Alternatives to Conventional Nitrogen Fertilization on Tall Fescue and Bermudagrass

Abstract

Core IdeasComparing sources of N applied to grasses can help lead to decisions N application.This information assists southeastern producers with guidelines on N fertilization.With conventional N fertilizer increasing prices, it is important to explore different alternatives.Alternatives to conventional N fertilization on tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus(Schreb.) Dumort., nom. cons. cv. Kentucky‐31] and bermudagrass [Cynadon dactylon(L.) Pers. cv. Vaughn’s #1] were studied at the University of Tennessee Plateau Research and Education Center in Crossville, TN. The experimental period occurred from April to September 2016 and 2017, and the experimental design for each experiment was a completely randomized block design with six treatments and four replications (n= 24). For both species, treatments were: control (CN) without N fertilization; grass and white clover (WC) [Trifolium repens(L.) cv. Ladino‐Will]; grass and red clover (RC) [Trifolium pretense(L.) cv. Cinnamon Plus]; grass and cowpea (CW) [Vigna unguiculata(L.) cv. ‘Iron & Clay’]; broiler litter (BL); and ammonium nitrate (AN). Legume percentage of CW in tall fescue was comparable to RC in tall fescue (P= 0.646) in 2016 but differed in 2017 (P= 0.0002). Also in tall fescue, RC treatments resulted in the greatest total herbage mass (HM) in 2017, which was 1986 kg ha−1more than other treatments. In 2017, RC and WC treatments in tall fescue were greater in (ADF) for most of the growing season. For bermudagrass, RC treatments resulted in the greatest HM in 2016, with 4526 kg ha−1more than other treatments, and in 2017 with 4289 kg ha−1more than other treatments. Treatments containing a single application of BL or AN in spring each year showed no differences for total HM and crude protein (CP) in both species.