Forage production tips
A productive forage crop requires careful planning. Consider the following
preparation, seeding, in-crop and harvesting factors.
Preparation
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•
Soil: Identify and consider the impact of soil factors
like flooding, drainage, low pH (acidity), texture and
salinity that may impede establishment, productivity
or species/variety selection.
Weeds: Control winter annual, biennial and
perennial weeds like Canada thistle, quackgrass,
white cockle and scentless chamomile in the two
years prior to planting a forage crop. Pre-harvest
glyphosate applications are useful in this regard.
• Previous crop: Excess trash can cause challenges
with forage establishment. Assess and remediate
fields in the fall prior to a spring planting.
• Herbicide residues: Ensure no residual herbicides
have been applied in the years prior to planting a
forage crop.
• End use: Is the forage crop intended for pasture, hay
or both?
• Livestock: Is the crop intended for dairy, beef,
horses or other livestock?
•
Fertility: Productive forage stands have huge
nutrient demands. In hay crops, much of the
nutrients the crop takes up are removed from the
field as the hay is hauled off. Consider soil test levels,
yield projections, forage mix makeup (% grass to
legume) and timing of application (early spring or
late fall) when developing a fertility plan. Soil tests
are good indicators of phosphorus, potassium and
micronutrient levels, and the need (or not) to apply
supplemental P, K and micronutrient fertilizer.
• Mid-May - Mid-June: Good moisture and cool
temperatures. Opportunity for pre-seeding weed
control.
• Timely fall dormant: Seeds germinate the following
spring when moisture is good and temperatures are
cool. Frost damage may occur.
Depth
•
Rates
• Alfalfa and Master Blends: Aim for 10 lbs/ac in
direct seeded situations and 15 lbs/ac if the forage
seed is broadcasted and incorporated.
• Individual grass species: Consult your local
Nutrien Ag Solutions representative.
In-crop
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•
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Late April - Early May: Excellent moisture and cool
temperatures are good for establishment. Limited
opportunity for pre-seeding weed control. Frost
hazard.
Herbicide options are limited in forages. Refer to
herbicide labels for safe use and consult with your
Nutrien Ag Solutions representative on herbicides for
weed control in seedling and established forages.
Harvest
• Tame pasture: Grazing method, grazing density and
species grown are factors to consider in getting the
most out of the forage stand.
• Hay: In determining the best approach to good
harvest management, consider the end use of the hay
(e.g. for beef, dairy or other), soil productivity, climatic
conditions and whether one is targeting yield versus
quality.
Seeding
Timing options
Forage seed is generally tiny and thus has little food
reserves needed to generate emergence. Forages
should be seeded no deeper than one-half inch
to three-quarter inches deep into a firm seedbed
(your footprint should not sink more than 3⁄8 in).
Packing is necessary for good seed to soil contact.
Broadcasted seed should be incorporated shallowly
and packed accordingly.