Nutrient Management

Nutrient Management Guide for Pastures in Western Oregon and Washington - A single fertilization program will not fit all pastures. This guide gives an overview of nutrient management for new and existing pastures, including general recommendations for nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, boron and lime applications.

Soil Testing - It is nearly impossible to determine the rate and type of fertilizer that should be applied to pastures and hay fields without first taking a soil sample and having it analyzed. Learn how to take a soil sample, where to have the sample analyzed and how to interpret the results by checking out the Soils page on this OSU Extension Service Small Farms website.

Early Spring Forage Production for Western Oregon Pastures - This publication illustrates that nitrogen applications in the early spring, based on TSUM-200 can effectively increase forage yields.

Selenium Fertilization of Forages - Selenium (Se) is a micronutrient that is not essential for forage growth but is essential to the health of animals that graze the forages. Parent rock material in western Oregon is deficient in Selenium; therefore, our soils lack this micronutrient. Selenium is needed to maintain good health of cattle. Cows fed inadequate amounts of selenium are at higher risk for white muscle disease, retained fetal membranes, reduced immune system response, and mastitis.

Applying Lime to Raise Soil pH for Crop Production (Western Oregon) - This 21 page publication describes how to estimate lime application rate and lists criteria for choosing liming materials (source), lime application method (placement), and how often to apply lime (frequency).