1. Phosphorus and Potassium Effects on Yield Components, Nutrient Accumulation and Persistence of Alfalfa (Medicago Sativa L.)

Our objective was to determine why phosphorus (P) and potassiun~ (K) are essential for high yield by analyzing alfalfa yield components. Plots of P treatments (0, 25. 50, and 75 kg/ha) and K treatnients (0. 100, 200, 300, and 400 kgha) arranged in a factorial design were replicated four times. Forage was harvested four times per growi~lg season (1998-2000), and yield. mass per shoot, shoots per area. and herbage nutrient concentrations determined. In May and December, plants were dug to determine...