Pasture Renovation

Phred · 03-25-2002, 01:24 AM

I know this has been discussed but I would like to get some feedback on my problem and plan.

I have a number of acers that are in bad shape; overgrazed.
See attached.

I do not want to till since this is at the top of a very steep slope and I fear the loss of any reamaining top soil. Also this would just bring more rocks to the surface.
So step 1: Disc up the area. 2:Broadcast fescue seed 3:Roll to ensure good soil seed contact.

All of this will be proceeded with a soil test and lime as needed.

So what do you think?

Fred

MikePA · 03-25-2002, 06:04 AM

Works for me.

cowboydoc · 03-25-2002, 09:12 AM

Your best bet is to get an overseeder and drill it in.

beenthere · 03-25-2002, 11:06 AM

<font color=blue>I do not want to till since this is at the top of a very steep slope and I fear the loss of any reamaining top soil.
Also this would just bring more rocks to the surface.
So step 1: Disc up the area. <font color=black>

Seems to be contradictory here. Discing to me is tilling and will risk top soil loss and bring up rocks. Obviously not what you meant by discing the area. And looks like you don't need any more rocks on the surface.

I agree with cowboydoc, although not that familiar with your land. Drilling in the seed should work as good as anything, given adequate moisture at the right time.

If I was there, I would contact the local county agents (they're thick as dog fur everywhere else in this country) and get some local input on rehab'ing your pasture.

Phred · 03-25-2002, 10:18 PM

guys,

What I meant is that I do not want to plow. Yes I know that the disc will tear up the soil and perhaps I will loose some due to erosion. Also the last thing I need is more rocks. My neighbors place is called "The Rockpile Ranch" with good reason.
I hoped that If I minimize working the soil I will minimize the rock generation and erosion.
However, I can't find a low cost seed drill that appears to be designed for this task. Brillion and similar units appear to assume that you have already plowed etc.. and have a solid seed bed. I clearly do not have a nice seed bed. Any leads on who makes these or am I wrong about the primary seed drills?
Also how will all these small rocks impact a seed drill?

Thanks for the advice.

Fred

s1120 · 03-26-2002, 08:26 AM

How about just hitting the aera with a rake, and just spredding some seed. It may take a few apps to get it to fill in, but would not brake up the soil. You may find out that you will need to spred some fert., and some lime to get it started, but after the grass starts growing, and you mow, it should feed itself. Or maby just try a cover crop for now, then spred some grass seed later. The cover crop will add to the soil, and feed the future grass.

Phred · 03-27-2002, 01:36 AM

Paul,

Good idea. What would you suggest as a cover crop?

Thanks

Fred

wichiwichi · 03-27-2002, 04:36 AM

How about doing it in contour strips following the conour of the land. Do every other strip to minimize erosion.

s1120 · 03-27-2002, 06:56 AM

Rye, alfalfa, clover. The rye will be good becouse it will die off next year, and will help keep the weeds down wile the real grass comes in. First I would start with a soil test though. Just to get things in the ball park.

Egon · 03-27-2002, 08:04 AM

Just for interest:

Alfalfa may not do well if the PH is below 6.0.

Egon

03-25-2002, 06:04 AM	#2 (permalink)
MikePA Super Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 9,368	Re: Pasture Renovation Works for me.

03-25-2002, 09:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
cowboydoc Super Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Posts: 6,735	Re: Pasture Renovation Your best bet is to get an overseeder and drill it in.

03-25-2002, 11:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
beenthere Super Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Upper Midwest Posts: 5,205	Re: Pasture Renovation <font color=blue>I do not want to till since this is at the top of a very steep slope and I fear the loss of any reamaining top soil. Also this would just bring more rocks to the surface. So step 1: Disc up the area. <font color=black> Seems to be contradictory here. Discing to me is tilling and will risk top soil loss and bring up rocks. Obviously not what you meant by discing the area. And looks like you don't need any more rocks on the surface. I agree with cowboydoc, although not that familiar with your land. Drilling in the seed should work as good as anything, given adequate moisture at the right time. If I was there, I would contact the local county agents (they're thick as dog fur everywhere else in this country) and get some local input on rehab'ing your pasture.

03-25-2002, 10:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Phred Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,021	Re: Pasture Renovation guys, What I meant is that I do not want to plow. Yes I know that the disc will tear up the soil and perhaps I will loose some due to erosion. Also the last thing I need is more rocks. My neighbors place is called "The Rockpile Ranch" with good reason. I hoped that If I minimize working the soil I will minimize the rock generation and erosion. However, I can't find a low cost seed drill that appears to be designed for this task. Brillion and similar units appear to assume that you have already plowed etc.. and have a solid seed bed. I clearly do not have a nice seed bed. Any leads on who makes these or am I wrong about the primary seed drills? Also how will all these small rocks impact a seed drill? Thanks for the advice. Fred

03-26-2002, 08:26 AM	#6 (permalink)
s1120 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Niverville NY Posts: 1,716	Re: Pasture Renovation How about just hitting the aera with a rake, and just spredding some seed. It may take a few apps to get it to fill in, but would not brake up the soil. You may find out that you will need to spred some fert., and some lime to get it started, but after the grass starts growing, and you mow, it should feed itself. Or maby just try a cover crop for now, then spred some grass seed later. The cover crop will add to the soil, and feed the future grass.

03-27-2002, 01:36 AM	#7 (permalink)
Phred Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,021	Re: Pasture Renovation Paul, Good idea. What would you suggest as a cover crop? Thanks Fred

03-27-2002, 04:36 AM	#8 (permalink)
wichiwichi Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Farmersville, TX Posts: 133	Re: Pasture Renovation How about doing it in contour strips following the conour of the land. Do every other strip to minimize erosion.

03-27-2002, 06:56 AM	#9 (permalink)
s1120 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Niverville NY Posts: 1,716	Re: Pasture Renovation Rye, alfalfa, clover. The rye will be good becouse it will die off next year, and will help keep the weeds down wile the real grass comes in. First I would start with a soil test though. Just to get things in the ball park.

03-27-2002, 08:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
Egon Super Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 9,924	Re: Pasture Renovation Just for interest: Alfalfa may not do well if the PH is below 6.0. Egon

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