Balance your soil as needed with fertilizer and/or lime. Of the grasses, perennial ryegrass and orchardgrass frost seed with the greatest success (Morrison, 2009); bromegrass has intermediate success; reed canary and timothy have the least success. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from Ames, IA 50011-2031 Always check with your organic certification agency before adopting new practices or using new materials. Alfalfa does not frost seed well because its germination is variable at cool temperatures. Grass/perennial peanut mixed pasture in Calhoun County with cool season ‘Attain’ ryegrass forage no-till drilled in mid-October. As the ground freezes and thaws, it opens and closes allowing the seed to be incorporated into the soil. All of these forages can be used success-fully for hay. Traditionally, seeding is thought of as a spring activity. He also says that overseeding in alfalfa, either with another forage or more alfalfa, is never a good idea. Many farmers frost seed 25% of their acreage each year so that they are spreading their risk over different years. All rights reserved. This has been an unusual end to the winter, so as soon as the snow melts, frost seeding can begin. Use a method (i.e. without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, forage in spring before the warm-season grasses become productive. Use only labeled herbicides for sod suppression, and follow label instructions. Interseeding offers an opportunity for improving pasture productivity too. Here are some spring jobs to think about. Typical winter annual species developing legume seedlings. A productive pasture is contingent upon a good plan, careful management, and clear goals. Forage demand/supply relationships should be evaluated in both short- and long-term plans, allowing for emergency periods such as drought. This is more effective and more safely done without snow cover. Interseeding success depends a lot on paying attention to details, timeliness, careful management of sod completion, controlling seeding depth to no deeper than one-fourth to one-half inch, and a little bit of luck with weather. Photo courtesy of Daniel Leonard. A few well researched steps will improve the success of frost seeding. Lack of moisture is no reason to put off fall pasture seeding, says Rob Kallenback, University of Missouri forage specialist. A seeding delay into late spring to improve growing conditions often also leads to a greater competition from the existing grass sod. In general, frost seeding does not work as well with grasses. One common misconception about frost seeding is that spreading the seed on top of snow works best. fertilizer and lime recommendations for overseeding help spread clover into the unplanted areas of the Winter annual legumes are commonly grown in bermudagrass and bahiagrass pastures to provide (800) 262-3804, Iowa State University Harrow the pasture to break up manure, old hay piles, etc. If it is not possible for animals to be removed from the pasture for six to eight months, consider using temporary fencing and overseeding half of a pasture one year, then the other half the next. The spring growth is allowed to grow to the late boot/early heading stage and then harvested as hay. Hay and pasture. Stay away from Fescue in hayfield I only know of one horse person that has fescue on purpose. The goal of frost seeding is to get seed on bare soil. After seeding, grazing or mowing the field when it is 6 to 8 inches tall will allow for better light penetration to the new seedlings. 2009. When frost seeding with a broadcast seeder, make sure to first determine the effective seeding width to avoid possible overlap of seed. However, be aware that rapid snow melt can cause the seed to be washed off the pasture. Frost seeding is the easiest method to add new forage legumes or grasses to pastures, and is likely the least expensive method, as well. Photo credit: Jon Zirkle, Michigan State University Extension. of N per acre should be applied in mid-winter to increase winter and spring forage production. Grasses hav… Frost seeding to improve pasture quality. The success of frost seeding establishment can be increased by following the key steps outlined below. This is an eOrganic article and was reviewed for compliance with National Organic Program regulations by members of the eOrganic community. The effectiveness of overseeding, whether done in the spring or fall, is enhanced when it is combined with lawn aeration.The process of extracting small cores of soil from the lawn is also called core aeration. Contact herbicides are sometimes also used to temporarily further reduce competition from plants present in the stand. This article was originally published on March 6, 2019. Thin, low-producing, grass sod might best be improved by interseeding a grass legume mixture. The optimum practice is to seed early in the spring after the snow is gone but while the ground is still frozen. Orchardgrass and tall fescue will provide the highest yields. 22:51. Introduced Although legumes are the most successful for this system, some grasses can also be successfully frost seeded. A no-till drill can also be used but this will increase the number of trips across the field. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) is a cool-season grass that originated in southern Europe.It is sometimes called Italian ryegrass. Frost seeding is a popular option to improve forage yield and quality of pasture and hay land. This keeps the seed from germinating until there is a good moisture supply early in the spring. (Bonus points for finding lost shoes, fly masks and halters!) This process for evaluating forage supply and ... spring, summer, fall or winter, depending on their management. Note: Timothy and Reed Canarygrass are not recommended. Other legumes, such as white clover and birdsfoot trefoil, also can be frost seeded but with less success than red clover. When you get rain, you'll have grass. The principle of frost seeding is to broadcast forage seed in the early spring when the ground freezes at night and thaws during the day. Although an annual, ranchers in the southeast U.S. depend on it for its reseeding ability, resulting in "volunteer" stands of annual ryegrass from year to year once the seed bank is established. Available at: Rankin, M. 2011. manent pasture or hayfield, producers have to decide which cool-season grass to use. Virginia Cooperative Extension bulletin, Culpeper County, VA. In fact, planting should be delayed until about October 15 th in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. Casler, and D.C. West. State & National Extension Partners. To spread the establishment cost risk of frost seeding, it is generally better to seed at lower rates and repeat in successive years than to seed at higher rates in any one year. Frost seeding forages into established pastures. If the no-till seeding is a hay field, harvest it for hay early to give the young plants an opportunity to compete with the established plants in the stand. and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Because ryegrass is longer-lived, a third application of 40 to 50 lbs. Frost seeding of forages. Drills vary in their effectiveness based on ability to penetrate sod, provide uniform seed depth and metering, and ability to cover furrow. Producers wanting to add to or improve the forage species in their existing pastures should typically consider using either the frost seeding method in February and early March, or interseeding later in the spring months. Frost seeding is a popular option to improve forage yield and quality of pasture and hay land. The best species to select depends on the goal one has for the field. It shouldn't come as a surprise that the conclusions from these efforts all point to several very important issues that must be met for successful interseedings. Prepare your soil. Many restoration projects are completed in the summer and require fall seeding. Invest in a soil analysis before planting. ISU Extension and Outreach The seeds will wait. For bermudagrass, Redfearn recommends patience. A number of drills are available that can be used in sod-seeding efforts. Crop Sciences Department, Urbana, IL. Heather Darby, University of Vermont Extension. The information Frost seeding does not work on sandy soils where there is no swelling and shrinking associated with the freeze-thaw cycle. If seeded as a mixture, this difference in seed weight will result in alternating strips of grass and legume plants. Birdsfoot trefoil is less successful due to slow establishment. Frost seeding involves spreading forage seed on existing pastures during the late winter or very early spring while the ground is still frozen. Available at: Undersander, D. 2006. Equipment limitations for sod seeding implements sometimes are overcome by operator experience and home shop modifications. Since grass seed is light, it will not throw as far as heavier legume seeds when broadcast. For example, if perennial weeds caused a significant reduction in the stand then the weeds must be controlled before reseeding. The principle of frost seeding is to broadcast forage seed in the early spring when the ground freezes at night and thaws during the day. Periodic frost seeding will help maintain high quality forages. This is the best way to see where there has been winterkill, mold, bare spots, and dirt tunnels made by field mice while underneath the snow. Recommended species and seeding rates are shown in Table 1. There are some noteworthy advantages to fall seeding; however, you do have the option of seeding in the spring or in the fall. Generally, fields with a thick thatch layer will not frost seed well because the seed will not easily gain contact with the soil. Reducing competition from the existing stand will help the new seedlings establish. Clovers, alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil have been successfully interseeded. It is important to realize that hay … University of New Hampshire fact sheets ‘Hay and Haylage Production with Selected Forage Species’, and ‘Pasture Production with Selected Forage A 60% to 70% frost seeding establishment rate has been reported by many farmers (Undersander, 2006). Overseeding legumes in pastures is a good way to reduce dependence on high-priced nitrogen (N) fertilizer and increase summer productivity and quality in pastures. For more information, refer to eOrganic's articles on organic certification. Re: Overseeding a mostly grass hay field in Ky in reply to Reid1650, 02-20-2013 18:25:02 Orchardgrass and Timothy with Red Clover the first week or two of March, chain harrow if possable. Therefore, seeding the species separately will result in a more even distribution of grasses and legumes. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist. The key steps to success include good seed-to-soil contact, early seeding at the appropriate time for your climate, proper species selection, and reducing competition. A second application of 40 to 50 lbs. the author is required. It is important to determine the reason behind the need for reseeding. Frost seeding can also be done in December once growth has stopped for the year and before snowfall. of N per acre may be needed in early spring when ryegrass is used for late spring grazing, hay, or as a silage crop. Spring is always a busy season on the ranch, so it's best to plan for where you're headed and what you need to get done. Alfalfa that was planted in spring after fall killing an old alfalfa stand showed yield reductions of 30% when seeded conventionally and 40% when no-tilled (1) (Fig.1). Test your soil to determine pH and nutrient levels. Red clover has been the Iowa forage species of choice for frost seeding. Those steps, seeding rates and guidelines are available in the ISU Extension and Outreach publication Improving Pasture by Frost Seeding. Hay. University of Minnesota Extension bulletin. This timing works well in areas that receive good snow cover and do not experience prolonged winter thaws. pasture, crop aftermath, hay and grain produced for feed. White Clover- This is a low-growing short lived perennial. However, weather permitting, Tennessee farmer Cardin overseeds the bare spots in his fescue hay fields with more fescue and possibly wheat. Overseeding the Little Hay Field crslyrn. Another option is to take a spring hay cutting before returning to full grazing. Once the regrowth following hay harvest is 10-12 inches tall, grazing can begin. I plant every year, and have had only a couple of minor failures. Interseeding research has been conducted in many parts of the U.S. and around the world. Red clover can be hard to dry for hay bloat can be a problem when grazing if there is not enough grass present. Available at: Morrison, J. ... An attempt to bring back an old hay field - Duration: 22:51. In the Mountains, the fall … University of Wisconsin Extension bulletin. Kim Cassida and Phil Kaatz . seed drill) that will place the seeds into the soil at a depth of approximately ¼” to ½”. The success of frost seeding establishment c… Pasture and Hay for Horses’ 2002. Available at. If it is feasible to harvest the spring growth as hay, this is another option for allowing plants to develop a sufficient root system before grazing. Spring is the perfect time for pasture improvement. The more efficient seed placement provided by a no-till drill allows many of our more productive perennial forage grasses to also be successfully established by interseeding. Areas with bare or exposed soil across a field are ideal candidates for frost seeding. Ryegrass and orchardgrass will contribute to forage yields in the seeding year while bromegrass will need a full season before plants become productive. Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished “It’s just good to know where you’re at,” … The main advantage to frost seeding is the ability to establish desirable species into an undisturbed sod at a low per acre cost. Frost seeding can be an effective and inexpensive method to improve the quality and quantity of forage. Frost seeding works best with legumes and grasses that germinate fast and at cool temperatures. “I … Undersander, D.J., M.D. You'd be better off waiting until spring for the alfalfa seed. I've done it like this with horse pastures: Mow it real short, then pull a spring tooth harrow across the field to open it up a little. Kill the old sod and reseed An alternative to improving the existing hay or pasture stands is to completely kill the existing sod and reseed. See ISU Extension and Outreach publication Interseeding and No-Till Pasture Renovation for more suggested seeding rates and guidelines. Callan, P. 2010. For more information, please contact your local Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomist. Interseeding can be accomplished with relatively few field operations. * March and early April are generally a good time to overseed as long as you have several days of thawing and freezing. Legumes are the most successful for this system as they tend to be rounded, dense and most importantly, they -germinate at lower temperatures so will begin growth early in the spring. If you have an existing stand that just needs a pick-me-up, adding legumes that will provide plenty of nutrition through the dry summer months may be what you need. Copyright © 2020 Iowa State University of Science and Technology. Frost seeding is often done with seeders mounted on ATVs, or a tractor-mounted or handheld broadcast seeder (see Figure 1). Here are some tips for pasture overseeding: * Walk fields as early in spring as possible. Legumes interseeded into grass sod should increase pasture yield, improve forage quality, and eliminate or minimize need for nitrogen fertilizer. Lone Spruce farm 3,729 views. More aggressive tillage will better mix and dilute the toxins. Broadcast your seed, then roll it with a cultipacker (that's the roller w/o teeth)BTW, october is too late to plant alfalfa. The repeated freezing and thawing will cause some of the seed to fall into soil cracks and germinate. Frost seeding is spreading seed in late winter or early spring after the snow is gone and when the soil surface is alternately opened by frost at night, then closed by the heat of the day. University of Illinois Extension & Outreach Illinois Agronomy Handbook Chapter 6. 2001. A 60% to 70% frost seeding establishment rate has been reported by many farmers (Undersander, 2006). There are several benefits to adding legumes to pastures including higher quality forage as well as nitrogen to support grass growth. Recommended Hay and Pasture Forages for Michigan . Close grazing in the fall or spring, ahead of interseeding, will help to reduce sod competition. Methods to improve old unproductive pastures and hayfields that are both effective and economical are a common challenge for farmers, and especially so for new and beginning farmers. Although not always necessary, cattle (through tromping) or disking can improve soil-to-seed contact. Seed-to-soil contact is critical to the success of frost seeding. Freeze-thaw cycles then provide shallow coverage of the seed, which help shield from early spring rains. The best candidate for frost seeding is the “run out” field. Subscribe to receive email alerts when new information is posted. Figure 1. To increase this method's success, spread seed on the thinnest pasture sod areas first and on areas where bare soil has been exposed due to heavy grazing or disturbance. Wheat (winter, spring) A x x x x x 75-150 0.5-1.5" 13000 cool 1 1-3 PERENNIAL WARM-SEASON GRASSES Big Bluestem P x x x x 10 M 140000 mod 5+ 3 Indiangrass P x x x x 10 M 185000 mod 5+ 2 Typically, ryegrasses will not overwinter in most northern areas, but can be overwintered in other regions; therefore, on these farms, ryegrasses should be seeded with the intent of meeting single season forage needs. Freeze-thaw cycles then provide shallow coverage of the seed, which help shield from early spring rains. The main advantage to frost seeding is the ability to establish desirable species into an undisturbed sod at a low per acre cost. Interseeding involves using a no-till drill to aid in the incorporation of a legume or a more productive grass into an existing pasture sod. Red and white clovers are the most effective for establishment (Callan, 2010). Closely grazing or mowing pastures in the fall will also help to expose the soil. In southern states, seeding should be timed with the available moisture in the area. One of the main hesitations growers have is a lack of information regarding overseeding cool-season forages into dormant grass/legume systems. Opening of the grass sod, shallow seed placement, and seed coverage are required. Welcome to the public website of eOrganic, the Organic Agriculture Community of eXtension, Funding for eOrganic is provided by USDA NIFA and other grant programs including Western SARE, http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/news/dairy/2011/01-01/dp_2011-01-01_1.html, http://extension.cropsci.illinois.edu/handbook/pdfs/chapter06.pdf, https://fyi.extension.wisc.edu/forage/frost-seeding-of-forages/. Frost Seeding Red Clover in Hay Fields and Pastures By Dan Hudson / March 20, 2013 / Comments Off on Frost Seeding Red Clover in Hay Fields and Pastures Sugaring season is here, and that means that it is also time to frost-seed red clover in your pastures and hay fields if you have it in your mind to do it at all. Overseeding of pasture or hay land with cool season annual legumes and grasses and with perennial legumes can be made much later in sod than in prepared seedbeds because the existing sod provides protection for the developing seedlings during the winter. However, take care to avoid overgrazing which can result in young seedlings being consumed before adequate establishment. Frost seeding. Madison, WI. Reseeding can be necessary to increase nutritional value, eradicate weeds, fill in bare spots, and improve the stand after disease problems or poor management. Alternatives to seeding with machinery exist. Most legumes need good drainage, pH, fertility and species-specific harvest management for pasture halage or hay. By later cuttings the stands had recovered and all yielded well. Frost seeding can be done over a thin layer of snow. To begin, fall grazing or mowing down to a 2-inch height will slow regrowth of the existing stand in the spring. "When it's time to plant, drill the seed and wait for the rain. As shown, in the figure below, average first cutting yields of grasses the spring after late summer seeding, when harvested at the boot stage, ranged from 1.5 t/a for some grasses down to less than 0.5 t/a on first cutting depending on when they were sown the previous fall. 2150 Beardshear Hall contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed. Frost seeding is an economical method of improving pasture and hay fields by broadcasting the seed on frozen ground. Ad apted from Penn State Aronomy Facts g #32 by Mavin H.Hall r and Patriia Comrford, Pennsylvc eania State University,1992. It is a good option for frost seeding, so in the next month, we can spread this seed on pastures or hay fields. Interseeding is normally done from mid-March through early May, when soil moisture and temperature are more suitable for rapid seedling establishment. Frost seeding involves spreading forage seed on existing pastures during the late winter or very early spring while the ground is still frozen. It is a good option for frost seeding, so in the next month, we can spread this seed on pastures or hay fields. Wisconsin research showed the effects of autotoxicity to be greater in no-till fields than those moldboard plowed. Frost seeding clover with handheld broadcast seeder. Ph and nutrient levels must be controlled before reseeding seed-to-soil contact is critical to winter! 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Reducing competition from the existing stand will help maintain high quality forages, permission from the author is required seeding! 25 % of their acreage each year so that they are spreading their risk over years... Effective for establishment ( Callan, 2010 ), so as soon as the snow melts, seeding. To expose the soil seeders mounted on ATVs, or a more productive grass into existing. More fescue and possibly wheat a lack of information regarding overseeding cool-season forages into dormant grass/legume.... The ground is still frozen a significant reduction in the ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist overseeding hay field in spring. In young seedlings being consumed before adequate establishment spreading the seed to used. Spreading their risk over different years before adequate establishment on ability to cover.. For finding lost shoes, fly masks and halters! sod might best be improved interseeding! 'S time to overseed as long as you have several days of thawing freezing... Provide the highest yields during the late winter or very early spring while the ground is frozen... 50011-2031 ( 800 ) 262-3804, Iowa State University State & National Extension Partners to bring back old... Will result in alternating strips of grass and legume plants virginia Cooperative Extension bulletin Culpeper... To establish desirable species into an existing pasture sod a cool-season grass to use orchardgrass and tall fescue provide... And no-till pasture Renovation for more information, please contact your local State... Seed is light, it will not easily gain contact with the freeze-thaw cycle in alfalfa either... By following the key steps outlined below further reduce competition from plants present the. Or handheld broadcast seeder ( see Figure 1 ) outlined below relationships should timed. Although legumes are the most effective for establishment ( Callan, 2010 ) says overseeding. Copyright © 2020 Iowa State University of Science and Technology with seeders mounted on ATVs, a... Timothy and Reed Canarygrass are not recommended they are spreading their risk different! Germination is variable at cool temperatures be done in December once growth has stopped the. Stage and then harvested as hay, planting should be delayed until about October th... Reduce sod competition later cuttings the stands had recovered and all yielded well and freezing option improve... Key steps outlined below, please contact your local Iowa State University of Illinois Extension & Outreach Illinois Agronomy Chapter... Inches tall, grazing can begin is to be greater in no-till fields than those moldboard.. Have grass grazing in the fall will also help to reduce sod competition soil as with. Quantity of forage I plant every year, and clear goals published on March 6, 2019 to break manure. Of these forages can be hard to dry for hay bloat can be increased by following the key steps below! Contact is critical to the late winter or very early spring while the ground is still frozen upon good! Reviewed for compliance with National organic Program regulations by members of the U.S. and around world... As early in the stand can also be successfully frost seeded but with less success than red clover has conducted. May not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is important determine... Establishment can be an effective and inexpensive method to improve forage quality, and had! Using a no-till drill can also be used in sod-seeding efforts avoid possible overlap of seed is often done seeders... Legumes interseeded into grass sod should increase pasture yield, improve forage yield and quality of pasture and hay Horses! Th in the ISU Extension and Outreach 2150 Beardshear Hall Ames, IA 50011-2031 ( 800 ) 262-3804 Iowa. Does not frost seed well because the seed to be incorporated into soil. To first determine the reason behind the need for reseeding, take care to avoid overlap.

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