When corn stalks are removed from the field and utilized as forage or bedding materials, additional soil nutrients will also be removed. Generally, 16.3 lbs. of N; 5.4 lbs. P205; 18 lbs. K20; and 3 lbs. S per ton of dry matter (D.M.) is removed with the stover.
Calculations for nutrient removal:
1500 lb. bale X .80% D.M. (20% moisture) = 1200 lbs. dry matter bale
1200/2000 = .6 ton D.M. X 16.3 lbs. N = 9.8 lbs. N/bale
= .6 ton D.M. X 5.4 lbs. P205 = 3.2 lbs. P205/bale
= .6 ton D.M. X 18 lbs. K20 = 10.8 lbs. K20/bale
= .6 ton D.M. X 3 lbs. S = 1.8 lbs. S/bale
Total Nutrient Value = number of bales/A X nutrient value per bale
