Potassium Content of Three Grass Species during Winter

Abstract

The K content of little bluestem (Schizachrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash), kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.), and brownseed paspalum (Paspalum plicatulum Michx.) declined following plant senescence and frost. The K content of herbage of little bluestem and brownseed paspalum reached levels below the requirements of cattle by Feb. during 2 winters. Kleingrass leaves retained green tissue the 1st winter yielding higher K levels. Little bluestem had reached senescence and had low levels of K by Nov. Herbage of the 3 spp. was also subjected to soaking treatments to simulate frost damage and quantify losses due to leaching. K levels declined with soaking in freeze damaged herbage as time of exposure increased. Soaking treatments did not significantly affect the K content of fresh live herbage.