Abstract
A 3-yr study was conducted at five different sites in the Aspen Parkland of Saskatchewan to determine the effect of spiking, burning, mowing, deep-banding (Trt) and applications of N, P, K and S liquid and granular fertilizers (Fert) on changes in botanical composition of predominantly smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) pastures established on Black Chernozemic and Gray Luvisolic soils in central Saskatchewan. Fertilizer application was in a liquid form blended to provide 100 kg N ha–1, 45 kg P2O5 ha–1, 23 kg K2O ha–1 and 12 kg S ha–1 in 350 kg of fertilizer ha–1. The experimental design at each site was a randomized complete block in a split-plot arrangement. Main plots were spike, burn, mow, deep-band, deep-band liquid fertilizer and control. The split-plot treatment was granular fertilizer broadcast at 0 and 350 kg ha–1 (providing 100 kg N ha–1, 45 kg P2O5 ha–1, 23 kg K2O ha–1 and 12 kg S ha–1). All treatments were applied in the spring of 1994. Interaction effects of Trt × Yr and Fert × Yr were significant (P < 0.05), indicating a wide range of response to the rejuvenation methods among years. Spiking reduced grass and legume composition, and increased (P < 0.05) the presence of annual weeds and bare ground. Burning increased (P < 0.05) alfalfa composition in years 2 and 3 at three sites and tended to decrease (P > 0.05) bluegrass composition in all 3 yr. Broadcast and liquid fertilizer, at 200 kg N ha–1 decreased (P < 0.05) the alfalfa component in years 2 at four sites and increased (P < 0.05) the smooth bromegrass component at two sites in year 1 and all sites in years 2 and 3. Fertilizer (granular or liquid) alone or combined with mechanical treatments (deep-band, mow, spike or burn) increased (P < 0.05) the composition of smooth bromegrass and decreased (P < 0.05) the composition of bluegrass, weeds and bare ground variably over 3 yr. Mowing and deep-banding had minimal effects on botanical composition. Key words: Rejuvenation, fertilizer, spike, burn, deep-band, botanical composition
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