Hay yields are usually expressed as tons of hay harvested per acre. However, a measurement such as pounds of crude protein harvested per acre may be more meaningful when determining production. Fertilized hay produces an average of 2.6 percent more crude protein per acre than non-fertilized hay. This means fertilized hay will produce 52 more pounds of crude protein per acre than non-fertilized hay. The fertilizer will also produce significantly more total forage from the same acreage.
Several factors determine the economic returns from a fertilization program.
Typically, fields with favorable soils and abundant, manageable water will produce the greatest economic returns. However, lower quality field can also produce economic returns if fertilizer prices are not too high. Producers are advised to follow recommended irrigation practices and then try fertilization on a small scale. Production increases should then be compared with the cost of the fertilizer. Producers should remember that changing plant species with fertilizer and water management takes time.