Study 7: Use of dairy manure compost to establish Jose tall wheatgrass

Contact Information

Dr. Jim Muir
jmuir@ag.tamu.edu
(254) 968-4144

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.

Results

Results are discussed in this report, which is currently under review for publication.