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Research Note:

The influence of applied nitrogen on the root development of Lolium perenne L. one year after establishment


FR Mckenzie
CD Morris

Abstract

The effect of different levels of applied nitrogen (N) (ranging from 120-720kg N ha-1 a-1) on the root development of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was examined at the end of the establishment year. Increasing levels of applied N increased perennial ryegrass root organic matter (OM) content in the top 50mm of the soil, while a corresponding decrease in root OM content was observed in the 100-200mm soil depth category. Increasing levels of applied N did not have a significant effect on root OM content in the 50-100mm or the overall 0-200mm soil depth category. Lower levels of applied N (120-360kg N ha-1 a-1) may be more conducive to promoting deeper root development than higher levels of applied N (480-720kg N ha-1 a-1), but this would require an investigation beyond one year. Perennial ryegrass is extremely shallow-rooted, with approximately 75%of the root mass occurring in the top 50mm of the soil. This stresses the need to pay careful attention to irrigation scheduling.

African Journal of Range & Forage Science, 12(3): pp. 131-132

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eISSN: 1727-9380
print ISSN: 1022-0119