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Nitrogen Fertilizer Efficiency in Bermudagrass Production¹

ABSTRACT

Efficient N applications are necessary to maximize bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) dry matter yield and N uptake in forage. Significant losses of NH₃ from surface applications of urea and NH₄-N fertilizers by volatilization have been reported. Field experiments were conducted over a three-year period under a wide range of climatic and soil conditions in Oklahoma to determine the efficiency of N applications for dry matter production and N uptake in bermudagrass forage. Four locations were selected in 1978 and one each in 1979 and 1980, representing four typical soil types for bermudagrass production with a pH range of 4.7 to 6.9. Anhydrous ammonia (AA) and ammonia passed through a Cold-Flo adapter (ACF) were injected into bermudagrass sod and urea-ammonium-nitrate (UAN), urea, and (NH₄)₂SO₄ (AS) were broadcast. Rates of N were 0, 112, 224, and 448 kg·ha^–1 initially as well as 224, 336, and 448 kg·ha^–1 in split applications. An additional experiment was established in 1980 to evaluate the effect of S on yield and N uptake. Rates of S were 0 and 64 kg · ha^–1 and sources were elemental S, CaSO₄ · 2H₂0, MgSO₄, and AS. There were two harvests at each location in 1978, three in 1979, and two in 1980.

Yield and N uptake from AA and ACF applications were not significantly different, but generally were lower than with broadcast UAN, urea, and AS. Yield and N uptake generally were lower from urea than UAN and AS. Relative efficiency of N sources obtained from averaging across N response experiments were in the order of AS > UAN > urea > AA > ACF. Split application of N in 1978 and 1980 did not increase yield, but in 1979 an increase in yield was obtained with more even rainfall distribution during the growing season. Sulfur fertilization decreased N:S ratios in forage, but did not increase yield or N uptake or improve N efficiency. Potential losses of NH₃ by volatilization from broadcast urea, UAN, and AS in these experiments were considered minimal.

¹ Journal Art. no. 4176, Oklahoma Agric. Exp. Stn., Stillwater, OK 74078.

² Associate Professor, Graduate Assistant, Senior Agriculturist, and Research Technician IV, Dep. of Agronomy, Oklahoma State Univ., Stillwater, OK 74078.

Received for publication July 23, 1982. Accepted for publication February 15, 1983.

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