Forage Establishment

Knowledge Nuggets

• Plan one to two years ahead before seeding. Complete any major soil work such as breaking, plowing, disking and rock picking well in advance to seeding. Soil test and apply appropriate amounts of fertilizer. If possible, band in several years of phosphorous to build up levels in the lower soil profile.

• Carry out a weed control program prior to planting the crop. Controlling perennial weeds like Canada thistle, quack grass, and dandelion prior to planting is critical for success.

• Select forages based on soil type and climatic conditions. Select varieties that will meet your overall forage needs for hay, pasture, silage or green manure.

• Select seed lots based on the weed information from the Seed Test Certificate and on gerimation levels. Use Certified seed whenever possible to assure varietal purity. This may cost more but the overall benefit out weighs the cost.

• Seeding rates will depend on the type of forage, soil type, moisture availability, the desired number of plants per square foot and the type of seeder used.

• Seed as early in the spring or summer as possible. Late summer seeded forages will not grow enough to build up nutrient reserves to over-winter.

• Frost seeding can be used if there are wet areas that cannot be seeded during the growing season. Seeding should be done when the soil temperature approaches freezing to prevent germination until next spring. Expect slow stand establishment when frost seeding.

• Prepare a well packed seedbed with just enough loose soil for seed coverage for good seed-to-soil contact. This will help maintain adequate moisture for germination and support the newly developed root system. When walking across a properly prepared seedbed, your footprint should not sink more than one-half inch into the soil.

• Seeds must be covered by ¼ to ½ inch of soil in fine textured soils and ¾ to 1 inch in sandy soils. Many stands fail because the seeds are planted too deep. Use seeding equipment that provides depth control and proper seed placement. If seed is broadcast rather than drilled in, roll it after seeding to improve seed-to-soil contact.

• A companion crop will always compete with the forage crop for nutrients, light and moisture. This can reduce the survival rate and subsequent yield. Companion crops do aid in weed and erosion control. If a companion crop is used, seed it at half its normal rate and harvest it early as silage or green feed to limit competition.

• Forages are slow to establish so be patient.