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ESN’s role in your forage fertility program

Are you looking for a way to reduce the risk of nitrogen loss and supply nitrogen to forage grasses during the winter growing season? Cool-season forage grasses are very responsive to nitrogen fertilizer. They feed heavily in the fall as they store energy reserves and nitrogen in their roots and crowns for growth the following spring. Proper fall nitrogen fertilization can prepare your forage grass for the best growth and healthiest grass stands the following growing season.

A Missouri tall fescue study illustrates how ESN applied in October can increase forage grass yields the following season. In this study, ESN’s controlled feeding produced greater tall fescue yields because ESN protects fertilizer N from loss by volatilization, leaching and denitrification.

Missouri tall fescue study illustrates in bar chart how ESN applied in October can increase forage grass yields the following season

Study conducted in Northern Missouri. Nitrogen treatments applied early October at a total of 75 lbs N/acre as urea, ESN, or blends of ESN and urea. Fescue was harvested on 28 Apr, 6 Jun, 15 Jul, 23 Aug, 10 Oct, and 16 Nov. Source: Dr. R. Kallenbach, Univ of Missouri.

ESN improves nitrogen utilization and increases yields by protecting your nitrogen from loss. Apply ESN in a blend with soluble N for winter forage production. ESN will provide nitrogen to the grass crop during the winter months in periods of mild temperatures, while protecting nitrogen from loss during cold periods.

Depending on the local environment, growers may want their winter forages to benefit from ESN. By applying earlier, there will be some N available for fall growth and when the ground freezes, the release will stop and the remainder will be available in the spring.

Review these general use recommendations for ESN on forage and consult your local retailer or rep for specific recommendations for your area.

Hear why cattle ranchers like Bert McDaniel Jr. and Diana Dyer in Benton, Mississippi continue to use ESN on their pastures year after year.

Questions or comments? Tweet us @SmartNitrogen.

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