Potential decrease of grass tetany risk in rangelands combining N and K fertilization with MgO treatments

Aydin I., Uzun F.

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY, vol.29, no.1, pp.33-37, 2008 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 29 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2008
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.eja.2008.02.003
  • Journal Name: EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.33-37
  • Keywords: forage quality, botanical composition, mineral concentration, harvest date, FACTORS INFLUENCING MAGNESIUM, MINERAL CONCENTRATION, BOTANICAL COMPOSITION, HIGH-PLAINS, NITROGEN, PASTURE, POTASSIUM, FORAGE, YIELD
  • Ondokuz Mayıs University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The most practical and effective method to increase dry matter production in rangelands is by adequate fertilization. N and K fertilizers have commonly been used worldwide to increase yield in rangelands. Fertilizers have a significant effect on mineral concentration in the forage. Risk of tetany, causing yield decrease and death in cattle, increases by feeding forage with a ratio of K/(Ca + Mg) >= 2.2. The fertilizers containing N and K are the most important factors increasing K/(Ca + Mg) ratio in forages. The present study has aimed to determine whether the tetany risks caused by K and N fertilization may be compensated by Mg fertilization. For this purpose, N (0 and 120 kg ha(-1)), K (0 and 100 kg ha(-1)) and Mg (0 and 30 kg ha(-1)) were applied as combinations of each other. Each plot was separated into three sub-plots sampled on 25 April, 15 May and 5 June to determine Ca, Mg, K concentrations and K/(Ca + Mg) ratio.