Benefits are limited with high nitrogen fertiliser rates in kikuyu-ryegrass pasture systems

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dc.contributor.authorViljoen, Charneen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorVan der Colf, Jankeen_ZA
dc.contributor.authorSwanepoel, Pieter Andreasen_ZA
dc.date.accessioned2020-06-17T17:40:49Z
dc.date.available2020-06-17T17:40:49Z
dc.date.issued2020
dc.descriptionCITATION: Viljoen, C., Van Der Colf, J. & Swanepoel, P. A. 2020. Benefits are limited with high nitrogen fertiliser rates in Kikuyu-Ryegrass pasture systems. Land, 9(6):173, doi:10.3390/land9060173.
dc.descriptionThe original publication is available at https://www.mdpi.com
dc.descriptionPublication of this article was funded by the Stellenbosch University Open Access Fund
dc.description.abstractNitrogen (N) fertiliser is applied to pastures in dairy farming systems to ensure productivity, but it is an expensive input that could be damaging to the environment if used excessively. In the southern Cape region of South Africa, N fertilisation guidelines for pastures were developed under conditions different to current management practices, yet dairy producers still base fertiliser programmes on these outdated guidelines. This study aimed to determine the efficiencies of N fertilisation. Various N fertiliser rates (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha−1 applied after grazing), as well as a variable rate according to the nitrate concentration in the soil water solution, were assessed on a grazed pasture. Dairy cows returned to a pasture approximately 11 times per year. Pasture production showed a minimal response to fertilisation within each season. The most responsive parameters to fertilisation were the herbage crude protein content, soil mineral N content and urease activity. Reduced microbial activity was observed when more than 40 kg N ha−1 was applied. When considering the soil total mineral N content, N is used inefficiently at rates above 40 kg N ha−1. The results are indicative of an N saturated system that provides a rationale for reducing N fertiliser rates. View Full-Texten_ZA
dc.description.urihttps://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/9/6/173
dc.description.versionPublisher's version
dc.format.extent20 pages
dc.identifier.citationViljoen, C., Van Der Colf, J. & Swanepoel, P. A. 2020. Benefits are limited with high nitrogen fertiliser rates in Kikuyu-Ryegrass pasture systems. Land, 9(6):173, doi:10.3390/land9060173
dc.identifier.issn2073-445X (online)
dc.identifier.otherdoi:10.3390/land9060173
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/108660
dc.language.isoen_ZAen_ZA
dc.publisherMDPI
dc.rights.holderAuthors retain copyright
dc.subjectCrude proteinen_ZA
dc.subjectNitrogen fertilizers -- Environmental aspectsen_ZA
dc.subjectSoils -- Nitrogen contenten_ZA
dc.subjectUreaseen_ZA
dc.subjectNitrogen fertilizers -- Cost effectivenessen_ZA
dc.subjectKikuyu grass -- Fertilisersen_ZA
dc.subjectRyegrasses -- Fertilisersen_ZA
dc.titleBenefits are limited with high nitrogen fertiliser rates in kikuyu-ryegrass pasture systemsen_ZA
dc.typeArticleen_ZA
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