You should choose mineral fertiliser for grassland based on nutrient extraction (see table), nutrient restitution from organic fertilisers and nutrient availability in the soil. We recommend a fertiliser feed exceeding the levels of extraction in the case of land with insufficient supply (Content Classes A and B).
To harvest high-quality staple feed, grassland must be adequately supplied with the basic nutrients lime, sulphur, phosphorus and potassium. The AGRAVIS experts will tell you what is important.
Fertiliser recommendations
Potash: Mineral potash fertilisation is necessary since needs are not covered by organic fertilisation alone. Individual doses should not exceed quantities between 100 and 150 kg/ha K20 to prevent overconsumption in the case of a high potash content and thus not hinder magnesium and sodium intake (antagonism). Magnesium kainite, for example, is particularly suitable due to its ideal K/Na ratio while grain potash provides an optimally adjusted K/MgO ratio.
Lime: Crop removal and leaching cause lime loss of 350 kg per hectare and year on average. This makes regular liming essential. An incorrectly adjusted pH value has an impact on soil nutrient availability and many other factors.
Sulphur: Sulphur promotes use of nitrogen and has an impact on raw protein content; 45 kg are required per hectare and year for fodder usage. In the case of heavy usage for hay: a sulphur dose of 10 to 20 kg/ha for each cut with higher doses in spring (for example, using ASS or YaraBela Sulfan).
Nitrogen: The specifications for fertiliser requirements as per the Fertiliser Ordinance must be met to calculate the total amount of nitrogen (see calculation example); the relevant values can be found in the Fertiliser Ordinance. SSA can be used on half-bog locations and fens (allow for lime provision). Urea, when necessary, should only be used for the first growth (allow for lime provision). AHL is unsuitable due to the risk of chemical burn and its negative impact on new shoots. Do not use at temperatures over 20 degrees Celsius.
Livestock manure: Max. 170 kg/ha N permitted under the Fertiliser Ordinance. Livestock manure contains many of the necessary micronutrients. However, many of them are organically bound, making it difficult to fertilise as needed. When storing and applying manure, you need to take potential ammonia losses into account. Homogeneous, low-viscosity manure reduces nitrogen losses.
