Resource or Product?
Forage Management
Unit for Adults
Lesson 2:
Establishing Forages
Direction and Purpose to:

Understand the steps involved in
establishing forages

Determine which forage crops
will produce optimum results in
your situation
Match Plants to Soils
and Climate
What type of soil is present?
Determine soil type by use of:
• County soil survey maps
• Aerial photos
• Soils descriptions
Supply Proper Fertility
 Soil
Testing
 Taking
good samples
 Interpreting and using test
reports
Supply Proper Fertility
 Liming
 Effects
soil acidity
 Proper application methods
and times of year
Supply Proper Fertility

Fertilizing with:
•Nitrogen - N
•Phosphorus - P
•Potassium – K
•Magnesium - Mg
Which Crops Fit the Soil
Type and Climatic Region?

Select a forage species

Based on how the land is utilized

Crop production can be limited by
climatic region
Match Plants to Intended Use
Hay
Pasture
Seed
Silage
Select High Quality Seed
of an Adapted Variety
 To
ensure optimum crop
production
 Utilized
to increase crop yield
and profit
Prepare an Adequate Seedbed

An adequate seedbed increases
the chances of higher crop yields

Custom rates for farm and ranch
services
Inoculate Legume Seed

Introduction of specific
microorganisms into the soil

Enables legume plant to “fix”
nitrogen from soil atmosphere
into form that can be used by
legume or other plants
Use Proven Seeding
Methods
No-till drilling
 Spreading with fertilizer
 Planter

Seed at Right Time with
Correct Amount of Seed
 Examine:
 Seeding
rates
 Seeding dates
 Seeding depths
Conclusions
Recognition of soil types
 Determine intended use of plants
 Understand which forage crops
best fit
 Ability to read a soil test
 Understand what nutrients need
application for establishment

Conclusions
Best method of seeding
 Proper seeding rates
 Optimum seeding dates
 Proper depths for planting
 Government programs available for
aid
