Efficacy of pasture rejuvenation through mechanical aeration or N fertilization

Field experiments were conducted in 1991 and 1992 at five sites in central Alberta to determine if mechanical aeration with an Aer-Way(TM) aerator and/or N application would increase forage production on pasture or hayland. Mechanical aeration did not affect forage yield at any of the five sites. In contrast, forage yields increased significantly with N application in most cases. These results indicate that nutrient deficiency, particularly N, was the likely cause of reduced production on these pasturelands and haylands. Consideration of nutrient deficiency alleviation via inclusion of a legume or via N application may be an appropriate strategy for pastureland and hayland rejuvenation in central Alberta.