Grassland nutritional summary

A correct balance between macronutrients and micronutrients is essential to obtain the best results possible from grassland. A deficiency of any single nutrient is enough to limit growth and the availability of each nutrient needs to be related to requirements. A review of nutrient uptake and offtake reveals which nutrients are required however in the case of grassland it is essential to also account for the nutrients supplied or deposited as manures.

Macronutrient uptake by grassland

Nitrogen is the crucial nutrient for influencing grassland yield. Requirements for potassium, phosphate, sulphur, calcium, and magnesium are related to the amount of applied nitrogen. There is a large demand for these macronutrients during early spring growth and to avoid limiting yield it is critical that sufficient quantities of nutrients are available for uptake when required by the plant. The nutrient uptake and offtake from grassland depends on the intensity of production and whether it is mowed or grazed.

This table shows how the macronutrient offtake per tonne dry matter varies with yield and depending on whether it is grazed or mown.

Micronutrient uptake by grassland

A balanced crop nutrition strategy is essential and although much lower amounts are needed the correct balance of micronutrients should be available since these are essential elements for achieving high yields. The most important micronutrient on grassland yield are copper, manganese and zinc.

Other micronutrients which are not essential for grass but are required by grazing animals include sodium and selenium and also copper and zinc are required in higher levels in animals than are required for grass growth.

This table based on studies in the UK shows the wide variation in micronutrient uptake per ha depending on the management system.

Recommended Yara fertilisers for grassland

YaraMila SUPER BOOSTER

25-2.2-4.2 + 2%S + Na and Se - Compound prilled NPKS fertiliser with sodium selenate for use on grassland to supplement selenium levels.

YaraMila EXTRAGRASS

27-2.2-4.2 + 2.4% S - Compound granular NPKS fertiliser ideally suited to little and often application for Spring/Summer application to grassland for index maintenance and high recovery growth rates.

YaraMila SULPHUR SWARD

27-1.7-3.3 + 4% S - Compound NPKS fertiliser with a balanced ratio of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulphur so is ideal for grazed swards to kick start the growing crop.

YaraMila ZERO P SWARD

26-0-5 + 4% S - An NK plus S fertiliser used where no phosphate is required and where some potash is required.

YaraMila ZERO P CUT

24-0-10 + 2% S - A compound fertiliser supplying nitrogen, potash and sulphur often used after first cut silage where no phosphate is required.

YaraMila SULPHUR CUT

22-1.7-11.6 + 3% S - A quality branded NPKS compound fertiliser with sulphur. This fertiliser is ideal for replacing the large amount of potash removed after silage whilst kick starting regeneration.

SUPER START

34% N + 7.6% Ca - A unique Yara product containing both Calcium Nitrate and Urea. SUPER START is well suited to cold wet spring conditions and is ideal for first application to grassland.

YaraBela NUTRI BOOSTER

25% N + 2% S, Na and Se - Unique compound fertiliser for use on grass, based on CAN offers farmers the option of applying nitrogen and sulphur coupled with sodium and selenium in the form of sodium selenate.

YaraBela AXAN

27% N + 3.6% S - Uniform compound granular nitrogen and sulphur fertiliser for use on all crops.

See all fertilisers choices

Grassland agronomy advice

The latest grassland fertiliser and nutrition advice from the Yara agronomists.

Spring Grassland Fertiliser Update

How are your plans looking for the grass season ahead? The focus in January should be on planning for spring grazing and 1st cut silage.

Reduce the fire risk around hay

In hot, dry conditions farmers face increased fire risk, especially across the first six weeks after hay baling.

Managing Grassland in Drought Conditions

Our summers seem to be getting hotter, we’ve seen four of the five warmest summers on record since 2003.

Farmer and Agronomist reviewing the grass within a

How Wet Conditions are Challenging Grassland Farmers

One of the things that keeps farming interesting is that every year is different. Of course this can also be incredibly frustrating, presenting new challenges year on year.

Farmer and Agronomist reviewing the farm soil

Research confirms sulphur benefits on grassland

Sulphur (S) research from Teagasc highlights some interesting findings on S applications on grassland. Using lysimeters and a sandy loam soil they found N + S applications increased grass yields by 30%, compared to N only plots over the course of 7 cuts.

White Clover reduces Nitrogen Application Requirements

For six years Moorpark in Ireland have been conducting trials exploring the impact growing white clover in paddocks along with perennial ryegrass has on nitrogen requirements.

See all Grassland and Forage Advice

How to make better informed nutrient decisions

Yara has developed various tools and services to help farmers make the correct nutritional decisions and maximise their return on investment in fertiliser. Here is your cereals toolbox!