Forage Legumes vs. Fertilizer Nitrogen

A few weeks after I started to work as a Forage Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky, I heard my mentor and forage idol, Mr. Warren Thompson, speak on forage legumes. Warren, along with Dr’s. Tim Taylor and W.C. Templeton had pioneered the “Pasture Renovation Program” in Kentucky. In addition, Mr. Ed Smith had joined the team and collectively they developed the “Power-til Pasture Renovator.” Warren began his presentation by talking about Kentucky Forages pointing out we were so fortunate to have a good grass base and the opportunity to grow lots of legumes. He also talked about all the good things legumes could do once established into grass dominant pasture and hay fields. He stated “Pasture renovation is the most important pasture improvement practice in Kentucky”. At that time, corn was under $2.00 per bushel, gas was 69 cents/gal, and nitrogen was readily available as ammonia nitrate and less than twenty cents per pound. Since that time, a lot of things have changed, especially corn, nitrogen and fuel prices; however, Warren’s statement about the important of legumes is still valid. In fact, considering the merits of forage legumes and change in nitrogen and other input costs, forage legumes are more important today than ever