Legumes Can Provide Long-Term Nitrogen Solution For Pastures

The adage “killing two birds with one stone” could prove true to livestock producers needing to reduce nutrient input costs while diversifying the grasses available in their pastures.  Tim Schnakenberg, University of Missouri Extension agronomist, says adding legumes to pastures provides a natural, renewable source of nitrogen to fields.

However, Schnakenberg advises that adding legumes is not an immediate fix, as the new plants will need time to take root.

MU Extension agronomist Tim Schnakenberg adds that with manure being another natural source of nitrogen and other macronutrients for pastures, regularly rotating where livestock are fed and quality-testing hay supply can help maximize nutrient use, thereby reducing the amount of commercially available nutrients that would need to be applied.