Effect of Nitrogen Fertilization on Certain Factors of a Western Nebraska Range Ecosystem

Abstract

Applications of nitrogen fertilizer increased yields and protein content of Western Nebraska range forage. Amounts of acid extractable phosphorus in the soil decreased following nitrogen fertilization. Forages from fertilized plots showed no appreciable increase in phosphorus content. Increased yields were not accompanied by major changes in available soil moisture or development of underground plant parts. This data was collected over a 1-year period under a National Science Foundation, Undergraduate Research Participation grant.