Yield, nutritional status and quality of alfalfa under grazing and weed occurrence in response to liming, gypsum and potassium fertilization

Authors

  • Alberto C. de Campos Bernardi Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Centro de Pesquisa de Pecuária do Sudeste, São Carlos, SP
  • Rodrigo Donizeti Cardoso Universidade Camilo Castelo Branco, Descalvado, SP
  • Edson Pereira da Mota Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura Prof. Luiz de Queiroz, Piracicaba, SP
  • Reinaldo de Paula Ferreira Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, Centro de Pesquisa de Pecuária do Sudeste, São Carlos, SP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17523/bia.v70n1p67

Keywords:

Medicago sativa, lime, gypsum

Abstract

Alfalfa is extremely demanding in fertility, calcium and fertilizer unbalance of soil can lead to loss of alfalfa vigor, causing the development of aggressive weeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil amendment with lime and gypsum and potassium fertilizer on the alfalfa dry matter production, nutritional status and quality and weed occurrence. The results indicated that the practices associated with the lime and gypsum and fertilization with potassium can contribute substantially to the increased longevity of alfalfa. The major responses of alfalfa to potassium fertilization occurred in the highest soil base saturation (V = 80%). A trend of decreasing the occurrence of weeds with the improvement of soil fertility was also observed. The forage nutritional quality was not affected by treatments.

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Published

2013-01-11

Issue

Section

FORAGE CROPS AND PASTURES

How to Cite

Yield, nutritional status and quality of alfalfa under grazing and weed occurrence in response to liming, gypsum and potassium fertilization. (2013). Bulletin of Animal Husbandry, 70(1), 67-74. https://doi.org/10.17523/bia.v70n1p67

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