Nutrient Requirements of Mixed Forages

The percent legume in mixed grass-legume sward decreases with stand age resulting in poorer quality and often lower yielding forage. This new project is attempting to demonstrate how balancing N and P, and harvesting methods can improve stand life and productivity. Initial results are showing that N and P can influence the composition and yield of a mixed forage sward. Results have been variable but there are some indications applied P is having a positive impact on maintaining the alfalfa content of the sward.


Objectives

Component A
1. Identify the fertilizer regimes necessary to maximize yield of mixed legume-grass swards.
2. Determine the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus applied alone and in combinations on the composition of mixed forage swards.
3. Determine the effect of nitrogen and phosphorus on forage quality.

Component B
1. Compare harvesting methods (fodder and simulated grazing) on yield, composition and quality of the sward at different levels of fertilization.