Fertilizing cool-season grass pastures or hayfields is something producers do each year while accounting for forage needs, the value of the forage, and fertilizer costs.

It is very important to remember this year the precipitation and soil moisture status since that moisture is needed to realize the grass response to the fertilizer.

Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should occur late March through April. If the nitrogen is a single application, between 80-100 lbs. of actual N per acre is usually suggested for eastern Nebraska. The recommended application rate declines westward across the state, with about 30-40 lbs. N per acre suggested for the Panhandle.

If doing split applications, usually it’s 2/3 in the spring and 1/3 in the fall when growth resumes on the cool-season grasses. With fertilized pasture, be sure to include a rotational grazing plan that will effectively harvest the extra forage and provide the greatest return on the fertilizer investment. Also, remember that adequate moisture is needed with fertilizer applications.  

Soil tests could also be conducted to determine more exact amounts needed, particularly for any phosphorus, potassium or sulfur that could be applied.

Research conducted in eastern Nebraska has shown a 30% increase in forage yield with fertilization and the economic optimum rate is between 80-120 lbs. per acre. A crude protein increase from 16-20% was seen with fertilizer applications up to 160 lbs. That is a lot of fertilizer, but it did increase crude protein and organic matter digestibility, while decreasing NDF or neutral detergent fiber.

Always be aware of water sources such as ponds when applying fertilizer, especially in pastures and fields nearby.

Brome pastures are hardy, and we can and do graze them hard in Nebraska. Haying or grazing operations can benefit if managed correctly with fertilizer.

By Jerry Volesky

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