Unlike fertilization of most field crops, where the decision as to the amount and type of fertilizer to apply is largely driven by trying to achieve optimum production, pasture fertilization should be more controlled by careful consideration of the individual goals for the pasture. Factors to consider include: 1) production needed for the animals; 2) time of forage needs; 3) species present; and
4) expected methods of management. This paper will briefly consider
several aspects of pasture fertilization that producers may want to factor
into their program.
Lime
The need for lime on Wisconsin pastures can be considerable, especially
on some central and northern soils derived acidic parent materials. Long-term
repeated nitrogen fertilizer applications can also significantly acidify
the surface layer of pasture soils. The lime need of pastures is largely
determined by the species present (presence and specific type of legume)
and the grower's desire to maintain the legume-grass mix. In general, pasture
grasses and some legumes can do very well at pH 5.7-6.0, however, if alfalfa
is present and is to be maintained, then a somewhat higher pH is needed
(6.5-6.8). Once a desired pH has been achieved, it will typically last
for several years.
Lime also serves as the primary source of calcium and magnesium to pastures.
On some soils (low exchange capacity where long-term potassium applications
have been made), especially in north-central Wisconsin, dolomitic lime
should be used to avoid the possible occurrence of grass-tetany. Where
possible, lime should be incorporated through the plow layer when renovating
the pasture.
Nitrogen
Pastures can dramatically respond to fertilizer nitrogen applications
with measured yield increases of 400% or more. However, because of species
and forage needs considerations the actual amount of N used may vary from
0 to over 200 lb N/a/yr.
Legumes present? Where legumes are present the legumes can transfer about 30-50 lb N/a/yr to the grass mostly by mineralization of below ground plant
___________________
1/Professor and Extension Soil Scientist, Department
of Soil Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
components. Even in this situation if maximum production is the goal,
research has shown that about 80-100 lb/a of added N is needed. However,
this will tend to give the grass a competitive advantage and the legume
will eventually be lost. If the goal is to maintain the legume in the stand,
then the grass must be kept slightly nitrogen deficient. If the stand is
greater than one-third legume, then no nitrogen is recommended.
Yield potential? Even where grass is dominant in the pasture
N rate should be based partly on species with about 80-100 lb N/a recommended
for bluegrass, but up to 160 lb N/a for improved pastures dominated by
tall grasses.
Time of application? Research has shown that split applications
of nitrogen will generally maximize yields. General practice is to apply
some N in late fall or early spring and again early June and early August.
A midsummer application is usually not recommended since growth is generally
poor at this time of year for most cool season grasses. However, where
the goal is to even out production throughout the season some producers
will make an application in late June or early July to stimulate summer
growth. Success is partly dependent on adequate moisture and not having
excessive heat.
Nitrogen form? One limitation of urea is its potential for some
nitrogen loss when surface applied with plant residue present, no rainfall,
and temperatures high. Wisconsin research showed that where rainfall was
not received within 5 days of urea applications to pastures nitrogen losses
could be as high as 20%. However where as little as 0.25 inches of rainfall
occurred within the fourth day, losses were less than 5%. Choice as to
N fertilizer form to apply should be based on price differential, rainfall
probability, and flexibility of application date.
Phosphorus and Potassium
Pasture forages remove about 12 lb P2O5/T and
55 lb K2O/T of dry matter harvested. However, in a grazing situation
because of the nutrient cycling by the manure and urine only about 15%
is actually removed from the field. Unfortunately, the redisposition is
often concentrated near waterers or other parts of the pasture where the
animals tend to congregate. Recent studies have shown that deposition tends
to be more uniform on rotationally grazed pastures.
Since pastures have historically been a neglected part of a systematic
nutrient management program, soil tests should be used to accurately determine
P and K needs. Where legumes are present special care should be taken to
ensure adequate K is applied since grasses are more competitive for K than
are the legumes. It is recommended that soil tests not drop below about
15 ppm Bray P1 and 100 ppm K. These nutrients will also enhance
disease resistance, winterhardiness and longer stand life.
Secondary and Micronutrients
In general, the need for pasture fertilization with secondary or micronutrients
is quite small because of the recycling by the animals. Special problems
to watch for include: magnesium problems on high grass, acid, high K situations;
boron shortages if legumes are the dominant species (especially for alfalfa
and birdsfoot trefoil); sulfur on well-limed, sandy, low organic matter
soils in northern Wisconsin and molybdenum on acid soils if legumes are
present.
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