HAY FEEDING HELPS TO BUILD SOIL FERTILITY
Extension Education
Mark Keaton
Retired
MOUNTAIN HOME
Abstract
\r\n Producers can improve soil fertility by feeding hay on pastures. Cattlemen can feed hay in a manner to distribute the nutrients across the field. In the hay feeding demonstrations, producers have the option of feeding the hay in a concentrated area or moving the feeding area within a designated field each time a bale of hay is fed. Optimum soil fertility for mixed warm and cool season grasses is phosphorus levels between 72-100 pounds per acre and potassium levels between 262-350 pounds per acre. Soil samples were taken in the designated hay feeding area before hay feeding began and again in the spring when hay feeding was over. Forage samples from the hay were taken to determine the amount of nutrients in a bale of hay. Records were kept on the number of bales fed and any supplemental feed fed in the demonstration field. Based on the data collected from the demonstration, the amount of nutrients applied to the field from the hay can be calculated and then compared to the change in soil fertility. Hay feeding demonstrations in six counties in Arkansas have shown fertility improvement by feeding hay in that area of the field. In summary, moving the hay feeding area within a designated field each time hay is fed will help to build soil test phosphorus and potassium levels. Preference should be given to fields with lower soil fertility. Increasing soil fertility levels strengthens the existing pasture. Plants will have better root growth, increased persistence and yield.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: M.D. Keaton, J. Jennings, K. Simon
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Keaton, M. CEA-Staff Chair, U of A Cooperative Extension Service-Baxter County, Arkansas, 72653
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Jennings, J. Professor Extension Forages, Arkansas Cooperative Extension,State Office, Arkansas, 72203
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Simon, K. Extension Program Associate Forages, Arkansas Cooperative Extension,State Office, Arkansas, 72203