2010 Improved Pasture Inputs?

[Stocker Steve]

I refused to buy P&K last year. Did buy some lime last fall and pulled a Missouri drag behind the red clover drill this spring where the lime was applied.

Also put P/N/S on the other paddocks this spring. It really gave them a jump start and they have at least double the early forage of the lime & red clover only paddocks.

Have you run any numbers on P/K value on converted crop ground vs. bringing in purchased feed for your area?

 

[cowsrus]

I know what P & K is, but what is P/N/S ?

 

[novaman]

I know what P & K is, but what is P/N/S ?

Phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur I believe.

 

[agmantoo]

I refused to buy P&K last year. Did buy some lime last fall and pulled a Missouri drag behind the red clover drill this spring where the lime was applied.

Also put P/N/S on the other paddocks this spring. It really gave them a jump start and they have at least double the early forage of the lime & red clover only paddocks.

Have you run any numbers on P/K value on converted crop ground vs. bringing in purchased feed for your area?

Stocker Steve
Do I understand correctly from the above statement that you planted clover this Spring and you are expecting to see results in the other forages in the paddocks from the contribution of this new red clover? if so, it is not going to happen that quickly. You could turn the red clover under and use it as a green manure for the quickest visible response but I do not think getting rid of the existing forage was your intention. The clover will have to mature and build nitrogen in nodules under the soil and the plant will need to rot to get the total benefit. IMO it takes not less than 3 years to get a good pasture, 5 to 7 to get a great pasture.

 

[Stocker Steve]

I limed and interseeded the thin stuff,

and fertilized the thick stuff,

but not both on the same pasture.

 

[1982vett]

It is all a waste of time and money without timely rains...........

 

[Jogeephus]

I don't fully understand the question. If its what I think you are asking, on perenial grazed land (here) P doesn't move to much nor does K. I'd spend money on lime before I did these two. If you plant annuals, K seems to become limiting quicker than the P. But like Vette said, without water it doesnt' matter.

 

[1982vett]

Jogee, I cut some ryegrass/oats today that already 1 inch cracks between the drills. Looking like another 2008.

Glad I haven't wasted any money on fertilizer yet.

 

[Jogeephus]

Its supposed to be raining here tonight but I'm afraid its going to go north of us. Its drying out now and we do need a good shower. We don't get cracks in the earth ours just blows away.

 

[novatech]

I refused to buy P&K last year. Did buy some lime last fall and pulled a Missouri drag behind the red clover drill this spring where the lime was applied.

Also put P/N/S on the other paddocks this spring. It really gave them a jump start and they have at least double the early forage of the lime & red clover only paddocks.

Have you run any numbers on P/K value on converted crop ground vs. bringing in purchased feed for your area?

P & K aid in root production. The more root the more grass. The more root the more drought hardy. Sulfur will make the ground more acid.
None of it works without water. Something I have not had since I put out the fertilizer. (85-85-0 per Acre)
Soil test, fertilize accordingly and pray for rain.

 

[1982vett]

It was hard to control myself and not fertilize.