| Will Nitrogen Applications Affect the Distribution of Bermudagrass Forage Production? |
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 Soils: April 1997 Other Soils Articles |
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by Wadell Altom |
Will nitrogen applications affect the distribution of bermudagrass forage production? We often discuss bermudagrass as being a very "short season" forage plant but I did not realize how short it can be until I reviewed some yield data. Jerry Rogers and I conducted bermudagrass nitrogen rate studies at the Noble Foundation Pasture Demonstration Farm during 1972-75 and 1985-89.
Although the soils and nitrogen rates were slightly different during the two periods, we are still able to look at forage distribution trends. As you look at the ranges reported in the table below, consider how rainfall patterns could effect the reported values.
| Distribution of Midland Bermudagrass Forage | ||||||
| Production at Ardmore, Okla. - (1972-75 and 1985-89) | ||||||
| Total lbs. N/acre | % Total Yield by June 15 | % Total Yield by Aug. 15 | ||||
| Rate & Timing | Range | Avg. | Range | Avg. | ||
| 0 | 50-85 | 60 | 85-100 | 90 | ||
| 150 (April) | 50-80 | 60 | 85-90 | 87 | ||
| 150 (75 April + 75 June) | 45-60 | 50 | 80-90 | 85 | ||
Notice that when no nitrogen was applied or when one application was applied in April, 80% or more of the season total could be produced by mid-June and an average of about 60% is expected. Also notice that 85 to 100% of the total was produced by August 15.
When the total amount of applied nitrogen was split into two applications (1/2 in April and 1/2 in June) about 45 to 60% of the total was produced by mid-June. Neither of these studies had an August application of nitrogen but other studies have shown late season yields can be increased by applying nitrogen in early August. Rainfall amounts and timing can influence the distribution of bermuda forage production, but fertilization can also effect both yield and distribution.
If a forage producer needs bermuda forage available for grazing during as much of the season as possible, I normally recommend split nitrogen applications. My normal recommendation is: apply half of the planned season total nitrogen rate on all acres in late April or early May.
Then, apply the remaining half on one-fourth to onethird of the acres in June. Treat the remaining acres (those not fertilized in June) in early August. The final decision about rates and timing should consider actual production, utilization, needs, and cost-return relationships.