Week 3 Pasture Establishment Flashcards

1
Q

Describe what is meant by pasture establishment

A

2 Step Process
Germination and emergence
Persistence and production in the following year`

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Outline the preparations (there is four) required before sowing a pasture

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Describe two general principles in creating a pasture sowing mix.

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Outline the importance in legume inoculation and explain some of the potential problems with the inoculation process

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Describe the three factors that determine when sowing should occur

A

Soil Water
Temperature
Plant Development

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Annual species time of sowing

A

In time for seed set

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Perennial species time of sowing

A

To reach reproductive growth before stress point (temp or moisture)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Ideal sowing depth

A

10 mm and with good soil contact

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Outline the main sowing methods of pastures and what risks are associated with each

A

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

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

important components of a direct drilling machine.

A

Ground penetration
SOw at shallow depth
Ground fallowing ideal
SOil and seed consolidation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe the 8 guidelines for successful direct drilling a

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
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Outline post sowing management of pastures including the use of herbicides

A

Legume- Trifloralin - pre sowing
Options for broadleaf and grass pect control

Grass Pastures- No pre sowing
Control broadleafs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

When to use cover crop

A

ASandy soil
Cost offeset
Crop offers protection for pasture
Huge competiong differential

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly