___________ is the most important nutrient (after moisture) for maximum plant growth.
Answer: A) Nitrogen
Nitrogen is second only to moisture in relative importance for maximum plant growth and is positively correlated with both dry matter production and crude protein (Table 2). Although the data in Table 2 is specific to bermudagrass performance, most grass species respond in a similar manner. Proper application of nitrogen fertilizer is generally a good investment in forage production systems.
Table 1. Effect of nitrogen (N) on bermudagrass.
N rate (lbs/ac) Yield (tons/ac) Crude Protein (%)
0 0.8 6.9
50 2.1 7.3
100 3.2 8.2
200 4.7 8.8
400 8.4 13.1
For more information on pasture management, read the February 2009 e-Tips article Forage for Horses and view the archived webcast Pasture Management for Horse Acreages by Dr. David Freeman.