Fertilizer Advice

If I live in Zone 4 and want to establish 6 acres of prairie, what variety of Switchgrass should I select? The land has laid fallow for the last year, with corn being the previous crop. If getting a soil test, is there a specific pH or Nitrogen to look for?
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Stock Seed Farms will select the best suited variety available for in your area when possible. Specific varieties may be offered for some species depending on availability. 

In most cases, soil amendments may not be required to establish a native grass stand. A soil Ph between 6.0 and 7.5 is most favorable. Phosphorus and Nitrogen levels already in the cropland soil are usually good enough to support native species. If the grass stand is used for pasture or cut for hay that you may need extra nutients for recovery.

If your soil test shows otherwise, you can apply as necessary. A local Co-op or fertilizer dealer should be able to help you out.

Alternatively, native legumes such as Illinois Bundleflower or Purple Prairieclover can improve Nitrogen levels in the soil. Our Native Legume Fooplot Mix is a mix of native flowering legumes that would grow well alongside switchgrass, 

Do you recommend fertilizer at seeding with Buffalograss or your Prairie 3 Plus with Wildflowers? An annual ryegrass was seeded as well.
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We do not recommend the use of fertilizer at this stage. The annual ryegrass cover crop will take the available moisture and nutrients away from the buffalograss and other native grasses. 

If you plan to fertilize, we recommend "spoon-feeding" smaller amounts of fertilizer in split applications. Check out our Fertilization Guides here.