ORGANIC MATERIALS AND NITROGEN-POTASSIUM RATIOS FOR BERMUDA TIFDWARF (CYNODON DACTYLON)

Responses of Bermuda tifdwarf to three types of organic material and combination of nitrogen-potassium ratios (N: K) were evaluated during the early stage of its establishment.
The grasses were grown in containers containing 70% of sand and 30% of organic matter.
Growth was more influenced by N: K ratios than organic materials used.
The N: K ratio of 0.6: 1.2 and 0.6: 1.8 kg^-1100m^-2month^-1 resulted in higher fresh and dry weights.
However, the length of internode was shorter when fertilized with N: K containing 0.6kg N in the ratio.
The nitrogen and potassium content in tissues were significantly higher with the use of 1.2: 0.6 and 0.6: 1.8 N: K kg^-1100m^-2month^-1, respectively.
The nutrient status in tissues were also affected by organic materials used.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, soluble carbohydrate and chlorophyll contents were higher with the use of chicken dung as compared to peat and palm oil mill effluent (POME). Potassium content was highest with the use of POME. The use of chicken dung supplemented with N: K ratio of 0.6: 0.6 kg^-1100m^-2month^-1 is the most recommended for maximum N uptake.
However, to enhance vegetative growth 0.6: 1.2–1.8 N: K kg^-1100m^-2month^-1 is most appropriate for early establishment of tifdwarf.

International Symposium Growing Media and Plant Nutrition in Horticulture

H. Siti Aishah, A.M. M. Amri, M.F. Ramlan, A.S. Mamat

Growth, nutrient content, carbohydrate content, POME, peat

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.1997.450.64