L-602 FERTILIZER COASTAL BERMUDAGRASS TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE J. E. HUTCHISON, DIRECTOR, COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS

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1 L-602 FERTILIZER AND COASTAL BERMUDAGRASS TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE J. E. HUTCHISON, DIRECTOR, COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS

2 Partners for COASTAL BERMUDAGRASS IS AN EXCELLENT PLANT for hay production. It usually has a lower moisture content and cures into a high quality hay faster than most other forage crops. Time and frequency of cutting are important in determining the quality of hay produced. Generally, quality goes down rapidly after 4 weeks of growth, although total tonnage may continue to increase. Sacrifice some yield to gain quality hay. Coastal Bermuda on well fertilized meadows should be 11 to 16 inches high by harvest time. Coastal makes maximum growth during hot weather, is a drouth-tolerant plant and an efficient user of soil moisture and fertilizer; however, prolonged periods of adverse weather reduce production. Nitrogen TYPES OF FERTILIZER Coastal Bermuda responds well to nitrogen fertilizer, interplanted winter legumes or a combination of the two. Production peaks can be shifted to some extent, according to the time of nitrogen application. Results of many tests throughout East Texas indicate that up to 400 pounds of nitrogen per acre produce 8 to 9 tons of high quality hay per acre. Split the nitrogen applications to improve efficiency. Phosphorus Phosphorus applications may be made in the fall if the area contains a winter legume or delayed

3 Profit - Fertilizer and Coastal j John Box, Extension Associate Agronomist, Texas A&M University until early spring if no legumes are present. Do not split phosphorus applications. Potassium Potassium levels in the soil greatly influence forage production when high rates of nitrogen are used. Make two potassium applications. Make half of the yearly application with the first nitrogen application and the balance topdressed with the nitrogen after the second harvest. Calcium When using high levels of nitrogen fertilizer, carefully consider soil reaction. Most nitrogen fertilizers are acid forming and can lower soil ph considerably in a short time. Acid soils can reduce fertilizer efficiency by as much as 50 percent. Test soil at regular intervals to maintain proper nutrient balance and obtain maximum efficiency from the fertilizer. Legumes Growing a legume such as Crimson clover with Coastal Bermuda lowers nitrogen requirements by about 60 pounds per acre but increases the need for phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Coastal Bermuda uses nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P ) and potassium (K 2 0) in a ratio of when high rates of nitrogen are used. Four hundred pounds of nitrogen used in this ratio with phosphorus and potassium will maintain excellent production and quality. Consider carefully calcium requirements as nitrogen rates are increasecl.

4 ~ermudagrass FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MAXIMUM PRODUCTION Nitrogen Pounds per acre ( in split applications) in early spring after first harvest after second harvest after third harvest. Phosphorus Pounds per acre (one-fourth the nitrogen rate) Apply total for season at one time. Apply in fall to benefit legume. Apply in spring to benefit grass. Potassium Pounds per acre (one-half the nitrogen rate) Split potassium applications. Apply one-half with nitrogen and phosphorus in spring or, if legumes are present, this portion of potassium may be applied with phosphorus in the fall. Apply one half after second harvest. Coastal uses N-P-K in a ratio; part of the phosphorus and potassium will be supplied by soil. Determine phosphorus and potassium needs, according to soil test. For grazing, reduce rates of all nutrients by one-half. Harvest at 4 to 5-week intervals. Watch calcium and potassium levels. Don't Guess-Soil Test. Table I. Effect of nitrogen on yield, protein content and water utilization by Coastal Bermuclagru8, CoUqe Station, Texas, Percent Annual rate Tom of hay protein of nitrogen per acre in hay o UU II.7 Pounds Inches of protein of water per acre per ton hay

5 Annual rate nitrogen in pounds o Table 2. Percent protein in hay Effect of nitrogen on the average chemical composition of Coastal Bermudagrass hay Fat Average percent composition (dry basis) Nitrogen- Crude free Ash Calcium Phosphorus Potassium fiber extract A SOUND FORAGE PROGRAM FOR TEXAS 1. Use adapted plants. 2. Plant adequate temporary pastures. 3. Plan seasonal grazing to provide amount and quality of grazing needed. 4. Follow best establishment practices to obtain high yields and quality and to reduce weeds. 5. Fertilize at the proper time with the right rate and ratio. 6. Do not overgraze; allow plants to recover fully following each grazing or cutting. 7. Control weeds with a mower or sprayer; then keep them out through proper grazing and fertilizer management. 8. Use irrigation (if available) for higher production under intense management. 9. Put up ample hay and silage to supplement the grazing program. 10. Use forage crops in rotations for soil improvement. II. Follow a sound livestock management program to make profitable use of the forage. present, fall application of phosphorus is recommended. 4. Divide potassium into two applications for high potassium rates. Apply one-half in the spring with first nitrogen application and one-half in mid-season - usually following second harvest. For lower rates (100 pounds K 2 0 or less), a single application in the spring is satisfactory. 5. Four or more cuttings of hay may be made per season from well fertilized Coastal Bermudagrass. 6. Coastal Bermuda performs well over a wide ph range ( ). 7. Do not guess at your fertility status - soil test. MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR HAY PRODUCTION I. Proper fertilization is necessary for continued high yields of Coastal Bermuda. 2. Split nitrogen into four or more applications, depending upon seasonal conditions. 3. Apply phosphorus as a single application, either in fall or the following spring. If legumes are Cooperative Extension Work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Texas A&M University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8, 1914, as amended, and June 30, 1914.