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Forage Management Unit for Adults Lesson 2: Establishing Forages

Direction and Purpose to: Understand the steps involved in establishing forages Determine which forage crops will produce optimum results in your situation

Match Plants to Soils and Climate What type of soil is present? Determine soil type by use of: County soil survey maps Aerial photos Soils descriptions

Supply Proper Fertility Soil Testing Taking good samples Interpreting and using test reports

Supply Proper Fertility Liming Effects soil acidity Proper application methods and times of year

Supply Proper Fertility Fertilizing with: Nitrogen - N Phosphorus - P Potassium – K Magnesium - Mg

Which Crops Fit the Soil Type and Climatic Region? Select a forage species Based on how the land is utilized Crop production can be limited by climatic region

Match Plants to Intended Use

HayPasture

Seed Silage

Select High Quality Seed of an Adapted Variety To ensure optimum crop production Utilized to increase crop yield and profit

Prepare an Adequate Seedbed An adequate seedbed increases the chances of higher crop yields Custom rates for farm and ranch services

Inoculate Legume Seed Introduction of specific microorganisms into the soil Enables legume plant to “fix” nitrogen from soil atmosphere into form that can be used by legume or other plants

Use Proven Seeding Methods No-till drilling Spreading with fertilizer Planter

Seed at Right Time with Correct Amount of Seed Examine:  Seeding rates  Seeding dates  Seeding depths

Conclusions Recognition of soil types Determine intended use of plants Understand which forage crops best fit Ability to read a soil test Understand what nutrients need application for establishment

Conclusions Best method of seeding Proper seeding rates Optimum seeding dates Proper depths for planting Government programs available for aid