|
North Dakota | I have not taken a soil sample and had it analysed as of yet. I know a smart man would take the results and develop practices that replenish what is needed in your soil. I am not a smart man yet but hope someday to get a little smarter.
Here's what I am thinking. I think most plants grow better when the roots get moisture. Trick then is to create a direct path for that little bit of rain we get to get to the roots, then try to hold it there for as long as possible. Thinking with enough rainfall it will saturate the ground and eventually get to the roots. With a little rain it will not get to the roots before it evaporates from the wind & the sun.
Wind & sun are the enemies, getting every drop into the ground and not letting it wick up and away again is the goal.
That is one very challenging undertaking. I may never realize success in this area but believe there is a way. At any rate, even a failure in this quest is not harmful if you don't promote evaporation.
Weeds are a problem that has not been solved yet although there are no weeds in a good alfalfa stand. I may have to tolerate weeds till I can get to the good alfalfa stand. I will mow the weeds before they go into seed. Till the in for compost when I can get away with it. The 1st year the alfalfa is seeded it only germinates after the weeds take control, the 2nd year the alfalfa plants are already established and will out grow the weeds choking them back.
Cows will eat most weeds if they are put up right. I use weed bales to feed on alkali spots, the cows leave the weeds they don't like and they will walk them into the ground. After a couple of years you will see plants growing on these spots creating an opportunity to get some grass started. It does work, thinking the weeds and manure make it all happen. Cows cannot live on weed bales alone but what they don't eat they use for bedding. Some good hay and minerals are necessary to have a healthy cow.
Planting a cereal crop = $$$$ Weed control = $$ Fertilizer = $$ Total cost = $$$$$$$$ Production has to exceed this total to give you an income.
Planting a "weed suppressing forage crop" is a one time $$$$ the next few years the planting cost goes to Zero. Weed control goes to Zero. Fertilizer still maybe $ Total cost = $$$??? Wouldn't take much production to give you an income.
Thatching & aerating your lawn makes it grow better if done properly. Maybe doing the same to your forage fields will have a positive effect also.
r82230, How do you keep the grass from replacing most of the alfalfa?
| |
|
Alfalfa
