rejuvenate pasture

[Jack]

hello, I would like to get some input on rejuvenating my goat pasture this spring,The pasture is pretty old, I need your expert experience. I was thinking of hooking my 28a disc to the cub and angle the disc all the way, and just disc the pasture, then over seed with either orchard grass seed or get a goat formula seed mix? or do you think I should just rototill the pasture and seed then roll it?
thank you in advance for your help.
Jack

[Slim140]

In our area there are a couple places you can rent a no till drill and reseed. Are your goats going to be on or off the pasture when you reseed it?

[Jack]

the goats are going to be off the field

[Eugene]

Soil test this winter. Local University Extension office for containers, how to, and price. Depending on soil test results may have to lime or fertilize.

Depending on existing grass and weeds, I might herbicide, burn it down as soon as the vegetation starts growing.

No till. From your machinery list, appears you have most of the machines to do the tasks. Depending on how many acres, you might need to purchase a 12 volt seed spreader and 12 volt 15 gallon herbicide sprayer with boom.

I have owned the same 12 volt seeder and the same 12 volt sprayer with boom for 15 to 20 years. The 12 volt sprayer gets frequently used, some times a dozen or so times a year.

[outdoors4evr]

Since your title says rejuvenate pasture, I would think you would want to turn the soil with a plow and disk it before planting.
Since it is pasture land, turning the old feces under would be good for the soil. Soil test would be very helpful, just remember that the top 2" may have very different results than the deeper soil. Might need to test the top 2" and treat, then plow it under and treat according to a sample from the deeper soil.

[Don McCombs]

Many publications on the internet related to pasture renovation. Here's one of them...

http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/418/418-134/418-134.html

[Jack]

I am considering put herbicide on the field this spring , how long should I wait, before I disc and seed, after I spray the herbicide on the field?
also how long should I wait before I turn the goats out in the field?
thank you
Jack

[Don McCombs]

... how long should I wait, before I disc and seed ...

Times vary by the herbicide. Go by the label directions.

[Eugene]

Other great local resources are the US Dept. of Agriculture and Univ. Extension offices.

To many variables to provide a direct answer. The burn down rate for generic Roundup is 10 to 14 days and may take two applications. When to turn the goats back in, 6 to 8 weeks after seeding; moisture, sprouting time, growth rate per seed type, etc..

Example. I have a thistle problem. Thistle seeds remain viable in the soil for 20 years. Disturbing the soil brings up seeds. For me the most effective way of controlling thistles is to spot spray. I over seed the pasture and try not to disturb the soil.

Another thought, rotational grazing. If you can divide up your pasture into 4 or more areas, you can rejuvenate one section at a time.

[Jack]

thank you guys for all the good information. I will do some more research, and hopefully have some happy goats this spring.

[SONNY]

Soil testing is done at the 6" depth and BEFORE you disturb the ground!---This will give a more accurate reading! ( IF there is anything accurate bout soil tests!!!! LOL!!!) thanks; sonny

[Jack]

thank you

[Eugene]

Your state university that supports agriculture will either have a lab to test soil or/and an accredited list of soil testing companies. You need to check with your state university for a list of types of soil tests and prices.

When you submit soil samples, you will most likely have to fill out a questionnaire indicating the intended crop or usage. The soil sample is very accurate for the soil sample location. However, soil can/will vary within a few feet of the sample location.

The idea is that sample tests will provide the general requirements to bring the soil condition up to your intended use.

You didn't state the size of the goat pasture. If over an acre you will need several to quite a few samples.

If the goat pasture is very large, make a sketch of the area indicating the location of each soil test hole and soil sample number.

Opinion. Soil sample tests are worth the expense.

[Don McCombs]

http://agsci.psu.edu/aasl/soil-testing/ ... ty-testing
Roar, Lions, Roar.

[BIGHOSS]

Fall is the best time here in TN to seed lawns, pastures and hay fields. Spring time not so good. Easy to establish a good stand of grass in spring but hot weather will kill new grass before the roots can take hold, so I prefer fall. But the seeding process is the same for fall or spring.

My method is to run over the ground one or two times with my shop fabricated aerator, then scatter the seeds fairly thick and then use the aerator again hooked in tandem with a cultipacker to push the seeds into the sod.
Works well with lots of rainfall, but a dry fall it's not so good.
Just my 2 cents.