An assessment of the naturalized pasture (mainly Agrostis tenuis, Hypochoeris radicata, and Plantago lanceolata) was carried out at two localities: Galvarino, in the interior dryland, and Trovoihue, in the coastal dryland, of the IX Region of Chile. Productivity and botanical composition were evaluated, during two and three seasons, respectively, Treatments were: 1. natural pasture; 2. application of N, P, and K; and 3. the same fertilization, plus over-sowing with Trifolium subterraneum, Festuca arundinacea, and Dactylis glomerata. A randomized blocks design, with three replicates, was used. In the interior dryland, fertilization produced a significant increase (P < 0.01) in dry matter yield (from 0.63 and 0.68 to 1.52 and 1.85 ton/ha) and similar results were obtained with fertilization plus over-sowing (1.47 and 1.98 ton/ha), for seasons one and two, respectively. In the coastal dryland, productivity of the naturalized pasture with no fertilizers was higher (1.49, 1.53, and 1.70 ton D.M./ha). This is twice the leveis obtained in the interior area. Comparing the non fertilized with the fertilized treatments, D.M. yield increased by 1.80 and 1.92 ton/ha (P < 0.01), and similar results were obtained with fertilization plus over-sowing. The introduction of new species by over-sowing, did no cause a significant change in D.M. production or in botanical composition, in both localities, compared with the fertilized treatments. |
ChileanJAR
