Mow and then disc?

[jay3534]

I've got a pasture that due to time restraints have grown up to to about 3 feet. Now we have had a heavy frost and the grass / weeds are dying. Should I mow and then disc to cut up dead grass? Mow only? Disc only?

Thanks

 

[oosik]

You will have better results - mow first, then disk. Many would burn first, then disk. That's only if your pasture grass is dry enough and you are sure the fire can be controlled.

 

[jeff9366]

Mowing only is fine if you intend to keep the pasture indolent. If you disc, zillions of dormant seeds in the 'soil seed bank' will germinate when sunlight stimulates them, giving no improvement.

If you intend to renovate the pasture, mow than disc periodically, after weed germination occurs but before weed seeds are produced. Seed or overseed the same day after discing and smoothing the ground when temperatures are appropriate for the seed you wish to dominate. Improverd seed varieties are highly productive but require fertilizer and water during dry periods to give high yields. Rolling in the seeds with a roller or cultipacker will improve germination rate of desirable seed. Most grass seeds require some direct sunlight to germinate.

 

[jeff9366]

Allis Chalmers 5015 Dimension​

1982 - 1985 Sub-Compact Utility tractor Hinomoto built

Allis Chalmers 5015 Weight
	1387 lbs 629 kg
2WD Shipping:	1278 lbs 579 kg
4WD Shipping:	1448 lbs 656 kg

Wheelbase:	50.8 inches 129 cm
Length:	82.7 inches 210 cm
Width:	40.9 inches 103 cm
Height (steering wheel):	46.9 inches 119 cm
Height (hood):	40.9 inches 103 cm
Clearance (front axle):	13.7 inches 34 cm
Clearance (rear axle):	14.2 inches 36 cm

 

[jeff9366]

You can attempt to disc wirth a subcompact tractor but I doubt pan penetration will exceed 2" with the disc weight a 4-WD subcompact tractor can pull. Most perennial weeds and brush have roots deeper than 2" and will survive. A 2-WD subcompact tractor will have less disc pulling capacity than a 4-WD subcompact tractor.

Disc moist soil for optimum pan penetration.

A single bottom 12" size moldboard plow will likely penetrate 5" to 6" but it may be tricky finding a used turning plow that will fit the Three Point Hitch on your subcompact tractor. New plows for subcompact tractors are available from everythingattachements.com in North Carolina for $860 delivered.

LINK: https://www.everythingattachments.com/EA-Subcompact-Tractor-12-Plow-p/eta-12-subcmpplow.htm




A single bottom 12" size moldboard plow will likely penetrate 5" to 6" but it may be tricky finding a used turning plow that will fit the Three Point Hitch on your subcompact tractor.

I see in your tractor specs that UNUSUALLY your subcompact tractor has ground clearance of 14". A single bottom 12" plow for a compact tractor MAY fit OK. The unusually tall wheels on your subcompact tractor reduce pulling ability somewhat.

 

[oosik]

I wish I had a heavier disk - but I don't. Land Pride - DH1048. If I plan ahead - just as things start to firm up - in the spring. Put my 400# concrete cube on the disk and go slowly. Otherwise - a waste of time and fuel.

I've turned the soil - later in the year. First with my Pittsburg single bottom moldboard plow - then the weighted disk.

 

[jaxs]

One thing you can be sure of when asking advice on TBN is an abundance whether it fit's the circumstance or not. If you will take time to say A. What you want from the land as in hay,grazing,wildlife cover or whatever B. What kind of plants are present (desiriable and undesirable) C. Whether max production or minimal maintenance is primary importance,I believe you will get better advice.

 

[Doughknob]

Just want to "cut up the grass?" Mow only and let it lay.

 

[jay3534]

Can't burn as I always have breeze. Good reminder on dormant seeds. I'll just mow.

Thanks for the replies