Effect of potassium rate on growth, quality, chemical composition, and winter hardiness of perennial ryegrass

Abstract

Seven potassium (K) rates (0, 50, 150, 350, 450, 550, and 650 kg K/ha) were used to determine the optimum rate of K for turf‐type perennial ryegrass during the winter based on turf growth, quality, and winter hardiness. Turf density, color, growth, and winter hardiness were increased as the rate of K application increased up to 350 kg K/ha. However, there were no beneficial effects of K application beyond that rate. Potassium content of the whole plant was 1.72% of the dry matter at the 350 kg K/ha rate. Calcium and Mg contents of the plant were reduced as the result of K application, and a reduction in growth and K content was detected at the higher K application rates. It is suggested that the optimum K rate for perennial ryegrass is about 350 kg K/ha under our experimental conditions in the winter, and that the K content should be about 1.72% of dry weight of whole plant.