Week 3 Pasture Establishment Flashcards
Describe what is meant by pasture establishment
2 Step Process
Germination and emergence
Persistence and production in the following year`
Outline the preparations (there is four) required before sowing a pasture
Assess Current Pasture -Botanical compositiont, determine why it became degraded, Can in be rejuvenated
Weed Control - requires prevention of seed set in previous year to dec. seed bank, (Pasture topping. hay, silage, crash Graze)
Insect pest control
Seedling are most susceptable and legumes more vulnerable
RLEM
Soil Testing
pH, Top and Sub soil, Phosphorus and phosphorus buffering Index
Describe two general principles in creating a pasture sowing mix.
What is needed and what can grow
Dont mix fast and slow establishing species
DOn’t overcomplicate the mixture
Sowing rates differ due to seed size
Outline the importance in legume inoculation and explain some of the potential problems with the inoculation process
Rhyzobium innoculation fixes nitrogen for the legumes
Several types, peat slurry, freexze dried, coated seed, granular innioculation
Rizobia don’t tolerate low soil pH = lime pelleting seed
Store innoculant at low temp and sow ASAP
Innoculant adds up to 50% more side wt so dont so to kg/Ha
Describe the three factors that determine when sowing should occur
Soil Water
Temperature
Plant Development
Annual species time of sowing
In time for seed set
Perennial species time of sowing
To reach reproductive growth before stress point (temp or moisture)
Ideal sowing depth
10 mm and with good soil contact
Outline the main sowing methods of pastures and what risks are associated with each
Surface Sowing (Aerial)
Problems with seed-soil contact for moisture
Dec. germ and emergence as most seed is lost
Weeds are major issue- inc. herb application
Direct Drill
Less fuel than conventional
Reduces risk of erosion
Fully cultivated seed bed
Gives optimum seed-soil contact for moisture
May give better results when surface would otherwise be too uneven
Soil issues- erosion - wind, water, soil structure
Time Fuel
important components of a direct drilling machine.
Ground penetration
SOw at shallow depth
Ground fallowing ideal
SOil and seed consolidation
Describe the 8 guidelines for successful direct drilling a
Kill old sward Reduce Biomass of old sward Time of year Select seed of high vigor Select correct machinery Ensure seed is covered and slits monitored Post emergent Manage young sward for persistance
Outline post sowing management of pastures including the use of herbicides
Legume- Trifloralin - pre sowing
Options for broadleaf and grass pect control
Grass Pastures- No pre sowing
Control broadleafs
When to use cover crop
ASandy soil
Cost offeset
Crop offers protection for pasture
Huge competiong differential