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  Update of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Needs on Various Forage Swards in New Brunswick




C. Karemangingo1 , M. Basque2, M. Price3, M. Robichaud2, Peter Scott4, N. Williams5, T. Bruulsema6 and C. Leblanc7

Partner: New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association

Abstract: This on-farm study has been monitoring effects of N, P, and K applications on established mixed forages (grasses and legumes) with regard to crop growth rate and yield, feed nutrient contents and uptakes, and soil quality. The study has been conducted in the southeast (Riverview), the northeast (Tracadie), and the west (Woodstock) of New Brunswick. Ammonium nitrate, triple superphosphate, and potassium chloride were broadcast in the spring of 2002 and 2003. At Riverview, a 4X3X3 factorial treatment combined 0, 50, 100, 150 kg N ha-1, 0, 50, 150 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 0, 60, and 180 kg K2O ha-1. At Woodstock, a 3X4X3 experiment was composed of 0, 50, 150 kg N ha-1, 0, 50, 100, 150 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 0, 60, 180 kg K2O ha-1. At Tracadie, the 3X3X4 factorial experiment was composed of 0, 50, 150 kg N ha-1, 0, 50, 150 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 0, 60, 120, 180 kg K2O ha-1. Growth and yield responses to N, P, and K fertilizers were site-specific and year related. N applications increased crop growth rate and yields at all sites. The combination of 100 kg N ha-1, 50 kg P2O5 ha-1, and 60 kg K2O ha-1 generated optimum yields at Riverview and Tracadie while a lower N rate was required at Woodstock. In addition, feed N, P and K contents and uptakes were increased by N fertilizer applications. Feed N, P, and K contents and uptakes were diversely and positively affected by N, P and / or K fertilizer interaction effects. Soil quality was not affected by N and K fertilizer applications; P applications increased soil P and P saturation percentage from spring to the fall. Significant amounts of N, P, and K nutrients were supplied from the soil as monitored in the control. Overall, the results are consistent with the need for New Brunswick to upgrade N, P, and K fertilizer recommendations on forage crops.




1 NB Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Land Development Branch, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1
2 NB Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Land Development Branch, PO Box 3058, Tracadie-Sheila, NB, E1X 1G5
3 NB Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agriculture Development Branch, PO Box 6000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5H1
4 NB Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Potato Development Centre, 39 Barker Lane, Wicklow, NB, E7L 3S5
5 NB Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Land Development Branch, 26 Acadie Street, Bouctouche, NB, E4S 2T2
6 Potash and Phosphate Institute of Canada, 18 Maplewood Drive, Guelph, ON, N1G 1L8
7 NB Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Agriculture Development Branch, 381 Killam Drive, Moncton, NB, E1C 3T1

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
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