The quantity is more important than the type of nitrogen applied. Higher rates will speed up the conversion, but may not be economical. These high rates of nitrogen will also increase production of hay on most meadows if they are irrigated properly. Nitrogen should be applied in the fall unless the fields are wet throughout the winter because of a high water table or flooding. If the fields are grazed in the spring, fertilizer should be applied after livestock are removed.
Nitrogen concentrates in leaves.
If livestock remove the leaves, nitrogen is lost. Phosphate fertilizer applications are also often beneficial on Nevada hay meadows. The soils are usually shallow and have a high pH. Both factors limit the amount of phosphorous available to plants. Other macro and micro nutrients required for plant growth are normally not deficient in northeastern Nevada. As the percentages of crude protein and TDN increase, hay quality also rises.