This month, I’d like to share some helpful methods to enhance your hay crop. These suggestions include:
1. Aeration
2. Fertilization
3. Overseeding
4. Weed Control
5. Rodent Control
Please note, these are recommendations to consider. If you’re satisfied with your current hay yield, there’s no need to invest in additional equipment or chemicals.
**1. Aeration**
Aeration is best done during the growing season and is typically performed using a tractor-mounted implement for quicker results. In dry conditions, an aerator (also called a renovator) breaks up the soil, allowing moisture and essential minerals to penetrate deeper. There are several types of aerators:
– Knife and coulter type: penetrates deeply, allowing better moisture and mineral absorption.
– Drum and spike type: effective but less deep penetration.
– Vibrating type: very effective but more expensive.
Alternatively, planting turnips and large radishes in the fall can naturally aerate the soil as they decompose in spring and summer, adding nitrogen and organic matter.
**2. Fertilization**
Fertilization generally improves both yield and quality. Liquid petroleum-based fertilizers often act faster and can be blended with herbicides for weed control. Dry fertilizers, available in bulk or bags, are popular and can also contain herbicides; applying them before rain helps reduce loss.
To avoid wasting fertilizer, consider using GPS or other methods to prevent overlapping or skipping areas. A soil test before fertilizing is highly recommended. You might be surprised by the recommended amounts, but many growers apply only 50-76% of the suggested rate and still see good results.
Organic fertilizers are available but tend to be more expensive and slower acting. For those interested in organic options, many companies offer both dry and liquid fertilizers—information readily available online.
**3. Overseeding**
If your grass is thin in some areas, overseeding can help achieve a more uniform yield. If you don’t have access to a no-till drill or tractor-pulled seeder, check with local companies or individuals who might provide this service.
Mechanical seeding improves seed-to-soil contact, increasing germination success. Alternatively, lightly disc the weak areas and broadcast seed by tractor or handheld spreader. After seeding, drag the area with something like an old gate, chained tires, or railroad ties to cover the seed.
Always check the germination percentage with your seed dealer to avoid purchasing non-viable seed. You can also blend grass seed with dry fertilizer for planting.
**4. Weed Control**
Every pound of weed removed is replaced by grass, so controlling weeds is beneficial, though it can be costly. Weed control can be done by herbicides or mowing. Mowing works well but may delay your yield by a few weeks. Mow low when weeds are 4 to 6 inches tall, and you may need to mow twice to remove them completely.
Herbicides come in two types: pre-emerge and post-emerge. Pre-emerge herbicides are applied in early spring and work well. Post-emerge herbicides should be applied when temperatures reach the upper 70s to low 80s. Always spray weeds early while they are actively growing.
**5. Rodent Control**
Rodents such as moles and voles can damage your hay field or pasture by creating large dirt mounds, reducing yield, attracting snakes, and causing wear on your equipment and livestock.
Control methods include using handheld poison injectors to apply poison directly into or around mounds, or more expensive three-point mounted poison injection machines. Both methods are effective, and maintaining a rodent-free hay meadow saves time and improves quality and yield.
Wishing you a successful and productive spring!
Phil Livengood
President, Small Farm Innovations
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