Effects of fertilization and its placement in the establishment of Pensacola bahiagrass

Abstract

The effects of different methods of fertilizer application in the establishment of Pensacola bahiagrass, Paspalum notatum var. saurae Parodi, were studied in wood boxes under a shed covered with plastic, in Colombo, state of Paraná, Brazil. Five treatments were compared: A) no fertilizer (check); B) broadcasting of seed and fertilizers; C) drill seeding with a band (aprox. 1.5 cm wide x 2.5 cm high) of fertilizer placed 1 cm below the seed line; D) drill seeding with the band of fertilizer placed 1 cm below but 4 cm away from the seed row; E) drill seeding with the band of fertilizer placed 1 cm below but 8 cm away from the seed row. The fertilizers were used at the rate of 30 kg/ha (N), 120 kg/ha (P₂O₅) and 40 kg/ha (K₂O). Dry matter yield of Pensacola bahiagrass harvested up to six months the date of sowing was significantly higher in treatment C (912 kg/ha) than in all other treatments (treatment A 192, B 635, D 632, E 412 kg/ha). Treatments B and D did not show any significant difference. P₂O₅ content in the dry matter of all treatments with fertilizers was significantly higher than that of check. P₂O₅ content was also significantly higher in treatment C than in treatment E, but did not differ significantly from the other treatments with fertilizers.