Apply nitrogen only if moisture is sufficient for additional growth after mid-May. Apply summer N in July on irrigated coastal pastures. Adequate P fertilization is particularly important for maintaining clover. Estimate the need for P fertilization with a soil test. An adequate level of available K is essential for optimal growth of clover-grass pastures.
Potassium is particularly important to clover.
Grass competes vigorously with clover for K. High-producing pastures can rapidly deplete soil test K. Test soil every 2 years to determine available K levels. Potassium deficiency is indicated by light colored spots around the margins of clover leaves and yellow to brown coloring of grass leaf tips. Growth responses to K fertilizer often can be obtained before deficiency symptoms are observed. We suggest split applications of K for established high-yielding irrigated pastures, with the first application in late spring to avoid tetany and the second in midsummer. For other pasture types, apply K in the fall or spring.