Evaluation of Sulfur Fertilization Effects on Yield, Quality, and Nutrient Content of Bermudagrass Hay

Abstract

Yield, quality, and nutrient content of Vaughn’s #1 Bermudagrass^® as affected by sulfur (S) fertilization was evaluated in a 2-year field study. The study area was initially established in July 2004. Soil type was a Staser silt loam (fine-silty, mixed, thermic Cumulic Hapludoll) well drained, dark brown, and cherty with 0 to 2% slope. Sulfur rates of 22.4 and 44.8 kg S⁻¹ ha did not significantly (P < 0.05) affect yield of Vaughn’s bermudagrass in the 2 years of observations. Copper levels showed a highly significant response to S applications (P < 0.01). As S increased, the concentration of copper in the plant decreased. Nitrogen (N) as nitrate (NO₃) levels in the harvested forage were elevated among treatments in 2006; however, no significant difference was found in 2007. The greatest mean nitrate concentration in a single harvest was 1225 mg kg⁻¹ N-NO₃ on September 2006, which is safe to feed to cattle.

Keywords:

• Bermudagrass hay
• copper deficiency
• fertilization
• forage quality
• nitrate toxicity
• sulfur

Notes

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