Abstract
A field experiment was carried out to determine the effects of 11 different application levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorous ($P_2O_5$) and potassium($K_2O$) fertilizer in late-autumn on the winter survival, early spring growth and dry matter(DM) yield, carbohydrate reserves (CHO-R) in stubble of grasses, and botanical composition in orchardgrass dominated existing pasture in Suwon from October, 1987 to May, 1988. Winter survival of grasses was high (ca. 90%) in all N-fertilized plots, regardless of $P_2O_5$ and $K_2O$ application, and those in zero-N and zero-NPK plots were low as 86.5% and 81.4%, respectively. Early spring growth was vigorous in N-fertilized plots. Heading rate at the fist harvest was 80-86% in all N plots, regardless of $P_2O_5$ and $K_2O$, while those in zero-N and zero-NPK plots were very low as 61% and 56%, respectively. The DM yield of first harvest was higher in the plots of N 35 kg(Site B) and N 70kg $ha^{-1}$ (Site A), regardless of $P_2O_5$ and $K_2O$ level, and those in zero-N and zero-NPK plots were very low (p < 0.05). But no significant difference of yield was observed between N 75 kg and N 105 kg. CHO-R in stubble and legumes were high in zero-N and zero-NPK plots, and low relationship was found between winter survival and CHO-R of grasses. Winter survival, early spring growth and DM yield were significantly influenced by N fertilizer. In this experiment, the optimum application level of N in late-autumn could be recommended in 35-70 kg $ha^{-1}$, and no beneficial effects were observed by $P_2O_5$ and $K_2O$ fertilizer.