Controlling Red Threeawn on Abandoned Cropland with Ammonium Nitrate

Abstract

In our experience, red threeawn is more sensitive to N fertilizer than any other species. This sensitivity is fortunate because a low rate (20 lb./acre) of N fertilization controlled red threeawn, improved botanical composition, and increased herbage yield on an abandoned plowed field on the Central Great Plains. This work suggests the need for additional research to determine whether 20 lb. N/acre may cause succession to bypass the static Aristida stage and change botanical composition more quickly to desirable forage species.