Stockpiled fescue yield and quality are also influenced by the rate of nitrogen applied. In southeastern Ohio, nitrogen application improved forage yield and quality (Table 5) compared with nonitrogen. Highest forage yields were obtained at 92 lbs/acre of nitrogen (200 lbs/acre of urea); however, the additional yield improvement with applications of more than 50 lbs. of actual N per acre is usually not great enough to warrant the additional expense. If moisture conditions are good, consider higher rates of nitrogen; if soil is very dry, consider the minimum rate.
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Table 5. Effect of Nitrogen Application Rate on Crude Protein (CP) and Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) Concentrations in Stockpiled Fescue Forage in Southeastern Ohio. | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen Rate (lbs/acre) | % CP | % ADF | ||||
| Nov. 3 | Dec. 20 | Feb. 11 | Nov. 3 | Dec. 20 | Feb. 11 | |
| 0.00 | 9.4 | 8.4 | 7.2 | 35.6 | 36.2 | 44.6 |
| 46 | 14.0 | 10.3 | 10.5 | 32.4 | 36.9 | 39.8 |
| 92 | 17.7 | 12.0 | 11.5 | 30.7 | 34.2 | 39.4 |