Abstract
Managing fertility in perennial forages organically is challenging as many allowable sources outside of a dairy farm’s own manure are expensive and require mineralization by microorganisms, which can vary widely with conditions. To better understand the yield, quality, and economic impacts of different fertility management strategies, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program initiated a trial in 2023. The trial evaluated the impact of organic fertility management strategies on forage yield and quality of cool season perennial grasses. The grass species selected were orchardgrass and tall fescue. The 2023 growing season was the first full season after establishment, and the first year of the fertility strategies being implemented. In addition, one on-farm site was included to investigate the impact of a fertilizer blend on pasture yield and quality as well as soil health and economic return. This report will summarize the results from this one season, however, understanding the impacts of these strategies on the forage and soil as well as the economics will require evaluation over multiple seasons.
Publication Date
12-2023
Recommended Citation
Darby, Heather and Ziegler, Sara, "Organic Forage Fertility Management Trials" (2023). Northwest Crops & Soils Program. 542.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/nwcsp/542