Maintenance of Forages - Forage Management Unit - Lecture Slides, Slides of Biology

Download Maintenance of Forages - Forage Management Unit - Lecture Slides and more Slides Biology in PDF only on Docsity! Forage Management Unit for Adults Lesson 3: Renovation and Maintenance of Forages Docsity.com Direction and Purpose to: • Understand which forage crops are compatible • Become familiar with advantages and disadvantages of various crops • Realize various equipment needs for forage renovation and maintenance Docsity.com Equipment Utilized in Renovation • Pasture Renovator aerates soil and breaks up root-bound plants and thatch • Harrow Breaks up thatch and manure piles Docsity.com continued… • Brush cutter Cuts up brush Clips plants to uniform height Proper timing helps with weed control Docsity.com continued… • Roller Pushes rocks into ground for smoother field surface for later cutting • Sickle Mower Clips weeds and pasture to uniform height Docsity.com Pest Control Methods • Biological Control – Friendly Competitors and/or Predators can help eliminate problems • Cultural Control – Timing and location may prevent problems Docsity.com Pest Control Methods (continued) • Mechanical Control – Brushcutting & digging thistles fit here. • Chemical Control – Sometimes “quick and easy” but not always a long term fix to the problem. *No matter what type of pest… Beware of pesticide resistance Docsity.com Controlling Weed Pests • Various areas to be concerned with: Grass pastures Hayfields Fence rows Livestock consumption Legume crops Docsity.com Controlling Disease Pests • Some diseases affecting forage crops: Sclerotinia Crown Rot Stem Rot Tall Fescue Endophyte Nutrient Deficiency Diseases Docsity.com Pasture Fertilization • Taking Proper Soil Tests are the only way to know what you have • Use fertilizing recommendations Docsity.com Alternatives to Commercial Fertilization • Animal manure as fertilizer • Food processing plant waste • Broiler/Poultry litter Docsity.com