Effects of N,P,K fertilizer application on tall fescue growth and cold-resistance

A pot experiment in greenhouse was conducted to study the influence of N,P and K fertilizer application on growth,chlorophyll content and cold-resistance of tall fescue(Festuca arundinaces Schreb.).The results showed that combined application of N,P and K fertilizers could increase turf growth,chlorophyll synthesis and cold-resistance.The leaf number,leaf length and plant height of NPK(balanced fertilization) treatment were 1.23、1.73 and 1.68 times of those without N fertilizer,respectively,and were 1.96,2.25 and 2.04 times of those without P fertilizer,respectively.The SPAD value of NPK treatment at 100 days after seeding increased by 2.53 and 3.14 times compared with those without N or P treatment,respectively.During winter,the proline(Pro),malondialdehyde(MDA) content and leakage of electrolyte(EL) of NPK treatment were 313.55%,36.43% and 13.36% of those without N fertilizer treatment and were 104.19%,13.96% and 11.58% of those without P treatment.Among the three types of fertilizers,P fertilizer had the greatest influence on turf growth,followed by N fertilizer.Deficiency in N or P could decrease turf cold-resistance.K showed little effects on either turf growth or cold-resistance.The results indicated that balanced application of N,P and K fertilizers could improve turf quality during winter period.