2008 Forage Comparison Study in Bermuda/Mix Grass Pastures

Crop:

Bermuda, Dallis, Bahai Grass

Test Plot Location:

Sharp Ranch

Hagansport, TX

Soil Type:

Gumbo, Sand

Planting Methods:

NA

Agronomists, Crop Scouts, Facilitators or Witnesses:

Mr. John Minoletti

Mr. G.W. Sharp

Objective:

The objective of this result demonstration was to measure the yield, quality and cost of the forage produced when using Grasshopper Fertilizer.

Materials and Methods:

Materials and methods used for this experiment were as follows; The test location consisted of a 30 acre pasture / hay field. The grasses in the pasture consisted of approximately 50% Common Bermuda, 25% Dallis and 25% Bahai. The pastures were then separated and marked into 2, 15 acre sections. One 15 acre section was fertilized, the other 15 acre section was not. The fertilizer used in the application was Grasshopper Fertilizer 30-10-10 containing micronutrients (Boron .02, Copper .05, Iron .10, Manganese .05, Molybdenum .001 and Zinc .05). The 30-10-10 blend was used at a rate of 12.5 lbs per acre. The application was made on July 13th. The grass was approximately 4 inches tall at the time of application.

Table I. Fertilizer and Rates Used in Study

Results and Discussion:

On August 8th, both sections were harvested / cut for hay. The grass was rolled into 4×5 round bales. The field that was fertilized with Grasshopper Fertilizer produced 57 round bales. The control section produced 48 round bales. The 15 acres sprayed with Grasshopper Fertilizer yielded 3.8 bales per acre compared to the control section which yielded 3.2 bales per acre. The Grasshopper Fertilizer section was a darker green and was considerably thicker. The round bales from the Grasshopper Fertilizer section were 77 lbs heavier on average.

Table II: Protein and TDN

Table III: Forage Improvement Cost. Based upon $22 per acre

Conclusion:

1. Fertilizers have been proven to play an important role in forage production. Although many commercial fertilizers have been shown to increase yields, many of these products are unable to generate a yield increase large enough to cover the input cost of the fertilizer application. Grasshopper Fertilizer is the exception. On average, Grasshopper Fertilizer has generated a revenue increase per acre that is 2-3 times greater than the input cost of the application. By increasing root development and supplying nutrients directly to the plant, Grasshopper Fertilizer helps the plant achieve maximum growth throughout a variety of adverse growing conditions.
   Our Research and Development Department will continue testing forage and grass in addition to corn, wheat, cotton, milo, rice, alfalfa, canola, etc. We will also be working with a number of Universities and Agriculture Departments who will be participating in these tests.

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