Callie Bermudagrass Yield and Nutrient Uptake with Liquid and Solid N-P-K Fertilizers

Abstract

A 2-year study to compare the effect of liquid and solid N-P-K (9:1:4) fertilizers on 'Callie' bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon var. aridus Harlan et de Wet) production and nutrient uptake was conducted in Central Florida. There was a positive linear relationship between yield and amount of N-P-K fertilizer applied from both sources. Forage N and K concentrations were positively affected and P levels were unaffected by increased fertility levels. Solid fertilizer increased dry matter production and resulted in higher relative uptake efficiencies of the applied N, P, and K than the liquid source. It also maintained higher N concentrations in the forage in some cuttings than the liquid, but neither P nor K concentrations were affected by the fertilizer source. Ammonia volatilization of the urea in the liquid source was probably the major reason for the lower yield, N concentration, and N uptake efficiency with that source. The trend for lower P and K uptake efficiencies by the liquid-treated forage appears to be associated with the lower yields obtained with this source.