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March 29, 2001
Fertilizing grass and grass mixtures with nitrogen is likely to bring a big boost in hay or pasture production. Adequate nitrogen rates often double or triple grass production, according to soil scientist George Rehm of the University of Minnesota Extension Service.
Rehm recommends adjusting nitrogen rates for expected yield. For example, he suggests a total of 120 pounds of nitrogen per acre for high management situations where yields of four tons per acre or more are expected. Such an expectation would be appropriate with rotational grazing or making two cuttings of grass for hay.
When yield expectations are not as high, Rehm recommends fertilizing grass with 60 to 80 pounds of nitrogen per acre.
"The economic value of nitrogen fertilization is easy to measure when the grass is sold for hay," says Rehm. "For pastures there is a general rule of thumb that one pound of nitrogen per acre will produce a pound of added animal gain per acre."
While fertilizing grass with nitrogen is important, Rehm reminds producers not to ignore phosphate and potash needs. "A soil test will show whether these nutrients are needed," he says.
Web,V2,A2,F4 rehm0329
Source: George Rehm, (612) 625-6210
Editor: Joseph Kurtz, (612) 625-3168, jk@umn.edu
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