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Annual Ryegrass Fertilization

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Agdex #: 117/542
Author:
History: Revised January 25, 2000
Annual ryegrass is a very productive forage species. However, it requires a rather intensive fertilizer management program in order to achieve its true potential in producing high protein, high energy livestock feed.
The following are suggested fertility management programs for annual ryegrass used as a pasture or hay/silage species.
PASTURE PROGRAM
At seeding

 Apply nutrients as recommended on the soil report.
After emergence
(at 2 to 4 leaf stage)
 Apply 35-50 kg/ha of N.
(ie - 125 kg/ha of 33-0-0)
After first grazing
(Usually mid-July)
 Apply 50-70 kg/ha of N.
(ie - 175 kg/ha of 33-0-0)
After each subsequent grazing (or at monthly intervals up to mid-September)
 Apply 35-50 kg/ha of N.
(ie - 125 kg/ha of 33-0-0)

HAY OR SILAGE PROGRAM
At seeding Apply nutrients as recommended on the attached report.
After emergence
(at 2 to 4 leaf stage) 		Apply 35-40 kg/ha of N.
(Ie - 125 kg/ha of 33-0-0)
After first cutting Apply 65-85 kg/ha of N.
(ie - 225 kg/ha of 33-0-0)
After 2nd cutting
(If a third cut is to be taken or if ryegrass is grazed)		 Apply 50-70 kg/ha of N.
(ie - 175 kg/ha of 33-0-0)

NOTES:
1. If a high rate of manure was applied prior to seeding or if early growth is very vigorous, the application of N at 2-4 leaf stage, after emergence, can be omitted.
2. If annual ryegrass is grown with 50% or more clover, the nitrogen rates recommended above for both pasture and hay/silage programs can be cut in half.

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