Yield of alfalfa as influenced by levels of P and K fertilization

Abstract

Abstract This study was conducted to ascertain further the need for P and K fertilizers to obtain maximum herbage yields from alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Vernal alfalfa was established on a low K Piano silt loam (Typic Argiudoll) soil and topdressed with zero, 22.4, and 44.8 kg/ha of P in autumn of seeding year and with zero, 224, and 672 kg/ha of K as KC1 each autumn. The harvest schedule was three cuts annually at first flower; a schedule widely recommended in the North Lake states. No statistical significance was found for P levels nor for the P x K interaction; significance was found only for K levels. Maximum herbage yield was obtained with 224 kg/ha of K in the first harvest year, but with the 672 kg/ha of K rate in the second harvest year. Herbage K and Cl percentages and amounts removed from the soil increased significantly each year with each increase in K applied. Herbage P and N percentages were decreased significantly with the first increment of K. Residual herbage yields showed dramatically...