Year: 1998
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Selecting Forage SpeciesForage grass and legume performance varies under different conditions.No single forage type or variety is best in all cases.The selection of grasses and legumes is influenced by factors such as average rainfall, soil drainage, erosion hazard, soil pH level, nutrient supply, intended use(s).In addition, the climatic adaptation of a species or its potential longevity in the field is determined greatly by genetic cold hardiness traits.When selecting a forage species, or several species for use in a seed mixture, first consider their appropriateness for the intended use (pasture, hay, etc.) and for the expected longevity on the site (Table 1 ).Once several possible candidates are selected which meet the use and longevity needs, consider how these species might be suited to the conditions of your specific field(s) (Tables 2 & 3).Soil drainage and their relative tolerance of low soil fertility or pH conditions (Table 3) often limit the persistence of legumes.Table 2 categorizes species on the basis of their relative height and cautions about known potential anti-quality traits.With each type of grass or legume different varieties are available, each of which has slightly different traits.A good variety should be a top yielder, have sufficient winterhardiness for your location and be resistant to the array of plant diseases present in your fields.Iowa State University Extension publishes an annual Alfalfa Variety Test report, however, information about variety performance of forage grasses and miscellaneous legumes become available irregularly, as output from the ongoing grass and legume breeding research .Use Good Seeding Management Top yields are possible only with thick, vigorous, well managed stands.Careful attention to seeding practices and seeding year management often makes the difference between profitable, productive stands and failures.Application of corrective soil fertility and lime should be done before seeding is attempted.Inoculate all legumes with the proper nitrogen-fixing bacteria.The use of certified seed assures varietal purity.The various combinations of seedbed preparation and planting equipment is endless, but, whichever combination is used, it is very important that: the seedbed be firm, seed is uniformly distributed across the seeded area, the final depth of seed placement in the seedbed is no deeper than 3/4 inch, and that you provide for a good seed-to-soil contact.For additional information on forage establishment management see ISU Extension publications Pm-1 008, Steps to Establish and Maintain Legume-Grass Pastures, and Pm-1097, Interseeding and No-Till Pasture Renovation.
Author: Stephen K. Barnhart
Institution: Iowa State University
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDGs: Zero hunger, Life on land
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W2808628152