The effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on the plant characteristics of Turkish yellow bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum L.)

The study reports effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on some plant growth characteristics and nutritive value of Yellow Bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum L.). The results showed that 150 kg N ha-1 yr-1 was optimum for most of the investigated characters except the frequency of leaves on shoots. However, application of 100 kg N ha-1 yr-1 resulted in increased leaf formation. A severe reduction in stem and leaf raw protein content was recorded at the second clipping. The results clearly indicate that phosphorus plays an important role in the uptake of nitrogen for plant height and number of tillers per plant.