With the announcement of Saskat-chewan Agriculture’s new Conservation Cover Program, many farmers might be growing forages for the first time this spring.
Michel Tremblay, the department’s forage specialist, hopes these farmers first read Saskatchewan Forage Crop Production Guide 2001. It is available at all rural service centres and on the department’s website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca.
“Selection of an appropriate forage species is an important first step in successful forage production. Factors such as soil type, salinity, flooding, desired season of use, longevity of species, end use, quality and yield potential should be considered to make the best choice possible. The forage guide addresses all of these factors,” said Tremblay.
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Forages can be planted in monocultures or mixtures, but monoculture forage crops are generally easier to manage successfully than mixtures. If choosing a mixture, the most important point to remember is to select only species adapted to the site and that complement the production characteristics of the others in the mix.
Seed quality is also important to establishment and subsequent yields. Certified seed will have good germination and seedling vigor, low amounts of weed seeds and will be a recognized variety.
Seeding is best done in the spring. It is critical to seed shallow, one to two centimetres deep, for most forages. A firm seedbed is best, with clean, unworked stubble land being excellent.
“A seeding implement that can deliver low seeding rates without bridging or plugging, and has good depth control, should be used.”
Tremblay said companion crops usually reduce subsequent yield of forage. If choosing a companion crop, however, lower seeding rates at about half of normal in cross-row or alternate-rows will minimize competition. He said companion crops are best cut early for hay, leaving tall stubble.
Good weed control before and during establishment of forage crops is essential for a clean, rapidly established stand. Commercial nitrogen fertilizer will not be needed, however, because well-nodulated forage legumes can grow vigorously without it.
For effective inoculation, each legume or group of legumes requires a unique species of rhizobium.
