Effects of pasture‐applied biosolids on forage and soil concentrations over a grazing season in north Florida. I. macrominerals, crude protein, and in vitro digestibility1

Abstract

The rationale for this experiment was to determine forage nutrient concentrations as affected by biosolids fertilization. We studied the effects of single applications of two exceptional quality biosolids to bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pasture with regard to satisfying beef cattle nutrient requirements. Twenty‐five 0.8‐ha pastures were divided into five blocks. Two biosolids were applied as normal and double agronomic rates. The control plot received NH4NO3. Forages were analyzed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), crude protein (CP), and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and soils were analyzed for Mehlich I extractable Ca, P, Mg, and K. Single (agronomic or twice this) applications of biosolids to pastures had little effect on Ca, P, Na, and K forage concentrations, but forage Mg was elevated in several treatments late in the season. Crude protein concentrations were elevated above the control for all biosolids treatments late in the season, whereas only small differences were observed at early sampling times. Trends were similar for IVOMD. In general, all treatments were associated with soils with adequate Ca, P, and Mg concentrations, while soil K was uniformly low. In relation to grazing beef cattle requirements, all treatments resulted in generally adequate forage levels of Ca, P, Mg, K, CP, and IVOMD, however, Na (<0.06%) was deficient.