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Implement Alley Discussion Forum

Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio in alfalfa

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Joe in IN

07-31-2005 17:23:41




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So I go to my first(and hopefully last) potential large(for me) customer for my hay, produce the bale...'looks good' then produce my lab results(she was impressed) she looked it over and noticed the Calcium Phosphorus ratio was a little high(1.37% to .3% or a ratio of 4.56:1) and would like it lower. How do I get the ratio down? My soil tests indicate my soil is high in calcium and alfalfa is known to have high calcium values.

How can I fix this? Dump a bunch of P on my fields? Does PH play into this at all?(Mine are 6.1 - 6.4, which I know are a little low).

In the end she seemed interested in buying some. She is a potential 2500 bale a year customer so I would like(if reasonably possible) to lower the ratio as next year I will produce about 3000 bales and my mother would finish off my supply...(one customer and done is fine with me...)

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broker farmer

08-01-2005 07:56:18




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 Re: Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio in alfalfa in reply to Joe in IN, 07-31-2005 17:23:41  
Don't just "dump" a bunch of Phosphorus on your field. A ton of alfalfa will remove approximately 15 pounds of P per ton removed. Bring your field up to test with an accurate soil test. Then fertilize according to yield goal and or what ever your pocketbook can stand. It's pretty tough to adjust the ca/p ratio through forage production. Your alfalfa ca/p ratio is about as close as you can get it. Make sure you don't skimp on the potassium. Alfalfa loves the stuff and will use about 60 pounds per ton removed. You didn't say anything about this nutrient. What does your soil test indicate? One other thing, I've seen drought conditions sorta whack this ratio out of kilter. I think your customer is being a little picky.

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Joe in IN

08-01-2005 12:34:27




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 Re: Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio in alfalfa in reply to broker farmer, 08-01-2005 07:56:18  
Picky? This is a horse person.... goes with the breed I think....

Last Results(prior to last fert and this years hay crop... planned on 4.5 tons an acre)

P 78 lbs an acre
K 363 lbs an acre
CA 2756 lbs an acre
PH 6.4

CEC 11.3

I think you and Hayman answered my original question. That being, it's tough to adjust CA:P through forage production....



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broker farmer

08-02-2005 05:35:01




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 Re: Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio in alfalfa in reply to Joe in IN, 08-01-2005 12:34:27  
I think your phosphorus level is a little low, plus your Calcium level could stand probably about a 3 ton application, depending upon your ENM (effective neutralizing material)rating. In our part of the country (north central Mo.) we also need to apply about 1 lb of elemental boron per acre per year. Always remember the 0-15-60 rule. Each ton of alfalfa REMOVES that amount. Yeah, I know, it's not a cheap crop to grow. It's still the QUEEN of the forages..... ..and like all QUEENS.....high maintenance!

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Iowa Jim

08-01-2005 12:57:09




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 Re: Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio in alfalfa in reply to Joe in IN, 08-01-2005 12:34:27  
ARe those the recommendations for fertilizer?

If they are, the WOW!!!!! !! That must be some tired soil.

Jim



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Joe in IN

08-01-2005 13:08:36




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 Re: Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio in alfalfa in reply to Iowa Jim, 08-01-2005 12:57:09  
No last test results...



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kyhayman

07-31-2005 18:29:54




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 Re: Calcium:Phosphorus Ratio in alfalfa in reply to Joe in IN, 07-31-2005 17:23:41  
Typical Ca:P ratio in alfalfa is 4:1. Yours looks typical for field run. Adding lime to increase the pH is critical for long term stand life but if anything might make this ratio worse. I dont see how you can increase the P ration economically, this is a case of adding some minerals to the animals diet will be much more cost effective than anything you can do. I simply have my minerals blended .5:1 CA:P.

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