September Forage Fertility Notes
Bronc Finch, PhD- UADA Soil Fertility Extension Specialist
Hay Production
No Nitrogen after September 1
Warm season grass growth will begin to slow with cool temperatures and excessive nitrogen may be wasted. Additionally, excessive elongation of leaf and stems may be more susceptible to winter injury.
Fall is a great time to plan for and manage soil pH in warm season forages.
Lime applications take time and incorporation to begin neutralization. Sampling and applying lime in the fall can allow for winter precipitation to incorporate lime and increase the time for neutralization to occur before the start of the next season. Additionally, this can spread the cost over more of the season.
Cool Season Hay and Planning for next season
Plan the number of expected hay harvests, divide Nitrogen (N) and Potassium (K) requirement by the number of hay harvests.
Apply N and K at green up and following each cutting.
Need Phosphorus(P)? Apply it in the first or first and second application
Grazing Systems
Annuals
Apply P and K at or before planting according to soil test recommendations. Excluding Legumes, applying nitrogen at planting can allow for incorporation but could promote weed growth. Delaying N to 10-14 days post planting allows you to ensure stand establishment.
Cool Season Grasses
Apply P and K according to soil test along with 60 lbs N/ac at green up.
Planning to rotate pastures? Apply N after rotating out of a pasture to promote regrowth.
Hay Feeding
Hay feeding can serve as an amendment for soils by:
§ Incorporating organic matter
§ Increasing nutrients, structure, and water holding capacity.
Move the hay feeding area as much as possible is a good strategy to:
§ Reduce muddy areas that can turn to compact soils
§ Reduce trampling of a single area
§ Spread nutrients and organic matter across the field.
Fertilizer Prices
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