Alberto Arias-Arredondo1*, Melina Lopez-Rodriguez1,2, Juancarlos Cruz-Luis3, Edilson Requena-Rojas1, Dennis Ccopi1, Samuel Pizarro1, Richard Solórzano-Acosta3,4
1Estación Experimental Agraria Santa Ana, Dirección de Servicios Estratégicos Agrarios, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Carretera Saños Grande-Hualahoyo km 8 Santa Ana, Huancayo, Junín, Perú
2Escuela de Formación Profesional de Zootecnia, Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad Nacional Daniel Alcides Carrión, Av. Los Próceres 703, Cerro de Pasco, Pasco, Perú
3Centro Experimental La Molina, Dirección de Servicios Estratégicos Agrarios, Instituto Nacional de Innovación Agraria, Av. La Molina 1981, Lima, Perú
4Facultad de Ciencias Ambientales, Universidad Científica del Sur, Av. Nicolás Ayllón 7208, Lima, Perú
*Corresponding author’s email: albertogilmer@gmail.com
Received: 23 October 2025 / Revised: 21 February 2026 / Accepted: 12 March 2026 / Published Online: 20 March 2026
Abstract
This study evaluated nutrient extraction and uptake in native forage grasses (Festuca dolichophylla and Calamagrostis chrysantha) and improved species (Lolium perenne and Dactylis glomerata) at 4,100 m a.s.l. in the Peruvian Andes using a completely randomized design. Results revealed significant interspecific variability in nutrient accumulation. Dactylis glomerata showed superior macronutrient accumulation, particularly Mg, while Lolium perenne achieved highest K extraction (0.07 t ha⁻¹) and biomass production. Native species demonstrated lower nutritional demands: Festuca dolichophylla reached maximum dry matter production (6 t ha⁻¹), while Calamagrostis chrysantha showed elevated Ca and P concentrations. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations among Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn (r = 0.7-1.0), indicating coordinated uptake mechanisms. Nickel exhibited negative correlations with P (r = -0.6) and K (r = -0.5). Improved species require intensive fertilization, while native species offer sustainable alternatives for low-input high-altitude systems.
Keywords: Forage grasses, Nutrient uptake, Mountain grasslands, Soil fertilization
