Effect of Sulfur Applications on Vaughn’s #1 Bermudagrass Hay
Yield and Forage Quality
Joines,*D.K.1, Gill, W.W.2, Savoy, H.J.3
Manager, University of Tennessee Extension, Soil, Plant and Pest Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37211
1.
Director, Middle Tennessee State University, School of Agriscience and Agribusiness, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132
2.
3. Associate Professor, University of Tennessee Extension, Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
Abstract Objectives Results
Vaughn’s #1 Bermudagrass® has been widely established
becoming one of the leading varieties in the Middle •General observation revealed green color of S
•To determine if elemental sulfur fertilization
Tennessee area. This field study was conducted to evaluate treated plants was noticeably darker than
Bermudagrass yield response to sulfur amendments and increases yield
control plots
measure nutrient status of harvested forage. Research was
conducted on a low testing Staser silt loam (Cumulic •To analyse forage harvested for nutritional
Hapludoll) on the Highland Rim approximately 30 miles •No effect on dry matter yield overall
north of Nashville (N 36° 28’ and W 86° 50’, elevation 714 ft). quality and mineral content
although significant difference in 2007
Experimental design was a randomized complete block of
four replications. All plots were treated with 120 lb P2O5/ac •To determine if a relationship exists
as triple superphosphate, 240 lb K2O/ac as potassium S Rates 2006 Mean Yield 2007 Mean Yield
chloride and 100 lb. N/ac as ammonium nitrate. Elemental S between sulfur and nitrate levels related to (lbs/A) (lbs/A) (lbs/A)
was applied at 20 and 40 lb S/ac respectfully. K and S nitrate accumulation in forage Control 3675a1 2882a
applications were once annually while N was applied after
each cutting. Statistical analysis revealed there was no 20 4531a 4386b
significant response in yield to S applications (P< 0.05).
There were no significant affects on nutritional quality 40 4398a 4387b Display of bermudagrass growth and rich green color in June of
measurements of protein, NDF, ADF, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn, S 2006.
Normal hair coat Cu deficiency 1Means within columns followed by the same letter are not
or TDN with the exception of copper (Cu), which showed a
highly significant (P<0.01) decrease in levels as S rate significantly different by Tukey’s (HSD) test (P <0.05). •No significant effect on nutritional or
increased. Although plant S was not affected by treatments, 2006: n=16 for all means. 2007:n=12 for all means. mineral levels except Copper. S had a highly
sulfur was present in 78% of samples with amounts which significant effect (P<0.01) on Cu forage levels.
were marginally antagonistic (>0.20 - 0.30 %) to copper •Sulfur had no overall effect on nitrate (NO3-
metabolism in cattle. Nitrate accumulation in the forage was Cu decreased as S fertilization increased.
N) accumulation in the forage (P<0.05).
not affected by S applications (P<0.05).
Impact of Sulfur Treatments on Forage Copper Levels
30
C u (p p m )
Carter Forage 20
Control
Background Harvester used to cut
and weigh
10
0 20 lb S/A
bermudagrass samples 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 25 27 40 lb S/A
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) has become at the field. Cuttings - May 06 through Sept. 07
an increasingly popular warm season forage
Comparison of hair coat appearance between normal and copper
in the Tennessee region. Mineral analysis on deficient diets.
bermudagrass samples submitted 2001 thru Conclusion
2004 (Gill et al, 2001) in a statewide survey Method
revealed 42% of these samples had highly No benefit to sulfur fertilization of
Field studies were conducted 2006 and 2007
antagonistic sulfur levels (0.30 to 0.40%) to Vaughn’s #1 bermudagrass in Middle
at the Highland Rim Research and
copper metabolism in cattle. The NRC Tennessee
Education Center, Springfield, Tennessee.
(National Research Council, 2000)
Randomized complete block of four
References As sulfur fertilization increases, available
recommends 0.15% S and 10 ppm Cu in beef
copper in the forage decreases
cattle diets. replications of Vaughn’s #1 bermudagrass Gill, W.W., C. Lane, A. Fisher, G. Bates and D. Joines,
2004. Tennessee Forage Mineral Survey Reveals Livestock producers need to be aware of
Sulfur treatments – Control, 20 and 40 lbs / Imbalances. University of Tennessee Extension
Tennessee cattle producers were seeing Cu mineral status of forages
acre as 90% elemental S Svc. Info Series:AS-B222.
deficiency symptoms such as rough hair coats National Research Council, 2000. Nutrient Contact:
All plots received 100 lbs. N, 120 lbs. P2O5
and enlarged joints. Requirements of Beef Cattle, Update 2000.
and 240 lbs. K2O per acre Debbie Joines
National Academy Press, Washington, D.C..
Soil, Plant and Pest Center
County agent and producer inquiries Four harvests in 2006 and three in 2007.
regarding sulfur fertilization indicated need Warm spring combined with late freeze, Phone: (615) 832-5850
for research. then drought limited harvests in 2007 Email: djoines2@utk.edu
Web: http://soilplantandpest.utk.edu