Effects of fertilizer on root strength of Sherman big bluegrass (Poa ampla Merr.)

M. R. Haferkamp; P. O. Currie

doi:10.2134/agronj1973.00021962006500030049x

Treesearch

Effects of fertilizer on root strength of Sherman big bluegrass (Poa ampla Merr.)

Formally Refereed

Authors:

M. R. Haferkamp, P. O. Currie

Year:

1973

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2134/agronj1973.00021962006500030049x

Source:

Agronomy Journal. 65(3): 511-512.

Download (PDF 152 KB)

Download (PDF 152 KB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/59376.pdf

Abstract

Pulling of plants by grazing animals has been a common problem on ‘Sherman’ big bluegrass (Poa ampla Merr.) pastures in Colorado. Fertilizers were applied to individual plants in a greenhouse study to evaluate their influence on plant resistance to pullup. The fertilizer treatments were 56 kg/ha N, 56 kg/ha P, or 56 kg/ha of each element as an N+P combination. Fertilizer treatments were applied to vernalized and nonvernalized plants grown in two soils. Tensions required for pullup in the greenhouse were correlated with total root weight (r = .75**) and significantly increased with N fertilization. Plants fertilized with N produced more vegetative and reproductive shoots, tillers, foliage weight, and root system weight and length. Phosphorus fertilization produced a significant increase in vegetative and reproductive shoots, and a significant interaction between N and P was found for root system size and the amount of roots that were pulled from the soil with the plants.

Keywords

grazing, Sherman big bluegrass, Poa ampla, fertilizer, root strength

Citation

Haferkamp, M. R.; Currie, P. O. 1973. Effects of fertilizer on root strength of Sherman big bluegrass (Poa ampla Merr.). Agronomy Journal. 65(3): 511-512.