Potential of Stylosanthes guianensis as a Forage Crop in the Humid Mountain Region of Puerto Rico

Abstract

The potential of Stylosanthes guianensis var. Endeavor as a forage crop was evaluated in an Ultisol of the humid mountain region of Puerto Rico. The effects of P and K fertilizers on yield of dry forage (DF), and contents of crude protein (CP), P and K in its leaves and stems were examined. All plots were initially fertilized with N at the rate of 56 kg/ha. The P and K, as triple superphosphate and potassium sulfate, respectively, were tested at three levels (P: 0,98 and 196; K:O, 186 and 372 kg/ha) divided into 10 applications, one after each harvest during the 764-day cropping period. Yields of DF and CP were not affected by P and K, but in two of the ten harvests, percent CP was highest from plots treated with 98 kg/ha/yr of P and zero K treatment; over all harvest percent CP was higher in this treatment than in either the non-fertilized nor the zero P and 372 kg/ha K treatment. Total DF yields were high, from 21.0 to 24.0 metric tons/ha. Data on DF and CP suggest that S. guianensis is a potentially valuable forage crop for the low fertility Ultisols of the humid region.