Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Document Type
Thesis
Date of this Version
1952
Citation
Thesis (M.S.)—University of Nebraska—Lincoln, 1952. Department of Agronomy.
Abstract
The mineral composition of pasture forage and the influence of fertilization on the content of such constituents as phosphorus and calcium is important from several points of view.First, an adequate supply of minerals in the rations consumed by animals has long been recognized as being of importance in their growth and maintenance.Recent studies have shown that a number of diseases and other evidences of malnutrition in range animals are associated with a deficiency of minerals in the available forage. The percentage of each constituent in the forage is the chief determining factor in the development of nutritional disturbances. Second, a study of changes in mineral composition with time and with different fertilization practices serves as a guide to sound pasture management and to a better understanding of soil-plant relationships.
Nitrogen fertilizer greatly increases the growth of sod-bound bromegrass under conditions prevailing in eastern Nebraska. The increase in actual growth is so great that the question arises as to whether the mineral composition of the grass, particularly the contents of phosphorus and calcium, is affected. Moreover, does the form of nitrogen applied and the time and rate of application have any effect on these constituents?
The samples selected for this study were from plots receiving ammonium nitrate and anhydrous ammonia applied in the fall and spring at 60, 120, and 240 pounds nitrogen per acre. All samples were analyzed for phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium.
Advisor: H. F. Rhoades
Comments
Copyright 1952, the author. Used by permission.