Following up on the Corn Agronomy 101 blog, here is the second portion from our intended Corn and Forage meeting!

Image Source: BrettYoung Seeds, https://www.brettyoung.ca/forage-seed
Seeding Timing
Forages can be seeded at any point in the growing season, but there are different risk and factors to take into consideration.
Early spring typically provides the greatest amount of moisture and the best chance at establishment . In midsummer, more weeds can be left to germinate and killed prior to seeding but moisture is a concern and may or may not be adequate depending on the year. Leaving seeding until late fall is considered the riskiest of options. The plants may establish prior to winter, but the spring run off and freeze/thaw cycles can cause significant seedling damage and a reduction in plant stand.
Early spring typically provides the greatest amount of moisture and the best chance at establishment . In midsummer, more weeds can be left to germinate and killed prior to seeding but moisture is a concern and may or may not be adequate depending on the year. Leaving seeding until late fall is considered the riskiest of options. The plants may establish prior to winter, but the spring run off and freeze/thaw cycles can cause significant seedling damage and a reduction in plant stand.
Seeding Depth & Rates
For the best stand and germination results, seed should be place into a firm seedbed be to ensure seed-soil contact. Ideally, ¼ - ½ inch are the best depths to seed at. If in doubt, it’s better to go shallow than deep. Seeding rates should be based on the target amount of plants per square foot. Since forage seedlings are weak, seeding 4x the desired plant population is a good method.
Horizon Fertilizers along with BrettYoung Seeds have a blend calculator that provides an estimate of seeds/f2 of various species.
Horizon Fertilizers along with BrettYoung Seeds have a blend calculator that provides an estimate of seeds/f2 of various species.
By soil zone, here are the minimum recommendations:
· 18-20seeds/f2 in the Brown Soil zone
· 20-25seeds/f2 in the dark brown soil zone
· 25-30 seeds/f2 in the black/grey-wooded zone
· 30-40seeds/f2 under irrigation
· 18-20seeds/f2 in the Brown Soil zone
· 20-25seeds/f2 in the dark brown soil zone
· 25-30 seeds/f2 in the black/grey-wooded zone
· 30-40seeds/f2 under irrigation
Forage Fertility on New Stands
Alberta Agriculture has a fantastic guideline table that we often reference. For a new stand, it’s best to consider higher rates of phosphorous, potassium, and sulphur. With phosphorous, keep in mind that the max amount of P2O5 that can safely seed placed is 15lb/ac. We highly recommend soil testing prior to seeding to ensure the correct nutrients are be applied and the crop potential may is maximized.
Broadcasting On Established Pastures
For grass stands, the highest nutrient requirement is nitrogen. If soil tests on established tests reveal a deficiency and soil moisture is good, the plants will respond significantly to an application. If moisture conditions are drier than normal, the fertility rate should be decreased.
Spring has the greatest amount of moisture so is the best time to broadcast nitrogen. The ideal timing is prior to active grass growth. If there is plans to do more than one cut on the field in the year, the total nitrogen amount can be split with the second application happening after the first cut occurs.
With alfalfa/grass stand it is more likely that phosphorous is the limiting factor. A soil test is also encouraged for to determine the current soil nutrient levels. If deficient, the best time to broadcast is early spring when there is sufficient moisture conditions. A yearly application of 20-40lbs/ac P2O5 is recommended to maintain the crop removal rates with a known deficiency.
Spring has the greatest amount of moisture so is the best time to broadcast nitrogen. The ideal timing is prior to active grass growth. If there is plans to do more than one cut on the field in the year, the total nitrogen amount can be split with the second application happening after the first cut occurs.
With alfalfa/grass stand it is more likely that phosphorous is the limiting factor. A soil test is also encouraged for to determine the current soil nutrient levels. If deficient, the best time to broadcast is early spring when there is sufficient moisture conditions. A yearly application of 20-40lbs/ac P2O5 is recommended to maintain the crop removal rates with a known deficiency.
Image Source: BrettYoung Seeds, https://www.brettyoung.ca/forage-seed
Cover Crops
Generally, cover crops are not a recommended practice with establishing forages*. Adding another crop creates competition and decreases the chance of proper establishment. If a cover crop is the desired route, it is advised to reduce the cover crop seeding rate from 1/3-1/2 the normal seeding rate. Later in season, the cover crop should be removed early as green feed.
*Where soil erosion is an issue, cover crops have been found to be beneficial.
*Where soil erosion is an issue, cover crops have been found to be beneficial.
The following information has been adapted from prior BrettYoung Seeds presentations and the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture. This blog is intended to be only a guideline with practices to remember and prepare for. If you're planning on seeding forages this year, give us a call at Horizon Fertilizers and we'd be happy to answer any questions!