Influence of levels of irrigation, nitrogen and potassium on yield traits of blue panic grass (Panicum antidotale Retz.)

In order to investigate the effects of drought stress and nutrient elements of nitrogen and potassium on yield traits of blue panic grass, an experiment was conducted in split-factorial by arrangement of three replications with a randomized complete block design in Research Field, Islamic Azad University of Birjand. Studied factors were consisted of three levels of irrigation based on cumulative evaporation from evaporation pan (70, 140 and 210 mm), nitrogen in three levels (zero, 50% N (100 kg per ha) and 100% N recommended by soil test (200 kg per ha) and potassium in two levels (zero and 100 kg per ha). The results showed that leaf, stem and panicle weight in the second harvest and in the whole three harvests, so that the highest leaf, stem and panicle weight was observed at different levels of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers but in irrigation level of 70 mm. In addition, triple interaction of irrigation regime, nitrogen fertilizer and potassium fertilizer was significant in total dry matter yield, and use of these nutrient elements was effective in increasing tolerance to stress and improved dry matter production of Blue panic grass. In general, it seems that application of nitrogen and potassium elements in deficit irrigation conditions can be effective in reducing the harmful effects of stress and increasing of blue panic grass resistance to water stress.