Establishment and Yield Responses of Warm-Season Grass Strains to Fertilization

Abstract

Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on stand establishment and yield of 5 warm-season prairie grasses were observed on 12 problem sites in Nebraska. Annual nitrogen fertilization after the establishment year maintained superior stands and increased forage yields of the experimental varieties. Proper timing and rate of nitrogen fertilization produced vigorous growth of the planted grasses which in turn controlled soil erosion and reduced weed invasion; whereas untimely mowing and fertilization increased cool-season weeds. Late-maturing strains of the warm-season grasses produced better stands than early-maturing strains. Where not limited by soil moisture or shortness of season, the late-maturing strains of switchgrass, indiangrass, and big bluestem produced larger yields than early-maturing strains of these grasses.