| Q.4 How long before cutting should nitrogen be applied to first
cut silage? |
|
|
A. Aim to
have all nitrogen applied at least 8 weeks before the expected cutting date. This should
ensure that there will be at least 6 growing weeks between application of fertilizer and
cutting. |
|
| Q.5 How much nitrogen should I
put on a first cut silage crop on fields that were reseeded two years ago? |
|
|
A. Recent reseeds can take up to 110 units of nitrogen per acre for a first
cut. With older pastures reduce rates to 90 – 100 units of nitrogen per acre
depending on the percentage of ryegrass in the sward. |
 |
|
| Q.6 Are there any advantages to splitting nitrogen applications
on first cut silage? |
|
|
A. The main
advantage of splitting is it gives an opportunity to apply a small amount of nitrogen
early in the season while reducing the risk of losses by not applying all the nitrogen
early. For example a silage field that is not being grazed in Spring could get 40 units of
nitrogen per acre in mid February to take advantage of any early growth and another 60
units in mid-March. If March arrives without the opportunity for an early split it is then
advisable to apply all the nitrogen in one split. |
|
