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Forage specialist says to wait on nitrogen for fescue
A University of Missouri forage specialist is warning farmers to hold off on nitrogen applications until August.
Craig Roberts said some farmers have been applying it too early this year, losing the benefit of the fertilizer.
“If we apply nitrogen fertilizer right now, we’ll simply be fertilizing the annual grass weeds,” Roberts said.
He said farmers should aim to apply nitrogen on August 10th in the northern part of the state, ranging to August 20th in the southern portion of the state.
Roberts tells Brownfield the difference, when applied correctly, is noticeable.
“If they fertilize a typical rate, for Kentucky 31 tall fescue, that would be about 50 pounds,” Roberts said. “They can easily get an extra half ton. So, it makes a difference.”
Roberts said fescue is a cool season grass and is semi dormant during the hotter months.
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