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Abstract
Under iron (Fe)‐stress conditions, Fe has been applied to grass for color enhancement and growth improvement. In this way, the effects of the application of a commercial product based on peat and seaweed extracts amended with Fe as a citrate‐phosphate and vitamins were tested on a permanent grassland stressed in previous years by drought, weeds, and human activity. Two applications of product in winter and in spring, were sprayed at two rates, one suggested by the manufacturer (13.5 mL of concentrated product/700 mL water) and a double dose (27 mL/700 mL water). Effects of the product on biomass production, color enhancement, physical strength of the shoot and root systems, and mineral composition of the grass were evaluated. Results showed that immediately after both winter and summer applications of the product, a color enhancement measured by a chlorophyll meter was observed, and then this effect disappeared. Also a significant increase of physical strength of shoot and root systems was observed after spring application. No significant differences in foliage concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were observed between the control and treated plants. The most important effect of the product was an increase of Fe concentration in leaves, achieving normal levels of Fe from slightly deficient levels. A slight decrease in manganese (Mn) concentration due to a Fe/Mn antagonism was observed. The product showed a high capacity to supply Fe and to increase the physical strength of the plants.
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