Key Points
- Application rates of nitrogen (N) for perennial ryegrass are based around the soil mineral N level in late winter.
- Targets of 200 kg/ha of total N (soil mineral and applied) are giving the best results when all factors are considered (seed yield, germinations and post harvest grazing).
- Economical application rates for seed production are often approximately 30 kg N below the biological optimum.
- Underestimating the applied N by 20 – 30 kg N/ha results in a 1% (99% of optimum) reduction in economic income.
- Time of lodging appears to have a large influence on the final seed yield of perennial ryegrass.
- Changes in seed head numbers are the main causes of changes in seed yield from various N treatments.
- Post harvest dry matter production increased linearly up to a plateau at approximately 200 kg total N (spring).