Effect of nitrogen fertilization and limited irrigation on seed production of Molopo buffel grass

Abstract

N as commercial urea was applied with and without limited irrigation to a stand of buffel grass cv. Molopo during its 3rd season in 1965. In the absence of applied N, seed set was neglig1ble. There was a continuing response to N up to the highest rate, 300 1b N/ac applied in early spring and a further 300 1b in midsummer. This treatment yielded 449 1b seed/ac for the season. 4 separate harvest periods were recorded, but in the absence of further applications of N after the 2nd harvest, little further seed was obtained. A depression in total seed yield resulted from early-season irrigation. Seed quality was not affected by N fertilization.-F.A.S.