Spring Sowing
Spring pasture sowing requires reliable summer moisture for young pastures to establish, it can sometimes be tricky getting new pasture in early enough but avoiding the risk of cold temperatures slowing establishment, which can often lead to high weed content.
For best results wait till soil temperatures are >10°C before sowing ryegrass, and >12°C for brome grasses and tall fescue.
Spring is an important season for farmers as it marks the beginning of the grazing and growing season for many types of forage crops. Proper planning and preparation is essential for a successful spring sowing.
Here's a checklist to help ensure a smooth spring sowing season:
Spraying out:
Good soil fertility, moisture & temperature is key to seed gemmation and to get any crop off to a great start, try to spray out as early as possible if you don’t need the feed, this may help conserve soil moisture for when you sow. Check for existing insect pest populations and take this opportunity to deal with them. Also a good time to add in any soil biological products, microbes, fish, TM, worm castings, humate, fulvic etc. (Tip if adding fulvic acid 1 part to 5 parts herbicide you can reduce your herbicide by up to 25% improving your soil health goals.)
Crop Selection:
Determine which forage crops you will sow in the spring. Common options include grasses like ryegrass and clover, fescue, legumes like alfalfa lucerne, brassicas, chicory, plantain and other annual or perennial forages.
Soil Testing:
Conduct soil tests to assess nutrient levels and pH. Adjust soil fertility based on the crop's requirements and the soil test results.
Seed Selection:
Purchase high-quality seeds from reputable suppliers. Consider factors like seed variety, disease resistance, and yield potential.
Equipment Inspection:
Check and maintain all sowing equipment, Ensure proper calibration of seed drills to achieve the desired seeding rate.
Seedbed Preparation:
Seedbed preparation is about creating the best environment for the seed to germinate and also fixing any underlying problems such as soil compaction and weeds, Prepare seedbeds according to your soil type, environment and moisture conditions at the time by plowing, harrowing, and levelling the soil to create a suitable planting surface, or look at the more eco options of no till, strip till, direct drilling or broadcasting.
Weed Control:
Plan for weed control measures, which may include pre-emergence & post-emergence herbicides or mechanical weed removal methods, consider seeding rates, and if direct drilling cross drill to create a dense sward and reduce future pugging and weed issues.
Fertilization:
Apply fertilizers based on soil test recommendations and crop requirements. Consider using manure or compost if available and other soil biological products
Planting:
Follow recommended planting depths and spacing for the selected crops. ryegrass/white clover seed mixes at <10mm deep to get the best establishment of the clover, white clover seed is sensitive to sowing depth and establishes much faster sown at this depth or otherwise broadcast separately and roll in just below the surface. Ryegrass is less sensitive to sowing depth and still establishes well sown at 20 mm. ensure you have a consolidated seedbed. The exception to sowing shallow is in dry conditions, sometimes it is better to drill seed a little deeper into better soil moisture but In these conditions white clover may struggle, clover seed can be spread on later when conditions improve. Cross-drill if possible for better results.
Ensure proper seed-to-soil contact for optimal germination. Always keep an eye out for pests and deal to them like slugs and springtails
Pest and Disease Management:
Implement pest and disease monitoring programs to detect any issues early.
Grazing Management:
If you practice rotational grazing, plan your grazing schedule and paddock rotations based on the growth of the forage crops.
Record Keeping:
Maintain detailed records of planting dates, seed varieties, fertilizer applications, and any pest or disease issues encountered as these often come in handy later on.
Contingency Planning:
Develop contingency plans for adverse weather conditions or unexpected challenges that may arise during or after the spring sowing season.
New pastures or building up old pastures by stitching into existing, undersowing or over-sowing is an opportunity to lift farm production, Taking time to do it well pays off in the long-term.
By following this checklist, farmers can prepare their fields and crops for a successful spring sowing season, ultimately ensuring a steady supply of high-quality forage for the season.
Contact us today, if you’d like a chat or visit on spring sowing options, seed pricing or anything else.
