Application of soil test kit for evaluating nitrogen fertilizer requirement of Napier Pakchong 1 grass in Thailand
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Abstract
A soil test kit may be applicable for nitrogen management in pasture grass production. The nitrogen fertilizer requirement of Napier Pakchong 1 grass (Pennisetum purpurem × Pennisetum amenicanum cv. Pakchong 1) was evaluated by using a soil test kit (STK). Result showed that the application of nitrogen fertilizer in the forms of urea and ammonium sulphate increased in dry mater yield of Napier Pakchong 1 grass, whereas application of cattle manure at both recommended rates and the recommended rate by STK gave the dry matter yield similar to the unfertilized control. Application of ammonium sulphate gave better than application of urea. The clay soil with moderate soil fertility and high soil moisture content, the soil test kit provided the acceptable guideline for nitrogen management in Napier Pakchong 1 grass. The application of the soil test kit for nitrogen fertilizer management of Napier Pakchong 1 grass in other soil types are noted.
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