The effect of fertilization and grazing applications on root length and root biomass of some rangeland grasses

Abstract

It is important to know the effects of applications such as fertilization and grazing on the vegetation improvement of certain species. This study was conducted to examine the effect of grassland improvement by fertilization and grazing on root length and biomass of various grassland grasses (Festuca ovina L., Koeleria cristata (L.) Bertol, Chrysopogon gryllus (L.) Trin., Bothriochloa ischaemum L. Keng) of the Tokat province of Turkey in the years 2008 and 2009. Great variations were observed among grass species in all applications. All different fertilization and ungrazed applications increased root length and root biomass parameters. Root lengths and root biomass of the species varied from 8.16 to14.27 cm and from 0.73 to 4.73 g, respectively. The longest root lengths and root biomass results were obtained from ungrazed land+ 75 kg ha-1 N+P2O5 fertilization application.