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Annual Ryegrass Fertilization
| 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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