Effects of Overseeding Cool‐Season Annuals on Hay Yield and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Uptake by Tifton 44 Bermudagrass Fertilized with Swine Effluent

Abstract

Use of Tifton 44 bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] in manure nutrient management is limited to summer haying. This study was done to determine how hay yield and nutrient uptake in a manure‐fertilized Tifton 44 field were affected by fall overseeding and spring haying with berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.), crimson clover (T. incarnatum L.), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Overseeding treatments were compared with a nonoverseeded control on Mantachie loam (fine, siliceous, acid, thermic Aeric Fluvaquents) receiving 168 kg P ha−1 in swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) effluent. Spring hay was cut April–June and summer hay July–October 2000–2002. Dry matter (DM) (4.4–5.5 Mg ha−1 yr−1) and P uptake (12.2–17.1 kg ha−1 yr−1) of spring berseem clover hay were higher than the control in 2 of 3 yr and higher than other treatments in 2002. Total DM and P uptake with berseem clover overseeding were 10% higher than the control. Final Mehlich‐3 P soil levels (0–5 cm) tended to be lower in the berseem clover treatment than the control (65 vs. 81 mg kg−1, respectively). Spring berseem clover hay was higher in N (94–122 kg ha−1 yr−1) than the control each year and higher than other treatments in 2 of 3 yr. Summer Tifton 44 hay in the berseem clover treatment had more DM in 2002 and higher N uptake in 2001 and 2002 than other treatments. No treatment reduced Tifton 44 yield or nutrient uptake. Overseeding increased hay yield and nutrient uptake, and berseem clover was as good as or better than other treatments.