N. C. Practice Job Sheet 512
Prepared for:
Prepared by:
Farm: / Tract: / Date:
Over-seeding warm-season pasture with small grains, or ryegrass, keeps fields productive year-round. Light disking, in late summer, prepares this Bermudagrass pasture for over-seeding.
/Native warm-season grasses can offset summertime declines in cool-season forage production. Use of a native grass drill helps ensure uniform seed distribution and correct planting depth.
May 2003
DEFINITION
Establishment and renovation of forage plants.
PURPOSES
Improvement or maintenance of livestock nutrition and health
Extending the length of the grazing season
Reducing soil erosion caused by wind and/or water
Improving or enhancing wildlife habitat
Plant Selection
Forage selections shall be made from the attached Appendix.
Plant selections will be appropriate for the farm’s operational requirements and the site’s soil and climate.
Site Preparation
Site preparation (including removal of rocks, stumps and other obstructions) shall be the minimum necessary to ensure close contact of seeds or sprigs with the soil and to ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment.
Where practical, establishment methods such as sod seeding or no-till are preferred. When no-till planting in sod, it is essential to graze or clip the existing vegetation to 2-3 inch stubble before drilling seeds. Herbicide may be used to control competing growth, but it is still critical to keep competing vegetation height to a minimum.
Where conventional tillage seedbed preparation is necessary, prepare the seedbed across the dominant slope.
The conventionally prepared seedbed should be firm enough to permit seed placement at the desired depth and protected against erosion. A firm seedbed should hardly reveal adult footprints. This will allow for placement of the seeds at a depth of 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch into the soil. If planting sprigs into prepared seedbed, use a conventional “sprigger” or broadcast and disk cover followed by very good firming of soil around the sprigs. It is good to have about ½ to 1 inch of sprig tip extended above the soil surface following firming of soil.
Drainage ways for surface water shall be left undisturbed or re-vegetated as needed to conserve topsoil.
Lime and Fertilizer
Apply lime and fertilizer according to soil test recommendations.
On conventional seedbeds, incorporate any fertilizer and lime into the topsoil.
When no-till planting, apply nutrients on the soil surface.
Seeds and Sprig Quality
Seed shall conform to the seed laws and regulations of North Carolina.
All seed must have been tested and labeled for purity and germination.
Legume seeds shall be treated with an appropriate inoculant prior to planting.
Planting Criteria
Planting rates, depths and dates are listed on the specification sheet.
Calibrate equipment before planting. Operate planting equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Plant on the contour or across the predominate slope.
A temporary cover or nurse crop may be helpful when planting on very erosive sites or when the target crop is expected to establish slowly.
MULCHING
If mulching is required, obtain additional specifications consistent with NRCS Mulching (484) practice standard.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Evaluate the stress and take appropriate measures to correct. Replanting may be necessary.
Newly seeded areas should be protected from grazing until plants are well established.
During the establishment year, monitor growth of seedlings or sprigs for stress such as shading, nutrient stress, freeze damage, diseases, or weeds.
Carefully mow tops off of competing vegetation (above the height of emerging native grasses) before the pest plants set seed.
Correct use of appropriately labeled pesticide may be needed to control certain causes of plant stress. Consult the NC Cooperative Extension Service for advice on pesticide selection and use.
Once established, forage use of the plantings should be managed according to NRCS Prescribed Grazing (Code 528A) and/or Forage Harvest Management (Code 511) practices.
May 2003
Pasture & Hay Planting Specificationfor NRCS 512/327/342/612, CRP CP-1 and CP-2
Client: ______Tract: ______
Calculate Bulk Seed Needed for PLS Specs. (To be completed by participant.)
Field / (1)Plant from Seed
Use Forage Planting Guide for NC / (2)
Cultivar or Variety / (3)
Per Acre Planting Rate
Use Forage Planting Guide for NC
Indicate if rate
is Bulk or PLS / (4)
Seeding Date / (5)
% Purity
From seed tag
Express as
decimal / (6)
% Germination
From seed tag, or “Ragdoll Test”*
Express as decimal / (7)
Bulk lbs./ac.needed
= (3)/(5x6) / (8)
Acres to be seeded / (9)
Total Bulk lbs. needed
= (7)x(8)
Example 1: Switchgrass / ‘Blackwell’ / 6 lbs. PLS / ac. / 0.95 / 0.52 / 12 BULK lbs./ac. / 12 ac. / 144 BULK lbs.
Example 2: Wheat / variety not stated / 90 lbs. BULK / ac. / - / - / 90 BULK lbs./ac. / 12 ac. / 1,080 BULK lbs.
* The “Ragdoll Test” is a way to verify seed germination rates at home. Consider running this test if the seed tag’s date is more than 9 months old, or if you have performed an artificial stratification process on the seed. Contact NRCS for a copy of the “Ragdoll Test” instructions.
Seedbed Preparation Method(s): ______
______
Additional Specifications: For bulk weight seeding specs., set the planter todrop seed at the rate indicated in column 3. For PLS seeding specs.,set planter todrop seed at the rate indicated in column 8. ______
______
May 2003
Pasture & Hay Planting Map for NRCS 512/327, CRP CP-1 & CP-2
An aerial photo or drawing of the area to be managed can be shown below. Other relevant information, such as complementary practices, or additional specifications may be included.
Additional Specifications and Notes
NOTE: If this specification is provided for a CRP contract, then the Farm Service Agency will furnish specific operation, maintenance and mid-term management requirements that apply to your contract.
May 2003
1
NRCS, NC
MAY, 2003