Hay Fertilization – Simple Guidelines to Better Productivity and Profitability
There have been several articles published the last couple months on managing nutrient inputs for hay production. The articles are available here: University of Georgia, Iowa State University, Ohio State University.
While rate recommendations are specific to weather, species, soil type, etc., there are some general guidelines that should be considered universally.
- Soil test. This specifically applies to managing pH and making phosphorus and potassium decisions. Soil testing does not have to occur every year, but once every two to three years to track changes in nutrient status is usually recommended.
- Split applications. Nitrogen applications should be split throughout the growing season. In some areas (usually higher rainfall/coarser textured soils), nitrogen application after each cutting is appropriate, and in other areas (lower rainfall/heavier textured soils), nitrogen application can be split between early spring, mid-summer, and early fall. Potassium applications can also be split. Typically, recommended splits should occur between early spring and early fall (rates being dictated by soil test or crop removal). Where rainfall or growing season is insufficient to promote forage regrowth, split applications or in-season nutrient applications between cuttings are likely of limited benefit.
- Make good estimates of yield. Since testing does not usually occur every year, tracking nutrient removal can be used as a guide for making rate decisions. Hay production removes significant amounts of potassium and phosphorus and that should be accounted for when thinking about application rates.
Just like any other crop, the goal of hay fertilization is to ensure adequate nutrient availability to support higher yields. Using these simple guidelines can go a long way to improving hay productivity and profitability.
