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For Happy Cattle Choose From the 6 Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures

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Fertilizers For Pastures

Do you find that your cattle still seem hungry after hours of grazing? Are they looking unhealthy? The answer could be in the quality and quantity of grass they are ingesting.

Many people are wary of using fertilizers on pasture lands, fearing the effect on cattle and horses. However, you will need to fertilize to stimulate the growth of grass.

Best liquid fertilizers for pastures can bring density, vigor, and lushness to the growth. This will, in turn, attract more grazing from the cattle, which will, in turn, increase the output.

Why Use Fertilizers for Pastures?

For efficient cattle production and rearing, a sufficient quantity of grass for summer and winter months must be available. Most farmers and cattle owners fertilize the pasture annually and sometimes not even that. It all depends on the quality of grass, number of animals, weather conditions, and soil. 

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures 2

A big problem that many farmers face is having enough grass quantity but not enough quality as in nutrients. Lower soil nutrients affect the level of production of grass and the health of the cattle. With proper fertilizer management, it is possible to improve the pasture fields’ productivity. 

The following nutrients are essential for good pasture. It will mainly depend on the type of grass and soil. 

  • Nitrogen: nitrogen affects the protein content of grass and is responsible for the nice green hue of the pasture. You will get a better quality of meat, milk, and other produce.
  • Phosphorus: this is an essential nutrient and is critical to a plant’s health and growth. It helps in the development of roots and in fighting against diseases.
  • Potassium: adequate levels of potassium help in reducing the effect of certain diseases. It helps in the growth of grass and also in making it last for a longer time.
  • Sulfur: this is necessary for essential amino acids to make proteins. A deficiency of sulfur can cause reduced yields in pastures, especially on sandy soils.

Liquid or Granular Fertilizers

Fortunately, plants cannot tell the difference between liquid and granular fertilizers! It depends on how you apply these fertilizers and in what quantity and proportion.

Granular fertilizers have been the choice for most farmers because they have been doing it for years and feel that they have more control as they can create blends. It is best first to understand what the needs of your pasture are.

Watch this video to see how to use liquid fertilizers.

Over the years, though, there has been a shift towards liquid fertilizers. Reasons for this are:

  • Unlike granular, liquid fertilizers are more homogenized
  • They contain less salt so makes a better choice when fertilizing near a seed
  • Many growers prefer liquid fertilizers for easy placement and consistency
  • They are effective for both ground and foliar application

The critical point to consider while buying a liquid or granular fertilizer is the cost. For liquid fertilizers, you will require specific equipment, and for granular fertilizers, you may have to buy products separately and then blend them.

Are Liquid Fertilizers Harmful?

If you are careful and follow all directions while using the fertilizers, nothing will happen to the cattle or other animals. Generally, there are two ways that the health of livestock can be affected. One is by direct ingestion and secondly by eating plants and grass with a high concentration of fertilizers.

If you allow animals on recently fertilized lands, they may end up with some of it in their stomach. Plants take the nutrients from the fertilizers through their roots, which remain high above the ground and on the plants for several days after the application.

The level of concentration will depend on the amount of rain received and how quick the re-growth is.

A withholding period is advised as a precautionary step. It varies for different soil and weather. This is the period after the application of fertilizer when animals are not allowed on the land.

Grazing on Pasture

When animals graze in the wild, there is no need for fertilizers. This is because many animals like cows, goats, sheep, and horses all graze on the same land.

Some animals like a particular type of grass, while some love to chew on the leaves of shrubs, and by grazing in the same area, they end up fertilizing it more efficiently. 

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures

However, when it comes to domesticated animals and cattle, it is a bit tricky. Horses are very picky eaters. They will graze at their favorite spot till all the grass is gone. Overgrazing in one place and letting other plants to grow tall. They can make a pasture look spotty.

Sheep and goats will eat the bushes and weeds, which the horses don’t like. A bonus is that using animals for weed control is effective and environmentally friendly as well.

You must consider the climate, soil condition, and the number of animals you have before deciding on multi-species grazing. There is the risk of diseases being passed from one species to another as well.

Generally, parasites are species-specific and don’t jump from species to species. You can manage this system by having a good rotation grazing schedule.


Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures

Liquid fertilizers are an effective way to look after the health of your pasture. It will help you in keeping the growth consistent and animals happy. Here is a list of 6 best products for you to choose from.

1. Urban Farm Fertilizers Liquid Lawn Fertilizer

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures Urban Farm Fertilizers Liquid Lawn Fertilizer

Overview

This is a wonderful product which is suitable for all kinds of pastures and even lawns. It is a hand-crafted fertilizer that has been tested and refined to make it very effective.

It has humic acid, mycorrhizae, enzymes, kelp, bat guano, etc. as its ingredients. Some of these components are perfect for the health and bio-activation of roots. So what you get is healthy and strong growth.

This is a micro-brewed liquid fertilizer that is custom blended professionally. The product comes from a family-owned and run business with a lot of experience in the field of fertilizers.

Your cattle or other animals will get 100 percent nutrition with the correct base of macro and micronutrients. Iron, Nitrogen, Potassium, and Phosphorus are all balanced correctly.

It is quite easy to use it even in vast areas. You can use a tractor and tow it behind with a hose for spraying. 1 gallon of this fertilizer is enough to treat about 5000 square feet of the surface with a minimum of 8 applications. 

Pros

  • Affordable product of a high quality
  • Hand-crafted and custom blended with a perfect balance of nutrients
  • Just 1 gallon is enough for an area almost 5000 sq ft large

Cons

  • Customer service and replacement of the product may be difficult.

Be ready for fast and excellent results with this fertilizer. With its perfectly balanced nutrients, it boosts the growth of pasture and hay production.

2. Natural Spray Concentrated Liquid Fertilizer Micronutrient

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures Natural Spray Concentrated Liquid Fertilizer Micronutrient

Overview

A high-quality product which is very good for pastures! This fertilizer helps in detoxifying the soil. It will stimulate growth and make for lusher and greener pastures. You will get an even growth by using this product.

On many pasture grounds, it is common to see unhealthy and yellow areas that are a result of nutrient deficiency or toxic soil. This fertilizer has the right quality vitamins and nutrients, which are all-natural. It is made with top quality natural and completely organic food-grade ingredients.

This commercial-grade fertilizer comes in a ready to use a hose-end sprayer container. The product is suitable for all types of grasses like Bermuda, Buffalo, Centipede, Bluegrass, and many more.

It helps the soil absorb nutrients and then, with the help of roots, transfers these nutrients to all parts of the plant or grass.

This product is entirely safe to use because of its non-toxic formula. It is children and pet-friendly, so there will be no side effects on any animals or cattle. 

Pros

  • Very safe ingredients which are non-toxic
  • Can be utilized in different seasons with great results
  • Comes with a ready to use a hose-end sprayer

Cons

  • Sufficient watering before fertilizing is essential for good results.

This product is perfect for all types of grass and will give them a healthy look. It works on the soil and plants in a safe and non-toxic manner.

3. Advanced 16-4-8 Balanced NPK – Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures Advanced 16 4 8 Balanced NPK Lawn Food Natural Liquid Fertilizer

Overview

A perfect blend of essential macronutrients, this product will nourish your pasture and boost growth. It has Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) in a balanced blend.

It also contains seaweed and fish in the right proportion to make the pasture healthy. It is a complete food for the plants and soil.

While using any fertilizer, your aim should be to see the grass in the right way, which is what this product does. The grass will grow lusher and greener, and the roots will become stronger and healthier.

It is perfect for all grass types, including Bermuda, Fescue, Ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, and many more.

This product is made by a company with 25 years of experience in this line and is a family-owned business. It also helps in reducing or containing various diseases that may infest the pasture.

Healthy plants and soil can fight fungus, insect, or weed infestations in a better way. It is safe for cattle and animals if you follow the directions thoroughly. 

Pros

  • Suitable for all types of grass
  • Very easy to apply and use
  • Well balanced and correct proportion of all nutrients

Cons

  • It is more effective in spring and summer.

This product will nourish your pasture in the healthiest way. High-quality ingredients in this fertilizer help the soil and roots to absorb the nutrients in the best way. You will get a strong, healthy, and green pasture.

4. PBI / Gordon 7471122 Liquid Lawn and Pasture Fertilizer

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures PBI Gordon 7471122 Liquid Lawn and Pasture Fertilizer

Overview

This is among the best options for both lawn and pasture fertilization. It contains all the essential micronutrients in the right proportion to make it very effective. Though it comes in a 2.5-gallon container, about 1 gallon of this fertilizer is enough to cover approximately 15000 square feet.

It is effortless to use the product with the help of a pull-behind sprayer. Just hook it up with a tractor or truck and drive around spraying to get even coverage.

This product has been made after a lot of research and testing. It is manufactured with the best quality ingredients to make sure that you get healthier and greener pastures.

Another great feature about this product is that you can mix Amine 400 24-D weed killer with it and use the mixture as liquid feed for pastures.

Not only can you fertilize, but you can also control weed growth at the same time. This product can be applied to the pastures at any time of the year and is effective in all seasons. 

Pros

  • Effective and affordable fertilizer
  • Can be used at any time of the year
  • High-quality product with nutrients in the right proportion

Cons

  • It is not very effective in extreme winters.

This is an excellent fertilizing option for pastures that require the best quality nutrients. It is very convenient to use it with a pull-behind sprayer attached to a tractor or ATV.

5. Raw Organic Humic Fulvic Acid-Liquid Carbon-Root Hume – Nutrient Plant Food Enhancer

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures Raw Organic Humic Fulvic Acid Liquid Carbon Root Hume Nutrient Plant Food Enhancer

Overview

This fertilizer is based on the top quality humate sources, leonardite. It is known to help faster seed germination and conditioning soil by balancing its pH levels.

This product is a Humic Fulvic Acid Blend which naturally treats the soil. By using this product, you will notice that your pasture looks better and is healthier as well.

This fertilizer promotes the nutrient uptake by helping in the release of the locked nutrients. It also increases the transfer of fertilizer through the plant and boosts its growth. The food enhancer works on the soil and conditions it to become more fertile for quicker seed germination.

The organic liquid can be used for pastures and lawns and gardens. It is safe enough to use on vegetable and fruit plants. All kinds of grass, plants, flowers, will get a boost with this product.

This liquid is strong and helps the plants in absorbing the unlocked nutrients. Farmers and cattle owners prefer this to many others because of the good results they can see even after one application. 

Pros

  • Made with high-quality humate source
  • Conditions and treats soil organically
  • Suitable for all types of grass and plants

Cons

  • It is useful on smaller pastures

This product will treat the soil and plants in a wholesome way and unlock the soil’s essential nutrients. Plants will get more nutrition to grow healthy and strong. The best quality humate source is the foundation of this effective fertilizer.

6. Pasture Pro 2.5 Gallon

Best Liquid Fertilizers for Pastures Pasture Pro 2.5 Gallon

Overview

This product is suitable for all kinds of pastures, but it is especially useful for horse pastures. It is ideal for both grazing and paddocking. Horses are picky eaters and grazers.

They like to graze at a favorite spot to the exclusion of other areas. This gives rise to unwanted weeds and spotty growth. They end up manuring the same area again and again.

Weeds are always a problem because they compete with the grass for the nutrients and slowly can take over the pasture. Uncontrolled growth of weeds will mean more work for you. This fertilizer is excellent because it can identify and attack weeds while allowing the grass to grow.

Some weeds like broadleaf consume a lot of water and nutrients and result in a stunted pasture. This product is more like a two in one product.

It performs both fertilizing and weeds killing functions. While spraying, you must maintain a constant rate of 1 full gallon for every 2 to 4 acres of pasture land. You can use a tractor to pull it along and use a hose to spray. 

Pros

  • Apart from fertilizing it also works as a selective herbicide
  • Quite easy to handle and use
  • Greener and more lush growth of pasture

Cons

  • Mainly meant for horse pastures

This pasture fertilizer is also an herbicide and controls the growth of unwanted weeds. Horses have their favorite patches, and with this fertilizer, you can ensure better grazing areas for them.


Conclusion

There is no doubt that liquid fertilizers are very effective for pastures. What is important is to follow the instructions thoroughly and keep in mind soil conditions, weather, and the types of animals you have.

Some fertilizers are more effective only in specific seasons, while some can be used throughout the year. Moreover, the effect of fertilizer on the animals has to be monitored carefully. With the correct information, your job will be easier, and that is why we have shared it with you.

We think that the Urban Farm Fertilizers Liquid Lawn Fertilizer is the best for most pastures. It is made with high-quality ingredients and has all the essential nutrients. On top of all this, it is very affordable as well. Try it once, and we are sure you will see great results in the pasture.