Grass can only grow well if sufficient nutrients are available for uptake by the plant roots. Fertilizing grassland is necessary to increase the nutrient levels in the grass. It is important to ensure that nutrients are available to the plant in the correct proportions. The goal of fertilizing grassland is:

• To increase grass production

• To ensure the produced grass is palatable and of good nutritional quality

The optimal fertilization depends on how the grassland is used. When it is only grazed, few nutrients are removed, and fertilization can be much lower than when the land is mowed. A more generous fertilization is needed when hay is taken early in the season. The number of fertilizations per year is a personal choice. If you fertilize only once, the best time is in April or May, when the soil temperature is around 8°C. This is when the grass starts to grow actively and can absorb nutrients efficiently. If you fertilize twice, the second fertilization is best done in August.

When to fertilize grassland

For optimal grass growth and healthy pastures, it is important to apply fertilizer at the right time. The first fertilization is best done in early spring when the soil temperature reaches 8°C or higher. This allows the grass to immediately absorb the nutrients and ensures a healthy start. A second fertilization in summer helps keep the grass vital.

For horse pastures, the use of specialized fertilizers is recommended. These contain a specific nitrogen compound that releases slowly over a period of 2 to 3 months, ensuring steady grass growth without unwanted protein peaks.

How much manure per hectare of grassland?

Animal manure has excellent fertilizing value. One of its benefits is that the nutrients are released gradually throughout the grazing season. Because of this slow release, your pasture benefits all season long. For horse pastures, 10 m³ per hectare is sufficient. A higher dosage can lead to an excessive potassium level, which can inhibit the uptake of magnesium and other essential trace elements by the grass. This may negatively affect horse health.

How much artificial fertilizer per hectare of grassland?

The correct amount of artificial fertilizer per hectare depends on the grassland’s use. For horse pastures, it is recommended to apply smaller amounts of fertilizer multiple times a year—ideally 4 to 6 times—to maintain an optimal grass sward. Over-fertilizing with nitrogen can result in grass that is too rich in protein, potentially causing digestive problems in horses.

Fertilizing grassland for horses

Balanced fertilization is essential for horse pastures to maintain healthy grass and prevent weed growth. Fertilizers that contain not just nitrogen, but also phosphate, potassium, magnesium, and sodium are recommended. These fertilizers are tailored to the specific needs of horses and contribute to a healthy sward with balanced nutritional value.

It is also advisable to perform regular soil analyses to determine the soil’s nutrient status and adjust the fertilization plan accordingly. This helps identify and correct nutrient deficiencies or surpluses.

Soil analysis

Fertilization should be based on the nutrient status of the soil—specifically the nutrient reserves in the top few centimeters (0–6 cm) of the soil. A soil analysis provides a fertilization recommendation for three consecutive years. This helps identify nutrient imbalances and optimize the fertilization plan. You can contact Eurofins for a soil analysis and fertilization advice.

Important nutrients for grass

Several nutrients are essential for optimal grassland fertilizing for horses. Each nutrient plays a unique role in grass development and its nutritional value. By maintaining the right balance, the grass remains strong, palatable, and resistant to external factors such as drought, frost, and intensive grazing. Below is an overview of the most important nutrients and their role in grass growth:

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is the basic element for building plant protein and stimulates grass growth. It easily leaches from the soil, so it’s advisable to apply nitrogen several times a year. On horse pastures, nitrogen levels should not be too high, as overly protein-rich grass can cause digestive issues.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is essential for root growth and the formation of certain proteins and organic substances. On horse pastures, phosphorus fertilization is best done early in spring (March). Phosphorus promotes root development and is used by horses for bone formation and energy metabolism. It leaches slowly from the soil, allowing for the buildup of reserves.

Potassium

Potassium is not part of the plant’s organic matter but plays a role in the formation and transport of carbohydrates (such as sugars) and in water regulation within the plant. A potassium deficiency makes grass more susceptible to drought and frost, while too much potassium can impair mineral uptake by horses. Potassium fertilization is best done in two applications: the main dose in spring and a second one in June–July.

Magnesium

Magnesium is necessary for the formation of chlorophyll and should be maintained at the right level for horse health. It is harder to absorb in cold weather. The recommendation is to apply two-thirds of the advised dose in spring and the remainder in August.

Calcium

Calcium strengthens cell walls and helps regulate muscle contraction in horses. For the soil, calcium is important for structure and pH balance. When the soil is too acidic, nutrients become less available to the plants. Liming is best done in late autumn or early spring.

Sodium

Sodium doesn’t directly influence grass growth but makes the grass more palatable for horses and contributes to their sodium intake. It is poorly retained by the soil and should be applied annually using agricultural salt or sodium-containing fertilizers.

Haymaking from your own land

When grassland is properly fertilized, it may be suitable for hay production. Making hay from your own land is a great way to control the quality of roughage. The process involves mowing, tedding, drying, and baling the grass. The right time to mow depends on the weather and the growth stage of the grass. In general, mowing during the flowering stage provides a good balance of nutritional value and fiber. Regular turning of the cut grass is essential to ensure even drying. Dry, sunny weather is crucial to prevent mold and spoilage. Can’t make your own hay? Then choose a high-quality forage product such as Hartog Compact Grass.