Management options to increase return on fertilizer dollars

1. Adopt management practices that increase forage use in pastures such as management intensive grazing.

• Note that management intensive grazing increases the nitrogen value of manure returned to the pasture by grazing animals. "Specialists estimate you can decrease recommended nitrogen rates 20% for the same yield goal on management intensive pastures."

2. Only fertilize when increased forage production is needed.

• Cool season grasses respond to spring fertilizer but is that extra production needed? Unless excess spring production is harvested as hay, carefully consider spring fertilizer rates.

3. Considesr alternate sources of nitrogen.

• Legumes remain an excellent source of nitrogen for pastures. Manure may be a more economical source of fertilizer nutrients. Remember that manure nitrogen is typically 50 to 60% available when it is surface applied put 100% of manure phosphorus and potassium is available to the crop.