[ Contents | Search | Post | Reply | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Anibal Pordomingo
Category: Cattle
Date: 12 Nov 2006
Time: 21:25:14 -0800
Chuck, tell me where is your place, ball part. I am suprised that disking the clover did not killed it. If you do it in late fall, it is likely to freeze in winter and die. Tell me a little about the soil pH and P level. Nitrogen gained with added fertilizer (organic or not) would not easily change the overall nitrogen status. You may not see it at all. The only permanent increase in nitrogen you will accomplish with improved young organic matter. That is the fraction that you may want to be more concernced with. Actually, where the cow pies are you not only have nitrogen, but you have phosphorus and more organic matter also. Yes, you will see the spots even after fertilizing with nitrogen products. Phosphorus may be an issue. We are always in nitrogen shortage, legumes help but it is not as fast as using fertilizer. Fertilizer nitrogen mineralizes fast and it is captured in plants and soil organisms. An indication of some available nitrogen you can get if soil is sampled 10 to 15 days after disking (this if no standing biomass is left there). Find our how much nitrogen you applied. Do you know the original level? Tell me a little about the crop or pasture you used after disking or applying the fertilizer.