NITROGEN RATE, PLACEMENT, AND HARVEST SYSTEM EFFECTS ON EASTERN GAMAGRASS HAY PRODUCTION

摘要

Eastern gamagrass is a native, warm-season perennial with potentially high forage quality and productivity compared to other grass species. However, more intensive management of nitrogen (N) application and harvest frequency may be required to maximize its potential. This study was to determine the long-term response of eastern gamagrass to three rates of N fertilizer applied by broadcast or knife placement and hayed under 1-cut or 2-cut harvest systems. Nitrogen for 5 years increased total forage yield by an average of 43% with the first 45 Ib/acre increment, and by an additional 21% with the next 45-lb increment. Yield increased under the 2-cut system compared to 1-cut only when no N was applied. Knife placement of N increased total seasonal yield with 90 Ib N per acre, primarily in the second of the 2-cut harvest system.