Range Fertilization in the Northern Great Plains

Nutrient deficiency, primarily nitrogen (N), is a major plant growth-limiting factor on northern Great Plains rangelands. Applications of 30 to 50 lb N/acre/year have commonly doubled forage production with an N-use efficiency of about 20 lb dry matter/lb N applied, or in grazing situations about 1 lb beef/lb N applied. Range fertilization can also increase water-use efficiency and improve forage quality and palatability. With applications of 50 lb N/acre/year or less, changes in species composition are gradual and can largely be controlled by timing of fertilizer applications and by season and intensity of grazing. Drastic changes in species composition are usually limited to applications greater than 150 lb N/acre/year.