Nitrogen fertilizer can increase bermudagrass digestibility, according to a study by researchers at the USDA-ARS Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, GA.

They studied how varying rates of fertilizer affect the quality of bermudagrass, applying 200, 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700 lbs/acre of nitrogen on previously established Tifton 85. Each plot was split with three rates of phosphorus and potassium, but no significant differences were found from using those fertilizers.

Nitrogen applied up to 500 lbs/acre improved in vitro dry matter digestibility. Plots were harvested at five-week intervals over three years.