Response of Pensacola Bahiagrass to Irrigation and Time of N Fertilization

Abstract

Irrigated and not-irrigated Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum var. saurae Parodi) was fertilized with 0, 84, 168, and 336 kgN/ha in six combinations of split applications during the season. Forage yields showed the following responses: Irrigation increased the average forage yield 2165 kg/ha in a dry year and 1303 kg in a wet year. Largest forage yields were obtained when irrigation was combined with the highest N rates. Average forage yield was 2967 kg/ha without fertilization and 12,017 kg with fertilization at a 336 kgN/ha rate. When N was applied to bahiagrass grown on soil low in N, best yields were obtained when 50% or more of the N was applied before growth starts in March or April. On similar soils application of N after August 1 was not as effective in increasing forage yields as March or April applications, but N applied in August or September increased forage production the following year.