Dataset: Park Grass herbage nutrients 2000-2024

This dataset contains the herbage nutrient data (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na and S), of all 101 individual sub-plots of the Park Grass hay experiment, each year 2000-2024, specifically % nutrient and nutrient uptake kg/ha-1 for both 1st and 2nd cuts. Nutrient uptake is calculated from the % nutrient and yield data which are also provided. A separate file of 5-year mean nutrient data (% and uptakes) in a regular format is also part of this dataset. Prior to 2000, herbage samples were not routinely analysed, but these intermittent data will be available in future (see Additional Information below).

Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulphur (S) are essential nutrients for plant growth, while sodium (Na) can provide beneficial support in some functions. These nutrients are supplied by soil reserves and fertilisers, influencing plant productivity, species composition, and forage quality. These herbage nutrient data from the Park Grass experiment shows that nutrient concentrations vary widely depending on fertiliser inputs, soil pH, yield, and legume content. For example, P and K applications increase their respective concentrations and total uptake, lime boosts Ca availability, and high K inputs can suppress Mg and Na uptake, with implications for plant health and grazing livestock. Atmospheric inputs of N and S have declined over recent decades. N dynamics reflect both fertiliser use and natural sources such as legumes and soil organic matter. Uptake data highlight strong interactions between nutrients and management practices, demonstrating how balanced fertilisation and liming are key to sustaining yields and nutrient status. These herbage nutrient data are discussed in Poulton et al. (2026).