In order to ensure best growth and development conditions for sward components it is necessary to fully satisfy the plants needs in terms of nutrients.
Rational use of fertiliser should be determined based on such factors as: soil fertility and agricultural utility complex. Under average soil nutrient loading mineral fertiliser dosages for pure seeding grasses are as follows: pre-seeding – 60 kg N, 60- 80 kg P2O5 and 120-140 kg K2O per hectare, top dressing – 150-240 kg N (in doses split into 50-60 kg per hectare for each cut), 40-60 kg P2O5 and 50-80 kg K2O per hectare (in two applications, first in spring then after the first cut).
In applying fertiliser, liming should be taken into account, which is necessary for plant survival and maintenance of correct soil pH and structure. Grasses require pH 5.5-6.5. Liming effects are only noticeable in the second year after treatment, with lime acting on soil pH for four years.
A single liming prior to seeding grasses is usually sufficient for their entire use in crop rotation.
