Orchardgrass Growth on Nitrogen and Sulfur Fertilized Volcanic Ash Soil

Abstract

Growth responses of orchardgrass to additions of N and S from various sources were studied in the greenhouse on a volcanic ash soil. Sources with soluble S were superior to those with elemental S in producing faster growth, greater growth, and greater N recovery. Results indicate fertilizers with formulae of 21-0-0-24, 30-1-0-6, 27-12-0-4, or 16-20-0-15 should effectively aid rapid establishment of new orchardgrass seedings. Rapid early growth will take optimum advantage of stored soil moisture prior to the onset of dry summers which typically occur in much of the Northwest. Grazing at late growth stages will maximize returns from applied fertilizers.