• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.244-251
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• 1991

This study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of magnesium-and boron-enriched complex fertilizer(CF, N-P$_2$O$_{5}$-K$_2$O-MgO-B$_2$O$_3$: 14-10-12-3-0.2) on the maintenance and management of hilly pasture. The effectiveness of CF was compared to those of some straight fertilizers (SF). This first part of the study was concerned with the soil chemical properties and the mutural balances of mineral nutrients in the soils of a mixed grass-clover and a pure grass swards. The results of a two-year field experiment are summarized as follows: 1. The Mg contents in the soils of the CF plots were higher than those of the SF plots. On the other hand, the Ca contents were higher in the SF plots than in the CF plots. The contents of Mg and Ca, and CEC, except K, in both the CF and SF plots were considerably below the optimum levels. At the normal application rate of NPK, the contents of available P$_2$O$_{5}$ were close to the optimum level in both the CF and SF plots. 2. The contents of exchangeable Mg were lower than the K contents in soils of all the plots. At the normal application rate of NPK, the Mg contents in the CF plots, but not in the SF plots, were close to the critical level for general crops (0.29me Mg/100g soil). The Mg contents in soils of all the plots, however, were considerably below the critical level for pasture forages and grazing cows (0.41me/100g). 3. Considering the desirable base saturation level of soil, the saturation levels of Ca and Mg were insufficient in both the CF and SF plots. The saturation levels of Mg in the CF plots, however, were relatively good compared with the SF plots. The equivalent ratios or Mg/K, Ca/Mg. Ca:Mg:K, and %Mg of CEC in soils were generally unfavorable in all the plots. These ratios of the CF plots, however, were relatively better than those of the SF plots. 4. Considering the contents of exchangeable Ca and Mg in soils, it is suggested that the application of slaked magnesium lime as a soil amelioration might be desirable for the fundamental increment of those contents at pasture establishment.