Working Ranch Magazine March/April 2025

pasture management

Big Bluestem – Andropogon gerardii

PLANTING PASTURE When planted, drill rate and depth settings must be accu rate to facilitate satisfactory germination. If the soil is too fluffy when the bed is planted, the seed may be planted too deeply, resulting in sparser emergence. “Planting error is a common reason for unsatisfactory germination,” Fruechte says. “Numerous factors that affect germination include soil condition — too fluffy or too hard packed — lack of moisture, or inaccurate planting rates. Be aware that some grass species can take nearly 20 days to germinate. Be prepared to see some weeds emerge with the grass, too.” Ungerminated seeds can lie dormant in the soil for a long time. If the site’s moisture is low when the seed is planted, it may germinate in the following year. “If it’s dry when the seed is planted, the seed can go through a winter freeze and emerge after a spring freeze and thaw cycle,” Fruechte says. “A high wind event may cause sheering off or blow the grass out of the furrow, resulting in some bare spots. But even in these conditions, there should be some stand.” Once grass emerges, avoiding heavy grazing or clipping will help facilitate its establishment. Both nurse crops and weeds can hinder the growth and development of new grass. “Managing weeds well before planting grass can help

suppress weed growth,” Fruechte says. “Don’t graze, mow, or hay the site tight to the ground in the first year. We usually recommend using a bush hog or clipping the stand high, like six inches, if you cut it the first year. Establishing grass on a new site is a long-term commitment. Don’t get too excited about grazing or cutting it that first year.” One benefit of working with experts like Fruechte, in addi tion to recognizing site issues or advantages, is identifying accurate seeding rates and drill settings. “Setting seeding rates is always tricky,” Fruechte says. “Most of the time, we use a law of averages to determine seed ing rates based on the species in the mix. Using a drill manu facturer’s seeding chart can help calculate planting rates. We also consider calibration calculations in this formula.” An ideal seed mix for a specific site may contain as few as three or as many as 30 grass varieties. For unique grazing plans – such as enhancing milk production or stockpiling forage for winter use – experts like Fruechte can offer the latest recom mendations and research results related to specific seed mixes. “The most important factor in establishing a new forage site is to do it right the first time,” Fruechte says. “Gather the rainfall and soil type data and have clear goals for your forage production. Taking time for these key steps will help you to reach growing goals and to make the most of your investment in the seed and planting activities.”

ADOBE

38 I MARCH 2025 WORKING RANCH audited readers run 21 million head of beef cattle.