Maximizing Forage Productivity by Improving Effectiveness of P and K Fertilizers

Project Leader:
Sukhdev Malhi,
Details +

Research Station,
Agriculture Canada,
Postal Bag Service 5000,
Lacombe,
AB,
T0C 1S0

(403-782-3316, fax: 403-782-6120)

Staff Member: Dr. Adrian Johnston ajohnston@ppi-ppic.org

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Phosphorus fertilization is essential for good forage production. This study is showing how P fertilization affects dry matter yield and protein of alfalfa and bromegrass hay in central Alberta. Annual broadcast and disc-band P applications have been compared to larger applications of P applied once at the beginning of the study in 1992. Annual applications of P are proving more effective than the larger, single applications, and similar to previous results, disc-banding produced higher yields than broadcasting. Results like this help convince farmers to do a better job of fertilizing their hay with P.