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The aim of the final N fertilizer application of the year is boost grass growth in order to build grass covers for the Autumn.
With the forecasted weekend rain, conditions will be ideal to spread fertiliser and build grass reserves.
The earlier you spread N in September the more grass it will grow. Spread as soon as conditions allow to take advantage of the
superior growth rates now compared to mid-September and get the biggest return from the final blanket spread of N fertilizer.
The units N/acre applied will vary across farms and should be decided upon based on the remaining fertilizer N allowance of the farm for the year and on the amount of grass on the farm at that time.
If rotation length and average farm cover is on target or ahead of target an application of 20-25 units will be sufficient.
However, if rotation length and average farm grass cover is behind target an application of 30-35 units/acre should be applied.
Figure 1: Recent Teagasc trial results illustrating the grass dry matter yield response to N fertilizer applications at three different timing in the Autumn. Source David Wall and Ian Fox, Teagasc Johnstown Castle.