In the News - January 2008
Homespun advice from a veteran county agent
Scratching our heads and other body parts
BENTONVILLE, Ark. - An early morning call from a national farm magazine
reporter supported my assumption that northwest Arkansas forage producers aren’t
the only ones concerned about staying in business this year. Primary concern, of
course, has to do with the price of nitrogen fertilizer.
Last year, when we just thought that fertilizer was high, one producer noted,
“If I stay in the cow or hay business, I got to fertilize some!” So what are
some points to consider under these conditions? First and foremost, in my
opinion, is to understand and manipulate management practices that help capture
nitrogen efficiency.
Moisture - The first and single greatest factor to impact forage yield is, in
general, out of our control. What we can do is: Attempt to capture and retain
soil moisture; Use moisture-efficient forage types, and, or; manipulate nitrogen
applications and forage growth when moisture is present. Producers should
recognize the peak growth season of the forages present and understand how this
relates to improving nitrogen efficiency.
Soil type - In most Ozark counties, forage production potential will vary 175
percent due to inherent differences in soil type. Although producers can not
change soil types, they can visit their Natural Resources Conservation Service
office to determine the types present in each field.
The most productive soil types are the most efficient, as gauged by pounds of
forage produced per pound of available nitrogen. After looking at the cost of
recommended soil amendments and his soil type, I jokingly noted on one fellow’s
soil test, “You need to move!”
Forage types - Forage types can’t be changed overnight, but most farms have a
number of forage types and varieties. I’ve reported that hybrid Bermuda, for
example, can be one-third more nitrogen-efficient than common types. It may be
practical to use the more efficient forages to achieve better returns on
nitrogen dollars and use other forages for pasture or for single early season
hay cuttings.
Nitrogen rates - this is where most producers want to start and it makes good
sense. Regardless of the forage type, lower nitrogen rates are always the most
efficient. Whether forages or tomatoes, most plants respond to spoon feeding,
and if it were practical, we could gain more by using reduced rates in a timely
fashion. Unfortunately, application economics usually makes this approach
impractical so we try to meet somewhere in the middle between yield,
animal-carrying capacity and our bank balance.
Next week, I’ll touch on other methods of manipulation as we try to get
through the 2008 livestock/forage year. ‘Til next week!
For more information about forages and cattle production, contact your county
extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select Beef. The
Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
January 25, 2008
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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