NITROGEN FELTILIZER RESPONSES ON HILI. COUNTRY PASTURES

Abstract

The response of hill pastures to N fertilizer was measured at Ballantrae, the Grasslands Division, DSIR, hill country research station. Both initial and residual responses were affected by the timing and rate of nitrogen fertilizer applications. The pasture response at lower rates of N varied between 10 and 25 kg DM/kg N, while at higher rates the efficiency of N use was reduced to 5 to 7 kg DM/kg N. Most efficient use of nitrogen occurred on cool aspects. An analysis of the profitability of using fertilizer N to intensify hill country sheep farming suggests that fertilizer N may be useful where additional animals can be carried, by providing nitrogen-boosted pasture for a limited period over the winter/spring months.