Fertilizing your forage stand is a significant investment; protect that investment by ensuring you are utilizing the appropriate source, rate, timing and placement of fertilizer. This is known as the 4R’s of forage fertility.
The following considerations should be incorporated into your fertility plan:
Ideally, soil sample in the spring, at the beginning of the growing season, to assess initial soil fertility. Then use the results to create a fertilizer blend that also takes into consideration the targeted yield.
Incorporation of the fertilizer by tillage, injection, or rainfall reduces the risk of nitrogen loss.
Ideal fertilizer application is early spring; however, timing of application may vary depending on moisture conditions and equipment availability. Fertilizing shortly before a rainfall event will optimize movement into the soil. Drought conditions will limit the effectiveness of fertilization as moisture is often the limiting factor to forage production.
Urease and nitrification inhibitors, also known as Enhanced Efficiency Fertilizer (EEF) products work by limiting nitrogen losses through volatilization and de-nitrification. Products such as Agrotain, Neon Surface, Super U and others can be used to protect nitrogen from environmental losses, leaving more nitrogen available for the plants.
Implementing the 4R’s of forage fertility in your management plan can increase yield, improve feed quality and aid in stand longevity improving the overall profitability of your forage crop.
Kaitlyn McMurphy, is an Agri-Environmental Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, out of the regional office in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.