Best Practices for Sowing and Establishing Herbs (Chicory and Plantain)

Why are Chicory and Plantain herbs important?

Incorporating chicory and plantain into your pastures can transform your farming system.

Improving pasture quality in New Zealand’s diverse farming landscape is key to boosting livestock productivity and resilience. Planting herbs such as chicory (Cichorium intybus) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata) is an effective strategy. These herbs enhance forage quality and contribute to soil health, drought resistance, and environmental sustainability. It is essential to follow best practices for their establishment and management to achieve optimal results.

Why Choose Chicory and Plantain?

1. Nutritional Value

Chicory and plantain provide high-quality, highly digestible forage. Chicory is an excellent source of energy and protein, while plantain supplies essential minerals such as calcium, zinc, and selenium, improving livestock health.

2. Seasonal Growth

These herbs thrive during summer, filling the forage gap when grasses struggle to perform.

3. Soil Health

Their deep root systems improve soil aeration, enhance water infiltration, and access nutrients from deeper soil layers, enriching overall soil quality.

4. Environmental Benefits

Plantain has been shown to possibly help reduce nitrate leaching, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious farming practices.

Step 1: Site Selection and Preparation

Soil Testing:

• Test soil pH and nutrient levels to ensure they meet the requirements for chicory and plantain. These herbs perform best in soils with a pH between 5.8 and 6.2.

• Ensure adequate levels of phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen, and sulfur for optimal growth.

Weed Control:

• Effective weed control before sowing is critical. Use a non-residual herbicide to clear the area of competitive weeds.

• Avoid planting in paddocks with a history of persistent weeds such as dock or thistles.

Seedbed Preparation:

• Prepare a fine, firm seedbed to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

• Remove clods and compacted areas to promote uniform germination.

Step 2: Choosing and Sowing Seeds

Seed Selection:

• Purchase seeds from reputable suppliers to ensure high germination rates.

• Select cultivars suited to your region’s soil and climate conditions.

Sowing Timing:

• Sow chicory and plantain in spring or autumn when soil temperatures are optimal for germination.

• Avoid sowing during winter or drought-prone periods.

• The optimal time to sow chicory in New Zealand largely depends on your region's climate and the intended use of the crop. Generally, chicory is sown during spring for summer feed, as these provides the best conditions for establishment. Here's a breakdown:

Spring Sowing

• Timing:

  • Late August to October (depending on your region and soil temperature).

• Benefits:

  • Warmer soil temperatures encourage faster germination and seedling growth.

  • The crop is established well before the dry summer months, ensuring good forage availability.

  • Ideal for high-yield summer feed systems.

Key Considerations for Chicory

1.     Soil Temperature: Chicory requires a soil temperature of at least 10°C for optimal germination.

2.     Moisture: Adequate soil moisture is critical for establishment. Avoid sowing during drought or prolonged dry periods.

3.     Weed Control: Ensure good weed management before sowing to minimize competition.

4.     Region-Specific Factors:

a.     In cooler southern regions, spring sowing might be preferable to avoid frost damage during establishment.

b.     In warmer northern regions, autumn sowing can help make the most of the milder winters.

The optimal time to sow plantain in New Zealand depends on the region, climate, and intended use of the pasture, but generally, the best sowing periods are autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November).

Pro Tip:

Combine Chicory with Red Clover for early spring sowing to fatten lambs in late spring and summer.

Key considerations for Plantain:

1.     Autumn Sowing:

a.     Ideal for ensuring strong establishment before winter.

b.     Cooler temperatures and autumn rains provide favorable conditions for germination.

c.     Gives plantain enough time to establish a robust root system before growth slows in winter.

2.     Spring Sowing:

a.     Optimal for rapid establishment as temperatures rise and soil moisture remains high from early spring rains.

b.     Best for areas where winter can be harsh or where a quick summer crop is needed.

3.     Soil Temperature:

a.     Plantain seeds germinate well at soil temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.

b.     Sowing when soil temperatures are consistent within this range ensures quicker germination and reduces competition from weeds.

4.     Moisture Availability:

a.     Adequate soil moisture is critical for successful establishment. Avoid sowing during dry periods unless irrigation is available.

5.     Regional Variations:

a.     Northern NZ: Longer growing season allows more flexibility, but avoid mid-summer sowing due to drought risk.

b.     Southern NZ: Autumn sowing is preferred to take advantage of cooler weather and avoid late frosts in spring.

Pro Tip:

Combine plantain with complementary species like clover or ryegrass in a mix to enhance pasture performance and resilience.

Seeding Rates:

·       For pure stands:

o   Chicory: 8–12 kg/ha

o   Plantain: 8–10 kg/ha

·       For mixed pastures: Adjust rates proportionally, e.g., 1–3 kg/ha.

Sowing Depth:

·       Sow seeds at a depth of 5–10 mm. Sowing too deep can delay or inhibit germination.

Drilling vs. Broadcasting:

·       Direct or roller drilling is preferred for precision and reduced seed wastage.

·       Broadcasting followed by light rolling is also effective for achieving good seed-to-soil contact.

Step 3: Management Post-Sowing

Irrigation:

• Maintain consistent soil moisture during germination and establishment. This is particularly important in dry regions.

Fertiliser Application:

• Apply nitrogen post-germination to boost growth. Regularly check soil conditions to determine additional fertiliser requirements.

Grazing Management:

• Allow plants to reach a height of 15–20 cm before grazing to ensure proper establishment. And ensure they don’t pull out.

• Use rotational grazing to avoid overgrazing. Maintain a residual height of no less than 5 cm.

• Avoid grazing during wet conditions or grazing too low, as this can damage the crowns and compact the soil.

Step 4: Monitoring and Maintenance

Pest and Disease Management:

• Monitor for pests such as slugs and grass grubs, particularly during establishment.

• Consider sustainable pest control options like Beauveria Bassiana, a beneficial fungus that targets pests without harming beneficial organisms.

Reseeding:

• Chicory and plantain stand thin over time. Plan to reseed every 1–3 years to maintain productive pastures.

Seasonal Care:

• During summer, enhance irrigation and management to support chicory growth in drought-prone areas.

• In winter, reduce grazing pressure to protect dormant plants.

Harness the Power of Chicory and Plantain for Productive Pastures

Incorporating chicory and plantain into your pastures can transform your farming system by improving livestock performance, enhancing soil health, and addressing environmental challenges. While their establishment requires careful planning and management, the rewards are well worth the effort.

At Vernado, we’re here to support New Zealand farmers in achieving their productivity goals. Contact us today for assistance in establishing and managing herb pastures. Together, let’s build a sustainable agricultural future.