This project was initiated to determine the optimum Nitrogen(N) fertilizer rate and timing for small grain forage production. Inorganic soil profile nitrogen (N) levels can increase with application rates greater than those necessary for maximum cereal grain yields. Forage systems are different than grain production systems in that harvest is generally prior to anthesis and gaseous plant N loss is not allowed to occur. This promotes removal of more total N from the system and results in higher nitrogen Use Efficiencies (NUE).These long-term experimental results support the conclusion that nitrogen fertilizer additions at recommended rates do not increase the risk of NO 3–N leaching.