How to reduce the cost of fertilizing and liming pastures

Cooler temperatures, shorter days, and trees filled with colorful foliage result in slower grass growth and less forage mass available for grazing. I’ve spoken to several farmers over the past few weeks and asked questions about fertilizing and liming pastures, especially given the expected rising input costs.

Fall is an ideal time to collect soil samples to assess nutrient levels and develop a management plan.

soil samples

Start with a soil sample. The purpose of taking soil samples is to determine the nutrient and pH levels of a particular field. Since only a few grams of soil are used by the laboratory for analysis, following a proper sampling procedure is critical. While it’s a relatively simple process, there are a few things to consider before you begin.

These include previous cultivation and nutrient management practices in the field, differences in crop growth, topography, drainage, and different soil types in the field. Limit sampling area to no more than 25 acres and collect 10-20 drill core per sampling area.

A better way to sample a field (especially those with unique characteristics) is to use zones. Zone sampling helps account for variations in a field and provides a more accurate picture of fertility and lime requirements in the field. Zone sampling will follow a zig zag pattern, randomly sampling 10-20 core samples per sample area up to 25 acres.

send in samples

After collection, it’s time to send your samples to a soil testing lab. Your agronomist or adviser can help you find a lab near you.

The lab gives you fertilizer and lime recommendations based on several factors including crop, yield target, soil nutrient levels and soil pH. If you have questions about the results, your agronomist or advisor is a good place to go.

lime

As top applied lime moves slowly through the soil profile, this is an excellent time of year to make applications in fields that require soil pH adjustment. The lime recommendation is calculated by the laboratory based on the sample you submit. Lime is not just lime – ask for an analysis of the lime product.

Lime materials are characterized based on effective neutralizing power, with Ag Lime as the base and an ENP of 2,000 pounds per ton. Anything below this standard requires a higher application rate. When considering whether to spend money on lime or fertilizer, don’t be afraid of lime. Forage crops growing in low pH soil will not use the fertilizer applied efficiently.

More information

Speak to your agronomist or advisor for questions about soil sampling, fertilizer and lime recommendations, and other management issues.

Other useful resources include the Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, and Alfalfa, agcrops.osu.edu/FertilityResources/tri-state_info; Ohio Agronomy Guide, stepupsoy.osu.edu/sites/hcs-soy/files/472%20Ohio%20Agronomy%20Guide%2015%20Ed%20red_0.pdf; Understanding the Value of Lime, ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-9; and soil sampling to develop nutrient recommendations, ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/AGF-513.