Fertilizer requirements and production of Anthephora pubescens Nees on soil of the Mangano series in the Northern Cape.

Abstract

The reaction of Anthephora pubescens to N, P and K fertilisation was evaluated from 1976 to 1983. Dry matter production at N levels of 0; 75 and 150 kg/ha were 1, 9; 2, 2 and 2, 3 ton/ha respectively. This relative poor reaction to N was related to rainfall variations and the initial low soil P status. A significant N x P interaction was recorded. Dry matter production increased from 1, 6 ton/ha at the NO x PO treatment to 2, 8 ton/ha at the 150 kg. N/ha x 20 kg P/ha treatment. Anthephora responded poorly to K fertilisation and the mean dry matter production was 2, 1; 2, 2 and 2, 2 ton/ha with 0; 75 and 150 kg k/ha respectively. The mean crude protein content of A. pubescens increased from 6, 5% at the no level to 8, 8% with 150 kg N/ha. The P content of plant material increased from 0, 13% at the PO level to 0, 20% with 20 kg P/ha. The ZN content of plant material dropped to sub-optimal levels during the trial.

Keywords: anthephora pubescens; botany; chemical composition; crude protein content; dry matter production; fertilizer; nitrogen; northern cape; phosphorus; potassium; production; south africa; vaalharts research station; zn