Resource or Product?
Forage ManagementUnit for Adults
Lesson 2:
Establishing Forages
Direction and Purpose to:
Understand the steps involved inestablishing forages
Determine which forage cropswill produce optimum results inyour situation
Match Plants to Soilsand 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 testreports
Supply Proper Fertility
Liming
Effects soil acidity
Proper application methodsand times of year
Supply Proper Fertility
Fertilizing with:
•Nitrogen - N
•Phosphorus - P
•Potassium – K
•Magnesium - Mg
Which Crops Fit the SoilType and Climatic Region?
Select a forage species
Based on how the land is utilized
Crop production can be limited byclimatic region
Match Plants to Intended Use
Hay
Pasture
Seed
Silage
Select High Quality Seedof an Adapted Variety
To ensure optimum cropproduction
Utilized to increase crop yieldand profit
Prepare an Adequate Seedbed
An adequate seedbed increasesthe chances of higher crop yields
Custom rates for farm and ranchservices
Inoculate Legume Seed
Introduction of specificmicroorganisms into the soil
Enables legume plant to “fix”nitrogen from soil atmosphereinto form that can be used bylegume or other plants
Use Proven SeedingMethods
No-till drilling
Spreading with fertilizer
Planter
Seed at Right Time withCorrect Amount of Seed
Examine:
Seeding rates
Seeding dates
Seeding depths
Conclusions
Recognition of soil types
Determine intended use of plants
Understand which forage cropsbest fit
Ability to read a soil test
Understand what nutrients needapplication for establishment
Conclusions
Best method of seeding
Proper seeding rates
Optimum seeding dates
Proper depths for planting
Government programs available foraid