According to Heckman, summer-annual grasses are characterized by rapid growth in late spring and summer and can be used as pasture, greenchop, silage and hay. No-till equipment can be used successfully in stubble or grass sods. Seed should be broadcast and harrowed, lightly disked, or seeded with a grain drill. Fertilization should be based on a soil test with the required phosphorus and potassium incorporated prior to seeding. The remaining N should be divided equally and applied after each grazing or cutting.
Rotational grazing increases the quality and quantity of forage harvested.
Keith Johnson, Purdue Extension Forage Specialist, offers these timely tips to put more dollars in your pocket. Ensure equipment is operational so hay can be harvested without rain damage at the proper stage of maturity. Store hay of the highest quality under the best storage conditions. Employ a rotational stocking system so a portion of the field can be harvested as stored feed in the spring. A rotational grazing system benefits the forage plants by allowing a rest from the stress of grazing.