Fertilizer question

[Bone Collector]

A few weeks ago i did a soil test and found out that I didn't need any lime in the areas I was going to plant clover. I was going to frost seed it, but it has taken me until tonight to get all three plots planted.

The problem is I went straight from work to my land and forgot my 15-15-15 fertilizer. I went ahead and put the seed down and still have plenty enough to seed it again, but

If I fertilize it this weekend will that work or will I have to try to do it again at next frost to get it in all at once?

 

[PickettSFHunter]

Shouldnt be putting 15-15-15 on clover. That nitrogen will promote grasses. Was your soil test fertilizer recommendation for legume establishment or something else?

 

[Bone Collector]

it was for Clover. and they said I needed Nitrogen. I had a PH of 7.7

 

[Bone Collector]

Now of course I have a second question. if not triple 15 then what?

 

[PickettSFHunter]

It is possible N was recommended because clover doesnt start producing its own N until it nodulates therefore clover could use some N during that initial period but weeds could also use that N so I just prefer not to give any N. Something like 0-20-20 would be good, the numbers dont matter though as long as you add the proper pounds per acre of N-P-K. Alot of people go with 6-12-12 because its readily available but of course that does give you some N.

 

[tickweed]

0-20-20

 

[Bone Collector]

0-20-20 is supposedly hard to find and expensive. I will check Co-Op and see if they have it.

thanks,

 

[Hunter 257W]

Putting the fertilize out after sowing the seed will work fine. Fertilize leeches into the soil with rain - lime on the other hand doesn't move so much after the initial application and should be disked in before planting.

I've read that it's a good idea to use a low Nitrogen fertilize when you 1st plant clover to give it a jump start. After the 1st year, a zero Nitrogne fertilize is best. I usually use 6-12-12 because of the price but honestly I've been rethinking this. I could get 6-12-12 for about $13/bag where 0-24-24 cost about $23. You only need half the amount of the 0-24-24 but it costs less than twice as much. In other words it'c cheaper AND you aren't giveing the weeds and grass any nitrogen.

 

[Bone Collector]

Problem is I didn't plant all 3 areas at once. Only on the last area did I forget the fertilizer, so two areas I put out 15-15-15. even if I get the 0-24-24, it will only be in one area.....

 

[woodsman87]

Just listen to your co-op people. They know whats up. A little N for clovers first few weeks doesn't hurt. It takes a while before it does start producing its on N.

 

[bbuck14]

I've always gone with a fertilizer like a 13-13-13 on clover to give it a boost at planting then after only use 0-20-20. If you keep the weeds killed out and with adaquate amout of rain to carry the clover over through the dry months then it should do fine. I always like to plant new clover plots in the fall to get a root system started to help get the clover through the dry months and hopefully not burn up.