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Learn the steps involved in establishing forages and determine which forage crops will produce optimal results in your situation. Match plants to soils and climate, supply proper fertility, select appropriate crops, prepare an adequate seedbed, and use proven seeding methods. Conclusions include understanding soil types, reading soil tests, and accessing government aid.
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Forage Management Unit for Adults Lesson 2: Establishing Forages
Direction and Purpose to: • Understand the steps involved in establishing forages • Determine which forage crops will produce optimum results in your situation
Match Plants to Soils and Climate What type of soil is present? Determine soil type by use of: • County soil survey maps • Aerial photos • Soils descriptions
Supply Proper Fertility • Soil Testing • Taking good samples • Interpreting and using test reports
Supply Proper Fertility • Liming • Effects soil acidity • Proper application methods and times of year
Supply Proper Fertility • Fertilizing with: • Nitrogen - N • Phosphorus - P • Potassium – K • Magnesium - Mg
Which Crops Fit the Soil Type and Climatic Region? • Select a forage species • Based on how the land is utilized • Crop production can be limited by climatic region
Hay Pasture
Seed Silage
Select High Quality Seed of an Adapted Variety • To ensure optimum crop production • Utilized to increase crop yield and profit
Prepare an Adequate Seedbed • An adequate seedbed increases the chances of higher crop yields • Custom rates for farm and ranch services
Inoculate Legume Seed • Introduction of specific microorganisms into the soil • Enables legume plant to “fix” nitrogen from soil atmosphere into form that can be used by legume or other plants
Use Proven Seeding Methods • No-till drilling • Spreading with fertilizer • Planter
Seed at Right Time with Correct Amount of Seed • Examine: • Seeding rates • Seeding dates • Seeding depths
Conclusions • Recognition of soil types • Determine intended use of plants • Understand which forage crops best fit • Ability to read a soil test • Understand what nutrients need application for establishment
Conclusions • Best method of seeding • Proper seeding rates • Optimum seeding dates • Proper depths for planting • Government programs available for aid