Influence of compost application on growth and phosphorus exploitation of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

Information on the availability of P following compost addition to soil may help to a better management of P fertilization of the crop in respect to plant growth and the environment. Therefore a greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of compost within the official classes of stability III and V on growth and P exploitation of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. cv. Turilo). The following result was obtained: As compared to a control without P application, compost application resulted in a significant yield increase. Application of composts of the official class of stability V resulted in higher yields as compared with the application of compost of the official class of stability III. P uptake of ryegrass was higher in the treatments in the class of stability V. Based on CAL-extractable compost P exploitation of P ranged between 8.5 and 104.0% in the first year of compost application and in total (sum of two years) 37.8 and 204.5%. P exploitation on the basis of total compost P ranged between 3.6 and 22.1%.