Hay: Does Fertilization Matter?
- Topics: Article, Farm and Barn, Hay, Nutrition, Pasture and Forages
Q: Should I look for hay that comes from a fertilized or unfertilized field? In what ways would the nutrition be affected? Does fertilizing the field increase the protein content of the hay? What are appropriate questions to ask regarding the hay?–Roberta, Camano Island, Washington
A: Whether or not a hay field is fertilized might be more important to the hay producer than to the hay purchaser.
Fertilization might affect the nutrient content of the hay to some extent, but it might also be needed to keep the plants productive. It can increase yield by tons of hay per year, and it can also keep the plants productive for a longer period of time. Fertilization practices should be individualized for the type of plant and the composition of the soil
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Laurie Lawrence, PhD (equine nutrition)
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