Effects of zinc application on timothy (Phleum pratense L.) grasslands in the Konsen district [Japan]
1999
Saigusa, T. (Hokkaido. Konsen Agricultural Experiment Station, Nakashibetsu (Japan)) | Hojito, M. | Noshiro, M.
The effects of zinc application on timothy grass grown on grasslands in Andisols, low in zinc, in the Konsen district were examined. The application of zinc did not increase dry-matter yield, although its concentration in timothy (Phleum pratense L.) in the untreated grasslands was much lower than that required for dairy cattle. Timothy in the early growth stages contained almost sufficient zinc to meet dairy cattle needs without zinc application even in the grasslands low in this element. Zinc content in white clover was higher than that in timothy. Zinc application was effective for the improvement of zinc content in timothy shoots. Younger timothy leaves receiving zinc fertilization contained higher amounts of zinc. However, only 1% of applied zinc was available for timothy. Moreover, the improvement of zinc content in timothy shoots with zinc application might cause soil pollution. Therefore, it is not recommended, at first, to use fertilizer on grasslands to improve the zinc content in the forage when this element is in sufficient supply for the growth of timothy. Timothy should be harvested in the early growth stage, and the legume ratio should be improved in order to insure adequate zinc for dairy cattle on the grasslands low in zinc fertility
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