How can I improve my hay field?

How do you rejuvenate a hay field?

How can I increase hay production?

The most efficient way to fertilize a hay field is to split-apply N based on the expected yield of the next growth. The actual rate should be 50 pounds N per ton of expected hay yield. Research has shown that splitting N applications can increase N use efficiency 25 to 35 percent and yields by 5 to 10 percent.

What is the best fertilizer for hay fields?

Commonly used N fertilizers for grass hay production include urea, or ammonium sulfate. Urea, with 46% N, is the most concentrated commercial source but must be applied shortly before rain or irrigation to prevent significant loss of the N to the atmosphere as volatile ammonia.

How do you improve poor pasture?

preparing the hay fields for maximum yeild

How can I improve my pasture naturally?

A good method to increase production is by spraying out weeds using a selective herbicide (one that only targets the weeds) leaving the pasture behind. Broadcasting of legume seeds. Broadcasting legume (sub, white clover) seed is a cost effective way of increasing the quality of the pasture.

What are 4 strategies you can use to make your pastures more productive?

Soil test to determine fertility needs. To increase fertility, apply manure or commercial fertilizer, use winter feeding on pastures, increase manure distribution during grazing, or add legumes to the forage stand. Use annuals and winter annuals.

When should I spread fertilizer on hay field?

Hayfields are often best fertilized AFTER the first harvesting of hay or straw. The soil will be depleted of nutrients, and need a little help for the next cutting to grow tall and healthy – especially if the fields are cut three times a year when weather permits instead of the standard two.

How do I put nitrogen in my hay field?

“Apply 50 to 60 pounds per acre of nitrogen on your best grass stands and 30 to 40 pounds per acre on the rest,” he recommends. Thomas suggests a similar amount of nitrogen be applied during August to boost plant carbohydrate levels, which should result in higher yields the following spring.

What does lime do for hay fields?

Lime also improves soil chemistry on sandy soils by increasing cation exchange capacity (CED), allowing sandy soils to retain certain plant nutrients more effectively. Lime supplies calcium and magnesium, promotes soil microbial activity and helps legumes live longer.

How much hay will an acre grow?

Even an average rule of thumb can vary widely by region, soil, and type of hay. For us here in the Midwest, a mixed grass/legume hay can yield anywhere from one to five tons per acre for a full season.

What is the best seed for hay?

Alfalfa- It is probably the best high quality feed for livestock and as a cash crop but it requires deep, well drained soils and high fertility for high yields. While it can be used for grazing, it is best adapted for hay or silage.

Is hay profitable to grow?

He says it costs about $297 per acre to seed and prepare hay ground. “You are going to get more than three years out of that, but if we use three years, that's about $100 per acre per year,” Brown says. “If you are getting $125 per ton for quality hay, you are going to see a profit of $51 per ton, or $204 per acre.

Which is better fertilizer urea or ammonium nitrate?

Overall results have shown ammonium nitrate to be a more effective source of nitrogen than urea and at present prices it costs much the same as urea per unit of nitrogen.

Is it better to fertilize hay fields in the fall or spring?

Timing of fertilizer application is everything. Most hayfields in the upper Midwest are seeded with cool season grasses such as smooth brome, crested wheat grass or intermediate wheat grass. Getting the fertilizer in place prior to plant growth in the spring is ideal.

Is nitrogen good for hay?

In addition to improved yields, added nitrogen will also boost grass protein concentrations, assuming a timely harvest is made. If high-quality hay is the desired end product, the KSU extension specialists suggest pushing nitrogen fertilizer rates to the high end of the recommended range.

Is manure good for hay fields?

Manure is an excellent nutrient source for fertilizing hay fields, especially with current high fertilizer prices. Topdressing hay fields with manure can build soil fertility with on-farm resources and help expand acres for spreading. However, for efficient use of manure some considerations have to be made.

How often should you drag your pasture?

Remember resting the pasture is key to vigorous forage regrowth. Dragging paddocks two to three times a year helps break up manure piles and kill parasites. Often, horses pick an area to defecate in and not graze. Dividing the pasture into smaller paddocks can help solve this problem.

How often should you harrow a pasture?

How often should you harrow pasture? Harrowing is best for ground improvement – but it effectively contaminates much more grazing than piles do. I try and leave mine at least 6 weeks after harrowing. If it's hot and dry, that's enough – although of course if it's warm and wet the grass will grow better.

How can I improve my pasture without fertilizer?

Legumes such as clovers or alfalfa improve pasture nutritive value, distribution of growth during the summer months and provide nitrogen to grasses. Legumes can be added to existing pasture sods by frostseeding or interseeding. Frostseeding is broadcast- ing seed in February or early March in Iowa.

Should you Harrow your pasture?

Harrowing removes dead thatch lifts vegetation up and levels any mole hills. Its job is to allow air movement and root aeration which helps the soil to breathe and improves water infiltration. It reduces disease by exposing fungi and bacteria to sunlight which is essential for the health of the pasture.

What kind of farm makes the most money?

How do you grow quality hay?

What is the most profitable thing to farm?

How do you overseed in hay field?

Overseeding involves using a seed drill or cultipack seeder to sow seed during the growing season in an attempt to improve the composition of a pasture or hayfield. Simply broadcasting seed over the field usually gives poor results. Use a seeder to deposit the seed below the soil surface.