Nutrient Management Strategies for Forage in Yunnan

IPNI-2003-CHN-YN14

12 Jan 2005

2004 Annual Interpretive Summary

Effect of Balanced Fertilization on Forage Production in Yunnan, 2004

The expansion of forage grass cultivation for the purpose of increased animal production has recently gained momentum in Yunnan Province. This effort is aimed at: (i) improving human nutrition through increased supply of dairy products, and (ii) enhancing incomes of participating farmers. Balanced plant nutrition plays a key role in producing high quality forage grass and dairy products. This study will investigate the yield limiting soil nutrients in Xiaoshao and Xundian counties and determine the best nutrient management strategies for forage grass production.

Field trials were conducted on ryegrass in Xiaoshao County and white clover in Xundian County. The dominant nutrient deficiencies at the two locations were nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) for both forage grasses. Yields of ryegrass and white clover significantly increased with applied P and K. Application of 105-120-120 kg N-P2O5-K2O/ha was considered optimal and can be recommended to local forage growers. This treatment increased clover yield by 28.4 t/ha (36%) compared to the - P treatment and by 23.7 t/ha (28%) compared to the - K treatment. In ryegrass, yield was increased by 10.2 t/ha (58%) compared to the - P treatment and by 9.4 t/ha (50%) compared to the - K treatment. In addition, the contents of crude protein, crude fat, ash, and crude fiber were slightly higher with increased P and K application. These regional field trials and demonstrations are an effective means of disseminating balanced fertilization technologies to forage grass growers and local leaders. Yunnan-NMS02