Fertilizer Trials

Funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, this research project assessed the influence of nitrogen fertilization rates on forage yields and soil health.

Objectives

  • Increase the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices for nutrient management on forage fields in the Central Interior
  • Reduce the potential for environmental risk and emission of greenhouse gases from excess application of nitrogen fertilizers
  • Support the Ministry’s goals of conducting on-farm demonstration research and improving the level of extension services provided by the Ministry to the province’s farmers

Methods

Phosphorous and potassium fertilizer were applied over the entire trial area based on the results of soil testing and published sufficiency rates for British Columbia. Nitrogen fertilizer was then applied at the following rates (lb/ac) for dryland sites: 0, 50, 75, 100 and 150, and for irrigated sites: 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200. Up to 2 cm of water was applied over the entire trial area to dissolve any fertilizer granules.

Data Collection

Forage Yields

Forage samples were collected roughly at each time the producer harvested their field (eg. one to two cuts per growing season). At least one sample was taken per plot at each trial site. Samples were then dried at 60-70 °C and weighed to determine the moisture content at harvest and dry matter yield.

Forage Analysis

One composite sample for each fertilization rate at each trial site was submitted to an analytical laboratory for a forage analysis.

Soil Health Measurements

Soil health measurements were collected for each replicate plot. Soil health measures included:

  • Water stable aggregates or slake test
  • Soil bulk density
  • Soil Compaction
  • Water infiltration rate

Soil Samples

Composite soil samples were collected for each plot at each site, taken to a depth of 30 cm. All samples were air dried indoors for 24 hours and mixed thoroughly, then sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries for analysis.

Results

Data is currently being analyzed and reviewed. Results will be shared in an upcoming winter webinar, date TBD.