These yields will require fertilization of about 200 pounds actual nitrogen per acre. The pH should be maintained at 6.0 and the phosphate and potash applied as recommended for hay production by soil test. Each ton of hay removes about 30 pounds potash per acre. Inadequate potash application will result in low hay yields, especially if hay is harvested from the same pasture for several years. On old grass sods where the soil is compacted, renovating or subsoiling when the soil is dry to break the compaction layer is beneficial.
Response is similar to a fertilizer application.
Renovate on the contour, using a renovating tool that has the spring in the tine. The renovator is better than a chisel plow, since the chisel plow tears up the sod and requires disking to level the field. This renovation works well where ryegrass and clover are being overseeded. Clovers may be overseeded on bahiagrass pastures alone or in combination with ryegrass. Weed Control Bahiagrass is tolerant to the broadleaf weed herbicides.