Effect of Zinc along with Organic Fertilizers on Phosphorus Uptake and Use Efficiency by Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)

Abstract

Scarce findings on phosphorus (P) uptake and its utilization under increased zinc (Zn) levels in organic fertilizers amended soil led to conducting research. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of increasing the application of zinc (200, 400, and 600 mg·kg−1 of soil) together with different organic fertilizers (bovine manure, chicken manure, and spent mushroom substrate) on the content and uptake of phosphorus by cocksfoot and the phosphorus use efficiency from organic fertilizers. The application of different amounts of zinc did not affect phosphorus content in the grass, but it significantly influenced its accumulation (p < 0.05). The most phosphorus uptake was accumulated by plants following zinc application at 200 mg·kg−1 of soil and the least following application of 600 mg·kg−1 of soil. The phosphorus use efficiency from organic fertilizers was increased by zinc application of 400 mg·kg−1 of soil and reduced by 600 mg·kg−1 of soil. Organic fertilizers did not significantly affect the phosphorus content in the grass but did increase its uptake. The highest phosphorus use efficiency was obtained for bovine manure. The study showed no antagonistic relationships between zinc and phosphorus, but increasing zinc application affected the coefficient of phosphorus utilization from organic fertilizers.