By Andi Anderson
Spring marks an important opportunity for farmers to improve forage production by correcting challenges faced in previous seasons. Winter annual cereal grain forages, such as cereal rye, can provide high quality feed when managed carefully.
Without proper planning, however, spring forage decisions may reduce feed quality and limit production potential.
The most important spring management decisions for cereal grain forages include nitrogen application rates and harvest timing. Spring nitrogen plays a major role in increasing both forage yield and crude protein levels.
The benefits of spring nitrogen depend largely on how much nitrogen was applied in the fall and the amount already available in the soil.
Research trials conducted at the North Central Research Station in Fremont, Ohio examined how different fall and spring nitrogen rates affected cereal rye yield and forage quality.
Results from these studies show that spring nitrogen applications can significantly increase yield when low amounts of nitrogen were applied in the fall.
In years, when fall nitrogen rates were 60 pounds per acre or less, spring nitrogen consistently improved forage yield. Yield increases were strongest when spring nitrogen rates were adjusted carefully to match fall applications. In cases where higher fall nitrogen rates were already used, additional spring nitrogen did not improve yields.
This shows that understanding total nitrogen supply is essential before deciding how much nitrogen to apply in spring.
For fields that received little or no nitrogen during fall planting, early spring application is especially important.
Applying nitrogen as soon as the crop begins to green up helps encourage tiller development, which increases forage production. Early nitrogen supports rapid growth and stronger plant development before harvest.
Harvest timing is also critical for forage quality. Cereal grain forages harvested at the boot stage typically offer higher digestibility and protein content. Delayed harvest can increase yield but often reduces feed quality, making timing a key management decision.
Some Recommendations-
Adjust spring nitrogen rates based on fall application
Farmers should review how much nitrogen was applied in the fall and apply spring nitrogen only when needed to avoid waste and ensure efficient forage growth.
Apply nitrogen early for fields with low fall nitrogen
For cereal grain forages that received little or no fall nitrogen, early spring application as the crop greens up can boost tillering and increase overall yield.
Avoid excess nitrogen where fall rates were high
Fields that already received high fall nitrogen generally do not respond to extra spring nitrogen, so reducing spring applications can lower input costs without reducing yield.
Photo Credit: soybeans-for-forage
Categories: Ohio, Crops, Hay & Forage