Forage crops bring long-term benefits

Forage crops are important. They diversify crops and provide feed for the livestock industry. They provide cover for wildlife. They substantially "build up" the soil and ameliorate many soil degradation problems, such as salinity, erosion and subsoil compaction. Inoculated legumes such as alfalfa and sweet clover provide the soil with additional nitrogen. Your long-term crop rotations should include forages to take advantage of these numerous benefits.

Marginal lands are often best suited to growing forage crops on a permanent basis. Although forage establishment may be difficult and more costly to the producer in the short term, the long-term economics are generally quite favourable on these lands. The Permanent Cover Programs of the past have provided producers with financial assistance to offset the higher costs of forage establishment.

For those planning to seed forages this spring, here are a few important tips:

Use quality forage seed. Certified seed is recommended. Simply stated, you will get what you pay for.

Choose the right forage(s) for your intended use. All forage species have unique growth and production characteristics, environmental tolerances, and wildlife benefits.

Inoculate legumes with the correct rhizobium. Use a sticking agent and inoculate just prior to seeding.

Forages establish best if seeded early in the spring (preferably before annual crops) when cool, moist weather prevails. When seeding early, young forage seedlings are better able to outcompete weeds, withstand grasshopper infestations, and cope with poor weather conditions. Dormant or late-fall seeding (after mid-October) also works well, especially on saline soil and lands where excess soil moisture often delays early spring seeding.

Avoid seeding forages too deep. Most seeding failures are due to seeding too deep. Proper seed placement is easier when seeding into a firm, moist seedbed. Optimum seeding depth is generally .5 to .75 inches.

Seeding equipment must provide adequate seed metering, seed placement and seed packing. Soon after seeding begins, check to make sure equipment is working well and doing an adequate job metering, placing and packing forage seeds. Make adjustments when necessary.

Cover crops compete with forages for light, moisture, and nutrients. They are not recommended in the Brown Soil Zone. If soils are light and cover crops are used, seed the companion crop at 1/2 to 1/4 of the normal rate. Also, cut cover crops early and use them for green feed. Flax and oats are the least competitive cover crops.

Good weed control is a must. Take time to accurately identify all dominant weed populations. Perennial weeds are difficult to eradicate, so begin control practices at least one year before seeding forages. Annual weeds can be effectively controlled in the fall and/or spring.

Inspect fields after seeding. Be patient. Forages develop and establish slowly. Generally three to four forage plants per square foot will provide an adequate stand. Control weeds and pests when necessary. Don't graze forages during the first year.

For more information on forage selection, contact the PFRA office in your district.