The Effects of Time of Cutting Prairie Hay on the Vigor, Density and Composition of the Vegetation the Following Year

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different cutting treatments during the first year upon the vigor, density and composition of the vegetation the following season. An experiment to determine the best time of cutting prairie hay with respect to yield, nutritive value, and maintenance and improvement of the meadow was initiated in 1945 to run over a period of years. The study is being conducted on a native hayland in Gage County, Nebraska. Clinical analyses of the hay from three dates of cutting in 1945 showed that the crude protein and phosphorus content decreased as the maturity of the hay increased. The crude protein content decreased from 7.18 per cent for July-cut hay to 4.09 per cent for September-cut hay. The phosphorus content decreased from 0.09 per cent in July-cut hay to 0.07 per cent in September-cut hay. Feeding tests showed that it was beneficial to feed early-cut hay. The effects of time of cutting on the vigor, density, and composition of the vegetation are also important in determining the best practices to follow in hay management. Advisor: F. D. Keim