Nitrogen Requirements for Establishment of Surface-Seeded Pasture on Peatland

Two experiments were conducted to determine the optimum quantity and time of application of nitrogen for surface seeding grass-clover on deep and cut-over blanket peats. Clover established best in the absence of applied nitrogen; and 1 and 2 cwt. calcium ammonium nitrate (20.5 percent N) per acre reduced the clover content of the sward. Grass established poorly in the absence of nitrogen but improved significantly with 1 and 2 cwt. calcium ammonium nitrate per acre. The definite increase in the grass content of the sward following clover development in the control plots indicates that grass-clover pastures can be established on peat without applied nitrogen. Delaying nitrogen for 3 weeks after sowing had no significant effect on establishment.