HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Lamond, R. E. Articles by Moyer, J. L. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Lamond, R. E. Articles by Moyer, J. L. Agricola Articles by Lamond, R. E. Articles by Moyer, J. L.

Effects of Knifed Vs. Broadcast Fertilizer Placement on Yield and Nutrient Uptake by Tall Fescue¹

ABSTRACT

Field studies were conducted from 1979 to 1981 to evaluate two fertilizer application techniques for established tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Fertilizer solutions were formulated from urea-ammonium nitrate solution (UAN, 28-0-0) and potassium tripolyphosphate (0-11-21) or ammonium polyphosphate (10-15-0) and potassium chloride (0-0-50) to supply various rates of N, P, and K. These fertilizer solutions were either surface-broadcast through flat fan-spray nozzles or injected (knifed) 15 to 20 cm deep behind shanks on 38-cm spacings. The knifed method could be called a subsurface band application that places the fertilizer directly in the root zone.

In Experiment I, N was applied at 56, 112, and 168 kg per ha with or without 20 kg of P/ha and 37 kg K/ha. In Experiment II, rates were 13, 112, and 168 kg N/ha; 0 and 20 kg P/ha; and 0 and 37 kg K/ha. All experiments were conducted on Parsons silt loam soils (Mollic Albaqualf, fine, mixed, thermic) that tested low to medium in available P and K. Total yields and N concentrations of forage generally increased with N rates up to 168 kg N/ha. Phosphorus fertilization increased forage yields, P concentrations, and P uptake. Forage yields were not significantly increased by K fertilization, but on low-K soil, adding K tended to increase yields when N and P were supplied. Fertilization with K increased forage K concentrations, but had little influence on other forage constituents. Knifed fertilization was superior to broadcast applications of fertilizer and significantly increased forage yields, N content, N uptake, K uptake, and sometimes K concentrations and P uptake. The superiority of the knifed application was due mainly to better N utilization.

¹ Contribution no. 82-331-j, Southeast Kansas Branch Experiment Station, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan, KS 66506.

² Formerly Assistant Professor, Soil and Water Management, and Assistant Professor, Forages, Southeast Kansas Branch Experiment Station, Box 316, Parsons, KS 67357. Senior Author is now Assistant Professor, Northeast Area Extension Specialist, 1515 College Avenue, Manhattan, KS 66502.

Received for publication April 29, 1982. Accepted for publication September 9, 1982.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				R. H. Gelderman, J. R. Gerwing, and E. Twidwell Point-Injected Phosphorus Effects on Established Cool-Season Grass Yield and Phosphorus Content Agron. J., January 1, 2002; 94(1): 48 - 51. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]