Low Pee Production Problem ?

[Ebenezer]

The majority of the P used by grasses is utilized in root growth so very little is actually removed from the soil. Three tons of grass only removes about 12 pounds of P. And in a pasture situation the majority of that would get recycled back to the soil. We never recommend additional P if the soil tests is above 30 ppm. It isn't very hard to get and keep P levels at the right level. The N level is more difficult because it is so volatile and the importance of K often time is over looked.

A 500 pound steer contains/removes 3.4 pounds of P
3.5 tons of fescue hay removes/uses 42 pounds of P2O5
5 tons of alfalfa hay removes/uses 60 pounds of P2O5
6 tons of coastal bermudagrass hay removes/uses 72 pounds of P2O5

On the plus side, if you buy and feed well fertilized hay all across the farm, you import and apply this much P2O5 and you can figure it down to the ton or the bale. Phosphorus is not prone to leach and will bind in clay soils. It is needed for seedling growth, seed and fruit production and root growth.

 

[Stocker Steve]

There are in most soils vast reserves of nutrients that are unavailable, but by improving the soil life they can become available. Applying compost (as opposed to straight manure) can increase soil life and start the natural cycles.

After a forest fire, nutrients in the soil are very low. Within two years they will be back to their normal levels. This would be without the addition of any form of fertilizer.

Have been importing about 200 tons of bale grazed hay per year. Also trying to get a handle on the biology side by attending the "Soil Summit" in February. Last year Gabe Brown was the lead speaker on grazing complex cover crop mixes.