Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Applying the right fertilizer at the right rate and at the right time increases plant yield,
increases a plant's water-use efficiency, and decreases weed problems by making the de-
sired plants so vigorous that the weeds cannot get established. Fertilizer can be broadcast
and left to dissolve, or it can be tilled into the soil. Usually, fertilizer is applied when pre-
paring the soil to give seedlings a good start and then once more during the growing year.
(Follow this same principle when using manure or humus as fertilizer.)
SEEDING
When selecting hayseed, choose the type of hay you wish to grow as well as the variety of
hay that does best in your local area. Extension agents have results of field trials that test
varieties and mixes for factors such as yield, resistance to drought, and the ability to with-
stand root rot, wilt, and winterkill. The quality of the seed is dictated by purity (very low
weed and other seed content) and germination rates.
Hayseeds are drilled into the field to a depth of about ¼ to ½ inch in ideal soils and no
more than ¾ to 1 inch in sandy soils. Broadcasting seed on top of the soil requires 50 per-
cent more seed than drilling.
Although an alfalfa hay field usually remains productive for about 5 to 6 years, and grass
fields often longer, not all of those years are equally productive. The key to getting a new
field established is taking advantage of winter snows and spring rains by seeding in the fall.
Sometimes, in order to get a stand of hay or pasture growing, a nurse crop (also called
a
cover crop
or
companion crop
) is planted along with the hayseed. A nurse crop, such as
oats, will emerge ahead of the more vulnerable hay seedlings. While the oat plants tower
over the developing hay seedlings and protect them from the rays of the sun, the root struc-
ture of the oats adds to soil stability. The nurse crop is harvested the summer following
seeding, at which time the young hay is ready for the sun. Often, however, the pasture or
hay doesn't grow vigorously enough for grazing or a hay crop until the second year.
Hay Varieties
Grasses such as brome, bluegrass, timothy, rye, tall fescue, wheatgrass, and orchard grass
are hardy perennials that usually decrease in digestible nutrients as they mature. Tall fescue
is widely adapted; has good tolerance to wet, dry, or alkaline soil conditions; and can with-
stand a lot of traffic.
