Root-Herbage Production and Nutrient Uptake and Retention by Bermudagrass and Bahiagrass

Abstract

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of clipping and N fertilization practices on dry matter yield and macro-element uptake and retention of Bermudagrass and Bahiagrass grown on Inceptisols. Field experiments were conducted from 1963 to 1971 using a Montevallo soil sprigged with three varieties of Bermudagrasses and seeded with two varieties of Bahiagrasses. The results indicated that Bahiagrass outyielded Bermudagrass in root and herbage production. The root-herbage ratio of Bermudagrass increased with increasing N fertilization, whereas this ratio decreased for Bahiagrass. Bermudagrass differed from Bahiagrass in N, P, K, Ca and Mg content. The Ca and Mg content in both roots and herbage of Bermudagrass decreased with N fertilization, but similar N fertilization increased these nutrient elements in Bahiagrass. There was a positive correlation between N content and K/Ca molar ratio in Bermudagrass herbage.