The efficiency of nitrogen and sulphur fertilization on yields and value of N:S ratio for Lolium × boucheanum

Abstract

This paper deals with the efficiency of nitrogen (N) and sulphur (S) fertilization on yields and value of N:S ratio for hybrid ryegrass cultivated in monoculture and in a mix with white clover. The research was carried out from 2011-2013 near Krakow in southern Poland. Plants were evaluated in the context of diversified fertilization with nitrogen at rates of 50 and 100 kg N/ha as well as two sulphur-based fertilizers: Arista siarka and Pro-siarka, used at rates of 5, 10, 15 kg S/ha. Independent research findings have shown a clear synergism between nitrogen and sulphur, namely fertilization with sulphur in the form of Arysta siarka and Pro-siarka fertilizers that increased the yields of total aboveground biomass of the plants, from all cuts and decreased the values of the N:S ratio. The highest average dry matter yield was determined after the use of 50 kg N/ha and 15 kg S/ha in the form of Pro-siarka fertilizer, compared to fertilization with 50 kg N/ha, amounting to 0.52-2.08 t/ha for hybrid ryegrass and 0.15-2.40 t/ha for hybrid ryegrass with white clover, respectively. The highest average narrowing of the N:S ratio was calculated in plants fertilized with 100 kg N/ha and 15 kg S/ha in the form of Pro-siarka fertilizer.

Sulfur fertilization strategy affects grass yield, nitrogen uptake, and nitrate leaching: A field lysimeter study#

“…Grygierzec et al. (2015) reported yield increases of 520–2080 kg ha –1 with the addition of 15 kg S ha –1 to a 50 kg N ha –1 treatment in grassland trials conducted on a silt loam in Poland between 2011 and 2013, responses more similar to those seen in the present study.…”

Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Response to Different Forms of Sulfur Fertilizers

“…Our results are consistent with other studies that report a significant yield response of different crops to sulfur fertilization [25,27,34,36]. However, there are also reports indicating that plant growth response to sulfur addition is not always so positive and unequivocal [17,37]. Under field conditions, the response of plants to sulfur application is complex (among other immobilization, mineralization, leaching processes may have great impact) and, despite numerous studies, the exact requirements for sulfur fertilization are not known [34].…”

“…Nitrogen is one of the most important yield forming factors in agriculture. Literature data indicate that plant nitrogen content is significantly modified by the plant-available sulfur in the soil [27,37]. The results showed that the nitrogen content varied from one swath to the next, with the smallest differences (mostly statistically insignificant) occurring in the first swath (Table 2).…”

Sowing ratio, NS fertilisation and interactions of Lolium sp. and Festulolium grown in mixtures with Trifolium repens

“…Bedoussac and Justes (2011) reported that grasses and legumes are more suitable for the organic system that equals low N fertilisation, in comparison with conventional ones. Moreover, reduced mineral fertilisation with 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 (Grygierzec et al 2015).…”

“…Absorption of nitrogen (N) by plants is closely related to the amount of sulfur (S) they receive; in Poland S shortages in agroecosystems tend to occur particularly in crop production with intensive N fertilisation. Therefore, there is a concern that the traditionally used NPK fertilisation is not balanced and the S deficit may limit the utilisation of other nutrients by plants (Grygierzec et al 2015). One of the key fodders among the legumes grown in moderate climate…”