Week 3 Pasture Establishment

Question 1

Describe what is meant by pasture establishment

Answer 1

2 Step Process
Germination and emergence
Persistence and production in the following year`

Question 2

Outline the preparations (there is four) required before sowing a pasture

Answer 2

Assess Current Pasture -Botanical compositiont, determine why it became degraded, Can in be rejuvenated

Weed Control - requires prevention of seed set in previous year to dec. seed bank, (Pasture topping. hay, silage, crash Graze)

Insect pest control
Seedling are most susceptable and legumes more vulnerable
RLEM

Soil Testing
pH, Top and Sub soil, Phosphorus and phosphorus buffering Index

Question 3

Describe two general principles in creating a pasture sowing mix.

Answer 3

What is needed and what can grow

Dont mix fast and slow establishing species

DOn’t overcomplicate the mixture
Sowing rates differ due to seed size

Question 4

Outline the importance in legume inoculation and explain some of the potential problems with the inoculation process

Answer 4

Rhyzobium innoculation fixes nitrogen for the legumes

Several types, peat slurry, freexze dried, coated seed, granular innioculation

Rizobia don’t tolerate low soil pH = lime pelleting seed

Store innoculant at low temp and sow ASAP

Innoculant adds up to 50% more side wt so dont so to kg/Ha

Question 5

Describe the three factors that determine when sowing should occur

Answer 5

Soil Water
Temperature
Plant Development

Question 6

Annual species time of sowing

Answer 6

In time for seed set

Question 7

Perennial species time of sowing

Answer 7

To reach reproductive growth before stress point (temp or moisture)

Question 8

Ideal sowing depth

Answer 8

10 mm and with good soil contact

Question 9

Outline the main sowing methods of pastures and what risks are associated with each

Answer 9

Surface Sowing (Aerial)

Problems with seed-soil contact for moisture
Dec. germ and emergence as most seed is lost
Weeds are major issue- inc. herb application

Direct Drill

Less fuel than conventional

Reduces risk of erosion

Fully cultivated seed bed

Gives optimum seed-soil contact for moisture

May give better results when surface would otherwise be too uneven

Soil issues- erosion - wind, water, soil structure
Time Fuel

Question 10

important components of a direct drilling machine.

Answer 10

Ground penetration
SOw at shallow depth
Ground fallowing ideal
SOil and seed consolidation

Question 11

Describe the 8 guidelines for successful direct drilling a

Answer 11

Kill old sward
Reduce Biomass of old sward
Time of year
Select seed of high vigor
Select correct machinery
Ensure seed is covered and slits monitored
Post emergent
Manage young sward for persistance

Question 12

Outline post sowing management of pastures including the use of herbicides

Answer 12

Legume- Trifloralin - pre sowing
Options for broadleaf and grass pect control

Grass Pastures- No pre sowing
Control broadleafs

Question 13

When to use cover crop

Answer 13

ASandy soil
Cost offeset
Crop offers protection for pasture
Huge competiong differential