Sometimes low soil fertility limits plant growth. Fertilizing and liming may change the botanical composition of the stand thereby changing the mineral levels in the forage sampled from the field. For example, phosphorus fertilization and liming may increase legume growth. An increase in the percent legume in the stand increases the calcium content of the forage. Some grass pastures may not have sufficient Ca.
Lime provides Ca to the soil.
When used with other needed fertilizers and legume seeding, liming can significantly increase the Ca content in the forage produced. The P content is similar across different forage types but is higher in pastures than in hay crops. The P content of pasture usually is adequate for lactating and growing cattle. On pastures with soils testing low in P, fertilization with P may increase plant growth and forage P content. The Mg content in forage is higher whenthere are legumes present.