Effects of Phosphorus Fertilization on Productivity of Intensively Managed Grasses Under Humid Tropical Conditions in Puerto Rico

Abstract

The effects of phosphorus applications on yields and phosphorus content of otherwise well-fertilized tropical grasses growing on three typical soils of the Humid Region of Puerto Rico were determined. Napier grass responded strongly in yield to applications of 150 pounds of P₂O₅ per acre yearly on both Múcara and Catalina clay soils at Orocovis. The phosphorus content of the forage increased with applications of up to 300 pounds of P₂O₅ per acre yearly on both soils. On the other hand, Napier, Guinea, and Pangola grasses, growing on a Fajardo clay formerly in moderately fertilized sugarcane for many years, did not respond in yield or phosphorus content to applications of phosphorus over a 5-year period. Various methods of determining "available" soil phosphorus did not give satisfactory results with these soils.