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Smooth Brome Grass
Cristie Preston, Ph.D.

In the Midwest, pastures of tall fescue and smooth bromegrass can be grazed in both the fall and spring and therefore, proper fertilization is needed during both seasons. Ideally, if a farmer is going to graze during both seasons, roughly 40 percent of the total nitrogen required should be applied in the fall and the remaining 60 percent applied in late winter/early spring. Fall applications of nitrogen and phosphorus are needed to promote root growth and tillering – additional stems. Recent studies have found spring applications can be made as late as April without adverse effects on yield.

Proper soil samples should be taken in order to determine phosphorus and potassium application rates. Due to having a dense root system, both tall fescue and bromegrass are efficient at utilizing phosphorus and potassium, but can also show response to fertilizer applications in low soil test (i.e., below 15 ppm phosphorus). Soil sampling to a depth of 24 inches could be used to evaluate sulfur needs. If determining fertilizer application rates, without soil test, consider Nutrient Removal rates in harvested hay.

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