Forage accumulation and nutritive value of ‘Wrangler’ bermudagrass hayfield in response to nitrogen and harvesting management

Abstract

Interest in seeded bermudagrass cultivars has increased, but there is still a lack of information on management strategies combining nitrogen (N) fertilization and harvest frequency to support producer's decision-making process in a hayfield. In this study, we evaluated how combinations of N fertilization and harvesting management affect total forage accumulation (TFA) and nutritive value in ‘Wrangler’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] for 2 years. Management strategies were combinations of N fertilization (without N, one application, or three applications) and harvesting management (once or three times). Harvesting once or three times did not affect the TFA without N fertilization (H1 and H3) or with one application (H1N1 and H3N1). However, harvesting three times with three N applications (H3N3) presented the greatest TFA (7795 lbs dry matter [DM]/acre) and greater crude protein (CP), net energy gain, total digestible nutrients, and phosphorus (P) concentration, and lesser acid detergent fiber. Consequently, the greatest CP accumulation (CPA) was found in the H3N3 as well. Therefore, associating N fertilization with more frequent harvesting can increase the TFA and CPA, and improve the forage nutritive value, which can significantly affect winter feeding costs.