Efffects of Compost in Switchgrass Overseeded with Cool-Season Legumes. (4132)
Authors:
J. Bow* - TAES , Stephenville,TX J.P. Muir - TAES, Stephenville ,TX R. Rossiere - TSU, Stephenville, TX D. Weindorf - TSU, Stephenville , TX T. Butler - TAEX, Stephenville, TX
Abstract:
Arrowleaf clover (Trifoluim vesiculosum Savi.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), burr medic (Medicago polymorpha L.), little burr medic (M. minima (L.) L.), button medic (M. orbicularis L.), and black medic (M. lupulina L.) were overseeded in the autumn on an established stand of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) sward for two years and harvested at flowering stage. Dairy manure compost was surface applied at the rate of 40,000 kg DM/ha. Legume yield varied among species but produced twice the DM yield in monocultures than when mixed with switchgrass.
Switchgrass forage yields were unaffected by the presence of cool-season annual legumes. Composting increased legume yield by 67% in year 1 and 152% in year 2 (species x compost x year interaction P=0.008). Surface application of compost increased switchgrass yields by 39% in year 2 (P=0.0002) and increased
switchgrass phosphorus uptake by 14% in year 1 (P=0.0007) and 26% in year 2 (P=0.0008). Switchgrass crude protein was affected by legume species (P=0.001), but was unaffected by compost. Overseeding switchgrass swards with cool-season annual legumes and the surface application of compost both benefit total forage production and winter/early spring herbage availability.
Speaker Information: John Bow, TAES , Stephenville,TX, John Randall Bow1229 US HWY 281 N, Stephenville, TX 76401; Phone: 2549684144; E-mail: [email protected]
Session Information: Monday, November 1, 2004, 2:00 PM-4:00 PM Presentation Start: 2:00 PM (Poster Board Number: 1541)
Keywords: Compost; legume; switchgrass; forage
