Although the benefits of using a liquid fertilizer for pasture have been disputed, they usually have a sound basis. The best liquid fertilizer for pasture is generally thinner than solid ones and readily absorbed by plants. Because they don’t have the same long-term benefits as solid fertilizers, they do not improve soil structure. However, their smaller size means less chance of runoff into waterways. Here are the advantages of using liquid fertilizers for pasture.
Hay-Now
Monty’s Plant Food Company has released Hay-Now, a liquid fertilizer to boost hay and pasture growth. Hay-Now helps hay and pasture crops by supplying highly available nutrients during their vegetative growth stage. It also promotes root development and helps maximize production during periods of stress. Hay-Now is a great choice for both grazing and tillage operations and is compatible with herbicides.
Premium hay and pasture renovation products give an extra boost in autumn. It contains all the trace and minor minerals essential for stock and plant health. It is formulated with a high-nutrient-use-efficient (NUE) mineral fertilizer. Premium spring fertilizer provides a balanced mix of essential micronutrients, including sulfate of potash. This fertilizer is a great option for soils with good potassium.
Nitrogen fertilizer
Nitrogen fertilizer (N) is a crucial ingredient in boosting pasture growth. However, producers often hesitate to use this fertilizer because of high costs and poor economic returns. To optimize the benefits of N fertilization, a strategic application is recommended. Strategic N application focuses on areas with high production potential. These areas are often in high-production pastures with better soil conditions. By concentrating on fertilizer application, producers can maximize the benefits while keeping costs low.
Ideally, nitrogen should be applied when seeding a new pasture. This is because the seedlings of perennial legumes and grasses are slow to grow and lack adequate root systems to absorb nitrogen. Consequently, a significant portion of the applied nitrogen leaches below the root zone of forage plants. However, a split application ensures optimum forage production. However, it is recommended that the application is timed properly.
Phosphorus fertilizer
Using liquid phosphorus fertilizer for pasture is a great way to boost the productivity of your crops. Phosphorus is a vital nutrient for crop growth, and its availability depends on soil pH and crop root growth. Phosphorus fertilizer is a cost-effective way to boost pasture fertility and increase production. It can also be applied in a batch application to meet a crop’s phosphorus requirements for four to six years.
The most common phosphorus fertilizers are potassium sulfate, urea, and potash. Each nutrient has a different level of availability to plants. You can use a combination of all three depending on what type of mixture you have. A good rule of thumb is to use the favored species. In addition to this, consider how much each type costs per pound of available nutrient.
Potassium fertilizer
While many producers may be able to get by with skimpy nitrogen and phosphorus applications, the use of potassium is a crucial component of a complete fertilizer program. Although it’s an essential mineral, potassium is often overlooked in fertilizer programs. Potassium has many benefits to pastures and hay production. It improves plant water relations, increases winter hardiness, and improves disease resistance. In a comprehensive fertilization program, potassium is vital for a healthy, productive pasture.
While this type of fertilizer can be expensive, it increases yields and extends stand life. In addition to increasing yields, potassium can help future crops resist drought. It can also help with reducing crop losses due to poor soil fertility. Potassium is absorbed in the top one to two inches of soil. However, potassium in corn is lower in minimum tillage systems due to their poorer aeration and location.
Controlled application
A mid-May application of liquid fertilizer containing 100kg N, 45kg P2O5, 44kg K2O, and 15kg S will kill the ox-eye daisy in a pasture. The fertilizer alone will not eliminate a tall buttercup population because they grow above the forage canopy and compete with it for nutrients. The fertilizer will help control the growth of these plants and make the pasture more productive.
One method for applying liquid fertilizer to pasture is to sprinkle it directly on the ground. The fertilizer can help the soil retain moisture and break down organic matter. The application should be made during the early spring so that the lime will break down and raise the pH of acidic soils. Lime can also be applied any time of the year, but it is ideal for applying it six to 12 months before seeding pasture.
Cost
When applied regularly, liquid fertilizer provides a consistent and even amount of nutrients for grasses and forage plants. Depending on your soil and climatic zone, split applications of 20-0-0 fertilizer may be needed two to four times throughout the growing season, with each application covering 15000 square feet. The cost of liquid fertilizer for pasture depends on the number of nutrients you need and the frequency of application.
Alfalfa Blend is a custom-blended, high-quality alfalfa fertilizer used for all organic vegetable and forage crops. This fertilizer is typically applied as a side-dress or cultivated shallowly into the soil. In addition to being effective in pastures, it can also be used on lawns. Its benefits outweigh the cost, and its ease of use makes it a popular choice among producers.