Range fertilization revival

The following conclusions were obtained from these experimental results and observations of commercial fertilizer applications on Glenn and Tehama County rangeland:

(1) Economical feed can be produced by fertilization with sulfur alone, or combined with nitrogen or phosphorus, on bur clover ranges in Glenn and Tehama Counties.

(2) Palatability of green and dry feed is increased with fertilization.

(3) Nitrogen stimulates early grass growth principally in the year of application.

(4) Sulfur stimulates bur clover growth over a period of three to seven years, depending upon the amount, source and seasons.

(5) During “clover years” bloat hazard may be increased by sulfur fertilization.

(6) If bur clover is not present for any reason—soil type, growing season, or grazing management—there is little or no response to sulfur.

(7) Coarse elemental sulfur is not readily available to plants for several years whereas fine elemental sulfur and sulfate sulfur fertilizers are effective the first season.

(8) An effective legume stand must be established on some soils before fertilization with sulfur or phosphorus is economical.