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
19 Apr 2002
Justification
- Production of compressed timothy hay for the export market has been a major growth industry in western Canada over the last 10 years. Japan is the largest market for this hay, with smaller quantities being exported to Korea, Taiwan and the U.S. Exports of compressed bales to Japan increased from just over 20,000 tonnes in 1991 to 180,000 tonnes in 2000 (Canadian Hay Association). Exports to Japan are expected to exceed 200,000 tonnes in 2001. Premium timothy hay has paid close to $200/ton to the producer, with overall production averaging around $130/ton. Yields of 4-6 tons/a under irrigation and 2-4 tons/a under dryland have been obtained in provincial trials. Production costs average $130- $140/a.
There is considerable opportunity for increased acres of timothy in eastern and irrigated areas of Saskatchewan, providing provincial producers with an economic cropping option. The effect of annual maintenance applications of K and S on timothy yield, persistence and quality, and the effect of Cu applications on hay color is an area that requires supporting data for growth of the industry. In addition, information on the role of P requirements for maintaining the productivity of irrigated timothy is lacking. It is expected that this experiment will determine how important maintenance fertilizer management is to maintain timothy stands and quality. In addition, it will determine whether additions of the micronutrient Cu are beneficial in maintenance of green color in timothy.