To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize?

[smoky]

I would like (need) to get a final hay cutting on 15 acres. We cut it about 2 weeks ago and should get some rain this week. I was planning on putting 135 lbs of 34-0-0 which translates into about 45 units of nitrogen. I have been told to put 1 unit of nitrogen per day of growth needed. So I figure that would put me about the 1st or 2nd week of October trying to get my final cutting.

This late in the summer, can I expect to put this fertilizer down and see the benefits, assuming adequate moisture, of course? I don't mind spending what I need to, however, I try my best not to throw money away.

Any comments

Thanks,

Smoky

BTW- I have put the required Phosphate and Potash out earlier in the year.

 

[Jogeephus]

I think its a safe bet. Biggest problem is going to be night temperatures. If it cools off early the the grass will shut off and you might not get as good a cutting as you hoped for. Also, keep a close eye out for armyworms.

 

[smoky]

Thanks for the reply. I guess I should have mentioned that I am in Southeast Louisiana so it is typically warm here through October with the occaisional cool front.

Also, army worms usually aren't too bad on bahia grass around here, especially native.

Smoky

 

[ga. prime]

I'd give it a shot, smoky, if you think you'll get rain through September.. Here where I live September almost always turns off dry and grass quits growing.

 

[Jogeephus]

Oops, I assumed you were talking bermuda. Bahia is also more cold tolerant than bermuda so that's in your favor as well.

 

[dcara]

I have been told to put 1 unit of nitrogen per day of growth needed.

Another day, another lesson. I'd never heard that one before. Could I ask what was your source? I was thinking of putting out some N also on some new Bermuda pastures I put in this year. They came in fine and I have started lightly grazeing them. I read that they should go into winter with about 4 inches of growth on them their first year.

 

[Jogeephus]

I have been told to put 1 unit of nitrogen per day of growth needed.

Another day, another lesson. I'd never heard that one before. Could I ask what was your source? I was thinking of putting out some N also on some new Bermuda pastures I put in this year. They came in fine and I have started lightly grazeing them. I read that they should go into winter with about 4 inches of growth on them their first year.

I don't know the source, but I have always been told to figure one unit of nitrogen for each day of expected grazing.

 

[hurleyjd]

You need apply some potash at the same time. Around 75 to 90 lbs to the acre. This helps the grass store reserves in its root system for next year.