Study 7: Use of dairy manure compost to establish Jose tall wheatgrass
Objective
Evaluate the effect of generous compost applications on the establishment and subsequent growth of Jose tall wheatgrass.
Treatments
| Treatment Number | Compost Rate (ton/A) | Supplemental N Rate (lb N/A) |
|---|---|---|
| Control | 0 | 200 |
| 2 | 5 | 200 |
| 3 | 10 | 200 |
| 4 | 20 | 200 |
| 5 | 40 | 200 |
| 6 | 80 | 200 |
| 7 | 0 | 300 |
| 8 | 5 | 300 |
| 9 | 10 | 300 |
| 10 | 20 | 300 |
| 11 | 40 | 300 |
| 12 | 80 | 300 |
Procedure
Soil samples were taken from Stephenville plots prior to treatment and subsequently, at the end of the growing season. Because perennial grasses require one year for establishment, yield data was collected in year 2 to determine treatment effects. Once sufficient growth had accumulated, plots were harvested with an ALMACO forage harvester and a representative vegetative sample was taken from each plot for analysis.