Abundant quality forage is required for economic livestock production on the highly erodable soils of northwest Missouri. This work was undertaken to evaluate a nitrogen management system effect upon yield distribution and quality of smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermusLeyss) forage on a Sharpsburg silt loam (fine, montmorillonitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll) soil. The 1979–80 experiment included N treatments; zero, 67 kg N ha‐1(March), 67 kg N ha‐1(June), 134 kg N ha‐1(March), 134 kg N ha‐1(June), 134 kg N ha‐1(67 March plus 67 June) and 268 kg N ha‐1(134 March plus 134 June). Measurements include yield from 3‐cuttings, crude protein and IVDMD.