Abstract:
Native meadows produce a significant portion of the hay used for winter feed in eastern Oregon. Without fertilization, an average meadow will yield approximately 1 ton of hay per acre. With proper fertilization, yields often can be increased by 2 to 3 tons, and hay quality such as protein content is
improved. Native meadows fall into three broad classifications:
(1) Nevada bluegrass, (2) rush-sedge-grass, and (3) rush.
Nevada bluegrass meadows respond to applications of nitrogen. Rush-sedge-grass meadows respond to a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Rush (wire grass) meadows usually are flooded for long periods and
do not respond to fertilization. Fertilized meadows usually reach optimum hay stage earlier than unfertilized meadows. Quality and protein
content of early cut hay is greater than later cut hay.
