AN EXTENSION TEAM APPROACH TO FORAGE FERTILITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN CENTRAL MISSOURI – FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY RESULTS
Animal Science
Gene Schmitz
Livestock Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
Sedalia
Abstract
Cool-season grass pastures and hay fields in central Missouri are typically grown on acidic (pH<7.0) and low phosphorus (P) soils. Forage fertility recommendations based on soil tests submitted to the University of Missouri Soil Testing Laboratory (UMSTL) are generally higher than rates farmers are willing to apply. This 3-year research/demonstration project was a collaborative effort among regional and state Extension specialists designed to show the impacts of following UMSTL recommendations on forage yield, forage nutrient quality and forage production economics. Beginning in March 2007, nine fertility treatments and a sub-plot lime treatment were applied. Plots were harvested three times annually. Yields were recorded and sub-samples collected, dried and sent to commercial laboratories for nutrient analysis. Fertilizing according to UMSTL recommendations produced the highest yield and most income when hay was valued at $60 per ton. Income between fertilizer treatments was dependent upon the value of hay. Forage quality was extremely high across all fertilizer treatments, due to a timely first harvest strategy. Crude protein and total digestible nutrient values varied between treatments but were adequate for most stages of mature beef cow production. Major and trace minerals were adequate for mature beef cows with the exception of zinc and copper, which were always below animal requirements. P was low in some cases. Fertilizing with 65 pounds of P per acre resulted in higher forage P levels than 0 pounds of P per acre. Field days shared these results and created awareness of the need for improved forage fertility management.
Authors: Schmitz, E.G.
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Schmitz, E.G. Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri Extension, Missouri, 65355