Effect of varied fertilization and cutting frequency on forage yields, phosphorus and potassium contents and nutrient balance of fen grassland

Abstract

The effect of fertilization and cutting frequency on forage yields, nutrient contents and nutrient balance was examined for seven years in a two-factorial plot trial laid out in strip design with eight variants on a medium-deep fen site in the Havelländisches Luch. The combination of different levels of fertilization and varied cutting frequency revealed significant differences in terms of forage yield, plant ingredients and in some cases also soil nutrient contents. With the management intensity practiced in the trial, between 20 and 28 kg P ha⁻¹ would be optimal. Although up to 150 kg K ha⁻¹ were extracted by the forage crop, application of about 120 kg K ha⁻¹ would be sufficient.

Keywords:

• Grassland
• fertilization
• cutting frequency
• yield
• quality