In dairy production systems, nitrogen flows through both the forage crops and the dairy cows. Forage crops use nitrogen mineralized from manure for plant growth. Harvested crops are then fed to dairy cows that, in turn, use the nitrogen for their growth and milk production. When the cows excrete a portion of the consumed nitrogen as manure the cycle is renewed. This 5-page fact sheet focuses on the forage production aspect of the nitrogen cycle at a dairy farm. Written by Rebecca Hellmuth and George Hochmuth, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, March 2015. (Image credit: R. Hellmuth)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss640
Tag: Nutrition and Fertilization of Forage Crops
Soil and Plant Tissue Testing
Soil testing is the best tool for monitoring soil fertility levels and providing baseline information for cost-effective fertilization programs. But a major limitation is that it typically accounts for the plant-available nutrient pool present in the surface soil layer. Because of the extensive root system in some plants, plant analysis is a complement to the soil test to better assess the overall nutrient status of a perennial forage system, while revealing imbalances among nutrients that may affect crop production. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Maria L. Silveira, and published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, June 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ss625
SL292/SS505 Soil pH and Liming Issues Affecting Bahiagrass Pasture
Revised! SL-292 (formerly SS-AGR-29), a 5-page fact sheet by M. Silveira, J. Vendramini, J. E. Rechcigl and M. B. Adjei, presents results of research conducted to evaluate the long-term effect of liming and N fertilization on dry matter yields, nutritive value, and ground cover of bahiagrass pastures. Includes liming and fertilization recommendations for grazing conditions in south-central Florida flatwoods. Published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, September 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS505
SL269/SS488 The Basics of Fertilizing Pasture
SL269, a 3-page fact shset by Martha Thomas and Maria Silveira, outlines the basics of pasture
fertilization for grazing, seed harvesting, or hay production. Published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, October 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS488
SL259/SS483 Dealing With High Fertilizer Costs in Forage Production Systems
SL-259, a 4-page fact sheet by M.L. Silveira, J.M. Vendramini, P.J. Hogue and J.F. Selph, addresses important issues relative to fertilizer efficiency and suggests alternatives for reducing fertilizer use and reducing production costs for forage production. Published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Science, June 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS483
SL249/SS469 Getting the Most out of Bahiagrass Fertilization
SL-249, a 6-page fact sheet by C.L. Mackowiak, A.R. Blount, E.A. Hanlon, M.L. Silveira, M.B. Adjei, and R.O. Myer, summarizes analysis practices and recommendations for bahiagrass fertilization for hay, sod or pasture systems. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Soil and Water Sciences, April 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/SS469