Fertilisers for High-Yield Ryegrass: Getting the Most Out of Every Paddock

Ryegrass is the backbone of pasture-based dairy systems across Southwest Victoria. Its ability to produce high-quality feed throughout the growing season makes it one of the most valuable forages on farm. But achieving high-yield, high-quality ryegrass doesn’t happen by chance — it relies on smart nutrient management that supports strong growth from establishment through to grazing.

Whether you’re chasing extra tonnes of dry matter, improved feed quality, or faster recovery after grazing, the right fertiliser strategy is essential.

Ryegrass performs at its best when it receives balanced, timely nutrition. The right fertiliser program builds strong roots, drives leafy growth, supports fast recovery after grazing or silage, and keeps feed quality high throughout the season. Healthy, well-fed ryegrass is more resilient to stress, grows more dry matter, and maintains better pasture density — all of which translate into higher productivity and more reliable feed for your herd.

• Nitrogen drives leafy growth, tillering, and fast recovery, keeping protein and feed quality high.
• Phosphorus builds strong roots and early vigour, especially when soils are cold.
• Potassium strengthens plant resilience, and supports stress tolerance.
• Sulphur boosts protein and digestibility, working closely with nitrogen through cooler months.
• Calcium, magnesium, and trace elements support pasture health, soil structure, and long-term productivity in busy dairy paddocks.

However, everything starts with the right seeds. Webber & Chivell’s agronomists help you in find the best Ryegrass seed blends matching your farming needs.

Seasonal Fertiliser Strategy for High-Yield Ryegrass

A balanced starter fertiliser sets the foundation for strong establishment:

• MAP/DAP-based blends for phosphorus and early nitrogen.
• Options including sulphur or trace elements depending on soil test results.
• Lime and gypsum considered where soil structure or pH requires correction.

Goal: Promote fast germination, deep rooting, and early competition against weeds.

Autumn and Early Winter Fertiliser Applications

Once plants are established and rainfall has softened the soil:

• Nitrogen applications encourage tillering.
• Sulphur becomes important under cold conditions.
• Potassium may be required.

Goal: Build density and prepare for strong winter production.

Late Winter and Spring Nitrogen and Potassium Requirements

Peak ryegrass growth requires higher nutrient demand:

• Frequent nitrogen applications (36–120 kg N/ha depending on response and feed demand).
• Sulphur to maintain pasture protein.

Goal: Maximise dry matter growth and feed quality during the main production window.

Post-Grazing and Post-Silage Recovery

After cutting or grazing, ryegrass needs nutrients to rebound quickly:

• Nitrogen to push regrowth
• Potassium and sulphur to support stress recovery
• Custom blends to match nutrient removal rates

Goal: Shorten rotation length, increase annual tonnes, and maintain plant health.

The Importance of Soil Testing

Every paddock is different, and nutrient requirements vary widely based on:

• Soil type
• Pasture species
• Fertiliser history
• Stocking rate
• Silage or hay removal

A simple soil test helps tailor the fertiliser program to each paddock, ensuring cost-effective nutrient use and avoiding under- or over-application. Webber & Chivell can take your soil testing as part of our agronomy services.

Choosing the Right Fertiliser Blend

High-yield ryegrass responds best to fertilisers that match seasonal demand and soil supply. Many farmers benefit from:

• Custom NPKS blends
• Granular products for even distribution when spreading
• Precision application using GPS-guided spreaders or drones
• On-farm agronomy advice

Driving Profit Through Smart Fertiliser Use

Investing in the right fertiliser strategy increases tonnes of dry matter grown, improves animal performance, and boosts return per hectare. With rising input costs, precision and timing matter more than ever.

High-yield ryegrass is one of the most efficient converters of fertiliser into feed — as long as it gets the right nutrients at the right time. Therefore, Webber & Chivell offers timely spreading and fertiliser field bin services.

Speak to an agronomist at Webber & Chivell for Ryegrass blends & Fertilisers: Contact us!