Effects of legume-grass mixtures and mineral fertilization on soil fertility
Anna Bałuch
Stanisław Benedycki
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine soil abundance in nutrients after three and five years of legume-grass mixture application, depending on the mineral fertilizer rate. The experiment was performed under conditions of the Olsztyn Lakeland. The first experimental factor was a legume-grass mixture (50% legumes + 50% grass): A – Trifolium pratense + Festuca pratensis; B – Lotus corniculatus + Dactylis glomerata; C – Trifolium repens + Lolium perenne; D – Medicago lupulina + Festuca rubra. The other experimental factor was a different level of mineral fertilization: 1 – control: 0 kg N, P and K/ha; 2 – 0 kg N, 34.88 kg P and 99.6 kg K/ha; 3 – 60 kg N, 34.88 kg P and 99.6 kg K/ha; 4 – 120 kg N, 34.88 kg P and 99.6 kg K/ha. An analysis of soil fertility made after three and five years of legume-grass mixture application showed a significant increase in organic matter content; after three years the highest increase was observed for mixture A, and after five years – for mixtures C and D. The total nitrogen content of the soil increased as well, except control treatments with mixture D. After three and five years of legume-grass mixture application the ploughing layer was characterized by medium and high available phosphorus concentration, low and medium potassium concentration, and low or very low magnesium concentration.
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