Coupled with high stock density which can enhance nitrogen recycling in the system, N fertilization of tall fescue looks quite good. The primary drawback of N-fertilized fescue pastures in dry years is yield distribution. While 1999 total production appeared quite good, the monthly distribution of available forage was a different matter. N total yield for the season was produced before July 15. While this may be acceptable for hay production, it is unacceptable for pasture production.
Mixtures appear to be more drought resistant than grass monocultures.
Pasture mixtures vary significantly in yield distribution through the season with more complex mixtures exhibiting more unimodal yield distribution compared to a simple binary mixture. Drought is a problem which livestock producers must periodically face. Dry conditions typically reduce total pasture yield and reduce livestock carrying capacity. We compared productivity of 16 different cool-season pasture mixtures between a season with favorable rainfall for optimum pasture production and very dry year. The most complex mixture in the study consisted of eight different forage species including a warm-season grass which would be better adapted to hot, dry conditions.