusion as soil potassium concentrations decreased. The study concludes that soil amendments should be supported with tissue sampling to avoid excess phosphorus fertilizer applications and suboptimal soil potassium concentrations, to maximize forage production in Florida bahiagrass stands.

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, Joe Walter, Ray Bodrey, Luke Harlow, Brittany Justesen, Stacy Strickland, Paulette Tomlinson, Cheryl Mackowiak
  1. Yarborough, J. Livestock and Natural Resources Agent, Member, Florida, 32812
  2. Walter, J. Extension Agent, Member, Florida, 32926
  3. Bodrey, R. Marine Extension Agent, Member, Florida, 32465
  4. Harlow, L. Extension Agent, Member, Florida, 32091
  5. Justesen, B. Extension Agent, Member, Florida, 34741
  6. Strickland, S. County Extension Director, Member, Florida, 34741
  7. Tomlinson, P. Extension Agent, Member, Florida, 32024
  8. Mackowiak, C. Assistant Professor, Member, Florida, 32351