The Delayed Application of Nitrogen for the Establishment of Surface‐seeded Swards

Abstract

It has been observed that, where surface seeding has been attempted, disappointing results occur on some sites due to delays in sowing the seeds mixture after lime and fertilizer applications have been made.An experiment is described in which the time of application of nitrogen, in relation to the establishment and development of S24 and S23 perennial ryegrass seedlings in pots, was varied. The results of trials on this aspect of surface seeding, under conditions experienced in the north of Scotland, are also given.More efficient utilization of nitrogen was obtained when applications were delayed until the seedlings had developed sufficiently to utilize the applied nitrogen. This delay enhanced the establishment of sown grasses under conditions where natural species, capable of responding to applied nitrogen, were present.Where surface seeding is undertaken, consideration should be given to delaying the application of nitrogen until the sown seeds have brairded.

Effects of rates and times of application of starter dressings of nitrogen fertilizer to surface sown perennial ryegrass‐white clover on hill peat

“…The marked stimulation of grass growth in response to the delayed application of starter N as ammonium sulphate was unlikely to have been due to a decrease in competition from the regenerating indigenous vegetation as observed by Roberts (1961) using NO3-N because there was no evidence that the native species responded to starter NH4-N at any level or time of application. This observation agrees with that of Davies and Munro (1974) using Nitro-chalk.…”

“…Delayed application of fertilizer N to surface sown grass swards may be beneficial even in the absence ofa legume. Roberts (1961) reported that delayed application of NO3-N to perennial ryegrass enhanced establishment in pots and even more markedly in a surface sown field trial. He attributed the field effect to a decrease in competition from indigenous species in the early stages of seedling establishment.…”

Grassland Research on Blanket Peat in Ireland

“…The importance of white clover in the development of low-fertility soils is emphasized by Munro and Hughes (27). With effective clover, fertilizer N can be dispensed with on peat, apart from small quantities to help establishment (33). There was no response to bacterial inoculation of clover seed at Glenamoy, but Jones et al (25) has reported low indigenous rhizobial populations on blanket peat in Wales and there inoculation increased the numbers of effective nodules.…”