Commercial Fertilizers Influence Crude Protein Content of Four Mixed Prairie Grasses

Abstract

Nitrogen applied at 33, 100, and 300 lb/acre, alone and with phosphorus, increased crude protein content of blue grama, buffalograss, windmillgrass, and silver bluestem. Addition of nitrogen caused a retention of protein above the level recommended for wintering pregnant beef cows in blue grama, buffalograss, and windmillgrass. Phosphorus fertilization failed to significantly increase protein content or retention.