John Fouts 509-477-2176 [email protected] Start Your Pasture Right.

John Fouts509-477-2176

[email protected]

Start Your Pasture Right

USDA USDA

Developed by: Developed by: Rhonda Miller Rhonda Miller Utah State UniversityUtah State University

Starting Over:Pasture Establishment and Renovation

What we’ll be covering:

Introduction Forage establishment Factors to consider

prior to renovation Plant characteristics Characteristics of

individual grasses and legumes

www.freefoto.com

UNCE, Reno, NV

Does your pasture need help?

Fertilization Weed control Proper

management Renovation

USU, Logan, UT

Definitions

Establishment - planting a pasture where there is no existing pasture

Renovation - series of actions that lead to a long-term change in the botanical composition of a pasture Partial renovation Total renovation

Type of renovation

Partial renovation Rejuvenation or enhancement of existing

pasture Generally done when poor forage stands

result from winter injury, drought, flooding, or other stresses

Total renovation Destruction followed by reestablishment of

either the same species or another species

Definitions

Species - refers to the type of plant such as alfalfa, sweet clover, smooth bromegrass, etc.

Cultivar - refers to a specific variety within a specie. York, Saratoga, and Bravo are all improved varieties of smooth bromegrass.

Benefits of renovation

Replaces old or diseased pasture species with healthy improved varieties

Extends or increases productivity of pasture

Improves quality of forage Increases animal

productivity Reduces soil erosion Reduces pollution potential

www.farmphoto.com

www.farmphoto.com

When to renovate?

Renovate when: Pasture is in poor condition and even

proper management techniques will not improve pasture to desired level

You want to grow a different forage specie or variety

UNCE, Reno, NV

Forage establishment

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Seedbed preparation Seeding methods Seeding guidelines Seeding rates Costs

USU, Logan, UT


Seedbed preparation Seed requirements Tillage Other forms of

seedbed preparation

Fertility & pH

USU, Logan, UT

Seedbed preparation

Goal - Control weeds and provide a firm seedbed with just enough loose surface soil for shallow seed placement and good seed-to-soil contact

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Seedbed preparation

Seed requirements Minimal soil temperature Moisture Oxygen Seed-to-soil contact Accomplish by creating a firm, moist

seedbed

Seedbed preparation

Importance of a firm, moist seedbed

Essential for: Proper seed placement Good soil-seed contact Successful establishment

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Seedbed preparation

Deep tillage (plow) Disc Roller harrow or

cultipacker

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Creating a firm seedbed takes proper tillage

Seedbed preparation

Purpose of tillage Eliminate existing

vegetation Turn under surface

weed seeds Loosen soil Incorporate fertilizer

and lime Provide firm seedbed

for seeding

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Seedbed preparation

Other forms of seedbed preparation Close clipping

or grazing Burning Non-selective

herbicide

USU, Logan, UT

Seedbed preparation

Fertility & pH Base on soil test Add lime if pH is low Determine reasonable yield Add appropriate nutrients

Phosphorus and potassium Nitrogen

www.efma.org


Seeding guidelines

Planting dates Seeding depth Inoculation of legumes Why forage seedings fail

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Seeding guidelines

Planting dates Late winter - early spring Late summer - early fall

Planting dates

Late winter- early spring seeding Late February to early May More common in northern U.S. Soil moisture usually good If too early soil can be cold, resulting

in fungal diseases If too late, soil can be dry and

seedlings desiccate

Planting dates

Late summer - early fall seeding August to mid-October Less competition from weeds Liming, fertilization, and tillage done during

drier weather thereby reducing compaction Fungal diseases reduced

Note: Seedlings need to have at least six weeks of growth before killing frost

Seeding guidelines

Seeding depth Approximately ¼ inch Varies with:

Soil type Soil moisture Time of seeding Firmness of seedbed

clay.agr.okstate.edu

Seeding guidelines

Inoculation of legumes All legumes should be

inoculated with the proper strains of N-fixing bacteria prior to seeding

Ensures that proper bacteria will be present for nitrogen fixation

www.clay.agr.okstate.edu


Why forage seedings fail

Germination through emergence After emergence


Germination through emergence Hard seed Temperature Improper planting depth Seed dries out Crusted soil surface Toxicity - allelopathic effects,

herbicide carryoverclay.agr.okstate.edu


After emergence Undesirable pH Low fertility Poor drainage Drought Inadequate legume inoculation Competition from weeds/companion crops Insects Diseases, winterkilling




Seeding methods Broadcast Cultipacker Drilled No-Till Frost seeding Companion crop USU

Broadcast seeding

Cheapest and easiest method of seeding

Typically drag or pack the soil after broadcasting the seed

Tilled seedbed Seed placement

not uniform

www.modernforage.com

Cultipacker seeding Consists of 2 sets of rollers with seed

boxes between them Commonly used on tilled seedbeds Don’t use on heavy soils

www.faivre.com www.faivre.com

Drill seeding

Directly plants each seed into tilled soil at the proper depth

Need to use a forage drill

Grain drills will have poor seed placement for small forage seeds

UNCE, Reno, NV

No-till seeding

Plants seed directly into existing sod or vegetation Solid planting Band planting

Requires a no-till planter Reduces erosion Conserves soil moisture Reduced fuel, labor, and time

requirements

www.usda.gov

Frost seeding

Seed broadcast in late winter on soil surface

Freezing & thawing action plus rain will cover seed

Works well with Red Clover

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UNCE

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Companion crop seedingA companion crop is a small grain crop (i.e. oats) planted with spring-seeded grasses and legumes.

Advantages: Can be cut or grazed for feed Provides a quick ground cover Helps control soil erosion Reduces invasion of weeds

Disadvantages: Competes for nutrients, light, & moisture Good management essential

USDA


Seeding rates

Desired stand Pure live seed % Other factors to

consider www.ca.wvu.edu

Seeding rates

Desired Stand Varies based on: Forage species

planted Ability to fill in

(rhizomes, etc.) % Hard seed Mixture, pure-stand,

companion crop

Availability of water


NRCS

www.forages.orst.edu

Seeding rates

Pure live seed percent (PLS)%PLS = %Purity x %Germination

%Purity = % of seed that is the desired forage seed

%Germination = % of seed that germinates

when planted

Seeding rates

Other factors to consider Seeding method used

Seeding rate affected by uniformity of seed placement

Condition of seedbed Allelopathic toxins


Costs

Tillage Seed Reduced yield in first year

Costs

Tillage Plowing

Moldboard $10.00 to $15.00/acre Chisel $8.00 to $12.00/acre

Disc/Harrow Tandem disc $6.00 to $10.00/acre Harrow/Cultipacker $4.50 to $6.00/acre

Planting Conventional $7.00 to $10.00/acre No-till $10.00 to $16.00/acre

Costs

Seed: Varies by species and variety Grasses

Orchardgrass $1.40 - $1.60/lb. (15 lb/ac) Smooth Bromegrass $3.50/lb. (15 lb/ac) Timothy $.95 - $1.45/lb. (12 lb/ac) Tall Fescue $1.60 - $1.75/lb. (35 lb/ac)

Legumes White Clover $3.25 - $3.85/lb. (2-3 lb/ac) Birdsfoot Trefoil $4.30/lb. (8 lb/ac) Alfalfa $3.25/lb (12-15 lb/ac)

Costs

Reduced yield in first year Spring-seeding

Reduced number of cuttings first year Reduced yield per cutting

Fall-seeding No harvest of new crop during year of establishment Reduced yield (of previous crop) during year of

establishment Ground preparation Time for establishment

Factors to consider prior to establishment or renovation

www.usda.gov

Factors to consider

Pasture inventory Land wvailable Climate Soil fharacteristics

Forage use Livestock Grazing vs. hay production Continuous grazing vs. rotational grazing

USDA

Pasture inventory

Land available

Grazing land Water source(s) “Sacrifice” Area

Hay production

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Pasture inventory

Climate Growing season

Frost-free days Growing degree

days (GDD)

Temperature Precipitation

USDA

Pasture inventory

Soil characteristics Drainage Water holding

capacity (droughtiness)

OSU Extension Service

Forage use

Livestock Different animals have

different nutritional requirements and forage preferences Horses (timothy grass) Dairy cattle (perennial

ryegrass Beef cattle (tall fescue)

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Forage use

Grazing vs. hay production Determine primary use Many forages that are good for hay

production are not good for grazing, and vice-versa. Upright growth habit - better for hay

production Trampling effects

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Forage use: Continuous grazing vs. rotational grazing

Continuous grazing Easy Reduced yields

Rotational grazing More

management Higher yields More

infrastructure required

UNCE, Reno, NV

Plant characteristics


Grasses Legumes Seasonal growth patterns Disease resistance Forage quality Pure stands or Mixtures

Grasses

Growth habit Bunchgrass Sod-forming

grass Stolon Rhizome

Re-growth Jointing Non-jointing

Grasses are more tolerant of poor soil conditions

Require nitrogen fertilizer

NRCS

Legumes

Legumes fix nitrogen from the air

Growth habit Upright (Sainfoin) Prostrate (Birdsfoot Trefoil)

New Growth Axillary (Sweet Clover) Crown (Red Clover) Axillary & crown (Alfalfa)


Seasonal growth distribution

Forages have different growth patterns

Grasses Cool Season Warm Season

Forages

ISU

Insect & disease resistance & winter hardiness

Disease resistance/winter hardiness

Genetically inherited traits Select disease resistant

varieties Select varieties with good

winter hardiness if in cold climate

Intended years of use clay.agr.okstate.edu

Forage quality

Quality Forage intake

Palatability

Nutritive value Digestibility Chemical

compositionwww.farmphoto.com


Pure stands or mixtures Pure stands Mixtures Principles for composing mixtures

Should I plant a pure stand?

Advantages Management is

easier Weed control

easier

Disadvantages Lower yield

www.forages.css.orst.edu

Should I plant a mixture?

Advantages Higher yields Legumes fix nitrogen, reducing the

need for nitrogen fertilizer in grasses

Tolerate wider differences in soil conditions

More competitive against weeds

Should I plant a mixture?

Disadvantages Grazing management more

difficult, especially if growth habits not similar

If not managed properly grasses will dominate

Weeds more difficult to control


Principles for composing mixtures

Keep the mixture simple Similar maturity date Similar palatability Similar growth habit

Characteristics of individual grasses & legumes

Cool season grass cultivars Most productive in the spring and

fall Poor summer production

NRCS

NRCS

NRCS

Kentucky Bluegrass

Advantages: Good quality Withstands animal

traffic Good tolerance to

close grazing

Disadvantages: Low yield potential Poor drought & heat

tolerance Likes well-drained soil

NRCS

Basin Wildrye

Advantages: Good forage for wildlife Hardy, long-lived Tolerates salt and alkali

areas

Disadvantages: Easily damaged by over-

grazingNRCS

Garrison Creeping Foxtail

Advantages: Likes wet soils Highly palatable High yield

Disadvantages: May invade

canals, ditches, etc.

www.aginfonet.com

Meadow Bromegrass

Advantages: Good yield potential Good re-growth Tolerant of close

grazing

Disadvantages: Not tolerant of acidic

and poorly-drained soils

www.agric.gov.ab.ca

Orchard Grass

Advantages: Good quality Good re-growth Shade tolerant

Disadvantages: Suffers when

grazed continually

NRCS

NRCS

NRCS

Perennial RyegrassAdvantages:

Very good quality Easy to establish Good tolerance to close

grazing

Disadvantages: Poor drought & heat

tolerance Poor shade tolerance Likes well-drained soils www.forages.css.orst.edu

Reed Canary Grass

Disadvantages: Lack of palatability Produces best when

intensely grazed Poor drought & heat

tolerance

Advantages: Good quality Good re-growth Adapted to wide

range of conditions, including wet soils

NRCS

NRCS

Smooth Brome

Advantages: Usually grown with

a legume Graze after stem

elongation Provides good mid-

summer grazing High quality

Disadvantages: Aggressive and can

take over a pasture

NRCS

NRCS

Tall FescueAdvantages:

Good quality Tillering stimulated

through frequent grazing

Moderately winter hardy

Active fall growth

Disadvantages: Must be endophyte

free

NRCS

TimothyAdvantages:

High quality Easy to establish Winter hardy

Disadvantages: Sensitive to frequent

defoliation Poor re-growth Poor summer production Not suited to droughty soils

NRCS

NRCS

NRCS

Crested WheatgrassAdvantages:

Drought resistant Winter-hardy Vigorous seedlings

Disadvantages: Needs to be grazed

throughout season to maintain palatability

Goes dormant during hot summer

www.aginfonet.com

Tall WheatgrassAdvantages:

Tolerant of salty and alkali soils

Good winter forage

Disadvantages: Does not tolerate

continuous, close grazing

Low forage value

www.usask.ca

Warm season grasses

Productive during summer months Must be suitable for your area

NRCS

Switchgrass

Advantages: Productive during hot

summer months Tolerates a wide

range of soil conditions

Disadvantages: Not suited for cool

climates May be difficult to

establish

NRCS

Legumes

Fix nitrogen from atmosphere May cause bloat

clay.agr.state.edu

Alfalfa

Advantages: Excellent quality Drought tolerant

Disadvantages: Causes bloat Potential for heaving


NRCS

Alsike Clover

Advantages: Excellent quality Grows in variety of

soils and conditions

Disadvantages: Can graze

frequently, but not closely

Much lower yielding than alfalfa

www.agry.purdue.edu

Birdsfoot Trefoil

Advantages: Excellent quality Grows in variety of soils

and conditions Non-bloat legume

Disadvantages: Can graze frequently,

but not closely Slow to establish

NRCS

Cicer Milkvetch

Advantages:

Non-bloat legume Good forage quality

Disadvantages: Slow to establish Slow re-growth


Red CloverAdvantages:

Good quality Easy to establish Works well with frost

seeding

Disadvantages: Generally does not

persist after two growing seasons

NRCS

Strawberry Clover

Advantages: Suited for grazing Suited for semi-wet and salty

soils

Disadvantages: Not suited for hay production Not as productive as white

clover

SainfoinAdvantages:

Good quality Well adapted to soils

of the Rocky Mountain Region

Good drought tolerance

Non-bloat legume

Disadvantages: Intolerant of frequent

defoliation


White CloverAdvantages:

Excellent quality Good tolerance to close

grazing Withstands continuous grazing Grows best during cool moist

seasons on well drained soils

Disadvantages: Low yielding May cause bloat

NRCS

What to do next:

Determine if your pasture requires improvement

Determine your goals for the improvement or renovation

Determine the best and most cost effective method to achieve your goals

Determine the best plants to use for your area and for your goals

John Fouts 509-477-2176 [email protected] Start Your Pasture Right.

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