Establishing perennial forage stands for grazing and hay production is an important way to diversify farm income and improve the economic value of marginal land. Forage stands lose productivity over time for a variety of reasons including reduced stand vigor, export of nutrients, loss of desirable species, over grazing and poor soil fertility. In the past, old stands were broken with extensive tillage and then reseeded (Kruger, 1997). This approach has major economic problems: lost productivity while the old stand is removed and the new stand established; and the high cost involved to remove and then reseed a forage stand. Extensive tillage increases the soil erosion potential, and difficulties with germination and stand establishment can occur. 

Nitrogen (N) is the most commonly deficient essential nutrient in prairie soils and generally has the greatest impact on forage production (Lardner et al., 2004). Phosphorus (P) may also be limiting in some soils (Berg and Sims, 1995). Rejuvenation is usually the most economical and practical method for improving the productivity and quality of forage stands (Lardner et al., 2004). Significant research across the Canadian Prairies and northern Great Plains shows the benefits of forage fertilization in rejuvenating forage stands (Malhi et al., 2004). The effectiveness of fertilizers in increasing forage dry matter yields (DMY) and economic return depends on the nutrient levels in the soil, climatic conditions, fertilizer source, rate and application method, soil type, and forage species (Lardner, 1998). The decision to fertilize in a rejuvenation program must therefore be based on the yield potential of the soil and the degree of pasture deterioration. 

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