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| Typically seems typical dry matter removal rate for forage is 15 lbs of phosphorus and 60 lbs of potash give or take a few units depending on the crop then units necessary for nitrogen will add some additional requirements. Looking at current fall prices applied we are pushing the $20 range for P and K removal per ton of forage. Even corn silage is taking this kind of nutrients. How are you guys fertilizing your forage stands. Do you fertilize for removal, less than removal, or more to build soil. With forage I think it is even more important as you don't have the residue to mineralize each year. Selling cow how at $80/ton or $40-$50/round bale, 25% of your gross return to the hay is lost in fertilizer value. You can only mine soil for so many years before it catches up with you. Looking at land costs, harvesting equipment, the value of row crops, loss of residue cycling, is forage an extremely undervalued crop? Thoughts?
Eddie | |
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Fertilizing for forage
