January 2012 Articles

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Hay Feeding Helps Build Soil Fertility

Hay Feeding Helps Build Soil Fertility, Kenny Simon, Program Associate - Forages, University of Arkansas
Since 2009 the University of Arkansas conducted eight pasture nutrient and fertility management demonstrations. These demonstrations measured the amount of nutrients in a bale of hay then fed the hay in a manner to distribute the nutrients evenly across the field. Soil samples were collected in the designated hay feeding area before hay feeding began and again in the spring, when hay feeding was over. Records were kept on the number of bales fed and any supplemental feed fed in the demonstration field. Based on the data collected, the amount of nutrients applied to the field from the hay were calculated and compared to the change in soil fertility. The average nutrient content of a 4' x 5' round bale of bermuda hay was 16 lb N, 5 lb P2O5 and 18 lb K2O. Using current commercial fertilizer prices, the hay had a fertilizer value of $22.16.

Improvement in P, K and organic matter due to
hay feeding concentrated to one area
County P
lb/ac K
lb/ac Organic
Matter
Bradley +216 +1283 +13.2
Union +734 +2673 +1.45

Improvement in P, K and organic matter due to
hay feeding moved evenly around a designated area

County P
lb/ac K
lb/ac Organic
Matter
Cleburne +22 +170 +2.4
Drew +20 +186 +0.7
White +22 +172
Yell +143 +342

Producers could feed the hay in a concentrated area or move the feeding area each time hay is fed. Producers in Bradley and Union counties chose to feed their hay in one location all winter. The soil fertility in those particular hay feeding areas increased dramatically. Optimum soil fertility for forages is phosphorus (P) levels between 72 to 100 lb/acre and potassium (K) levels between 262 to 350 lb/acre. These concentrated hay feeding areas would also become very muddy, creating a bare spot where only weeds grew back.
Producers in Cleburne, Drew, White and Yell counties chose to move the hay feeding area each time new hay was fed. With the hay being fed in different locations, it spread the fertility from the hay evenly across the field to be recycled in next year’s forage crop. In addition, these feeding areas had less vegetative trampling, which reduced problems with mud.

In summary, moving the hay feeding area within a designated field each time hay is fed will help to build soil test P and K as well as increase the percent organic matter. So as we approach the hay feeding period, begin thinking about where hay will be fed this winter. Preference should be given to fields with lower soil fertility. Increasing soil fertility levels strengthens the existing pastures. The plants will have better root growth, increased persistence and yield. If you are interested in participating in a pasture nutrient/fertility management demonstration, contact your local county agent.