Evaluation of Agronomic Practices and Quality Parameters of Timothy Hay
Determine how important maintenance fertilizer management is to maintain timothy stands and quality. Also whether additions of the micronutrient Cu are beneficial in maintenance of green color in timothy.
IPNI-2002-CAN-SK33
2004 Annual Interpretive Summary
Evaluation of Agronomic Practices and Quality Parameters of Timothy Hay, 2004
Production of timothy hay for the export market has been a major growth industry in western Canada over the last 10 years. The effect of annual maintenance applications of phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) on timothy yield, persistence, and quality...and the effect of copper (Cu) applications on hay color...is an area that requires supporting data for growth of the industry. The objective of this study is to determine the importance of maintenance fertilizer management on the yield and quality of timothy.
In 2003, a trial was seeded at an irrigated site to examine the effect of P applications at 90, 180, and 240 lb P2O5/A on timothy hay. Unfortunately, the timothy did not establish in either the spring or fall when attempts were made at seeding. In 2004, timothy was established on the site and dry matter yields of 2.9 to 3.1 t/A were harvested. However, no differences in P treatments were recorded. Additional P treatments will be applied in the spring of 2005 to monitor the yield and quality response of the timothy. SK-33