Effect of soil type and fertilization level on mineral concentration of pasture: potential relationships to ruminant performance and health.

A three-year study was conducted to measure the effects of varying levels of dairy slurry application on mineral concentration of forages from three soils types. Slurry was applied to orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata [L.] cv. Pennlate) growing in 60-cm diameter drainage lysimeters to measure the effect of four levels of slurry (urine and feces) N application (0, 168, 336, and 672 kg of N.ha-1.yr-1) on mineral (P, K, Ca, Mg) concentration of the forage on three soil types (Hagerstown, Hartleton, and Rayne). The results were then related to potential effects on performance and health of grazing ruminants. Forage P was not affected by slurry application (mean = 0.46% of DM). Forage grown on the Hartleton soil had the highest (P < 0.05) P concentration (0.6% of DM). Forage K increased (P < 0.05) with increased slurry (2.50, 2.85, 3.22, and 3.45% of DM, respectively), and was lowest (P < 0.05) for forage grown on the Rayne soil (2.69% of DM). Forage Ca decreased (P < 0.05) with increased slurry (0.59, 0.56, 0.50, and 0.49% of DM, respectively) and was not affected by soil type. Forage Mg also decreased (P < 0.05) with increased slurry (0.25, 0.24, 0.24, and 0.23% of DM, respectively), and was highest (P < 0.05) for the Hartleton soil (0.27% of DM). The variable results in mineral concentration associated with soil type may have, in part, been due to prior soil fertility. The P and Mg concentrations in all treatments were generally adequate for grazing ruminants. The K concentrations were high in relation to NRC recommendations for prepartum dairy cows, which might predispose them to milk fever. The Ca concentrations were inadequate for lactating dairy cows. Comprehensive forage testing and diet formulation based on individual farm situations is the best strategy to ensure proper mineral nutrition of grazing animals.