To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize
That is the question?
By: Randy Moore, District Conservationist

So many people are coming in to my office and telling me that they cannot afford to fertilize. Let’s look at the pros and cons to fertilization this year.

Pros:

• 100 % increase in grass protein
• 100 – 150% increase in production (especially in a dry summer)
• Good ground coverage, less weeds
• Double the stocking rate
• Increased cow and calf performance due to higher protein.
• Reduced erosion because of good grass cover.

Cons:

• Out of pocket cost of $67 per acre for fertilizer (example: 250# of 25-10-10).
• Cow prices could decrease later in the year (Futures are positive through 2008, http://www.cattlepages.com/facts/)

Alternatives:

• Plant forages that require less fertilization like Native Grasses and Old World bluestems.
• Perform a chemical weed control application regardless.
• Start an intensive rotation system to promote grass growth.
• Consider modifying livestock type & program; cattle on gain, stockers, cow-calf pairs.

I am sure I have not touched on all aspects of the fertilizer dilemma, but seriously consider the affects of not fertilizing will have especially on bermudagrass pastures. We had a great summer growing season last year but that was truly unusual. I wouldn’t count on that this season. Regardless of what the weathermen “guess” is going to happen this summer, look back at historic rainfall records for each month. This is what has happened on the average for 30 years. Remember; everyone’s situation is different, weight the pros and cons, get all the information you can and then make an informed decision.

Bonham (Fannin County)

33º 38' N 96º 10' W

National Weather Service