Rhodes grass production
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/6288661.jpg?199)
Planting Dates:
Autumn planting in October / November
Spring Planting in February / March
Varieties:
Seed bed Preparation:
A fine , even , shallow seed bed (5 cm) with the root zone free of compaction.
Seed Rate:
30 Kg /ha mixed with 150 kg feed barley. Drilled with a grain type seed drill followed by a light flexi coil roller to improve seed to soil contact. Barley germinates first and forms a nurse crop during sward establishment and dies out after two cuts. Seed can also be sown by mixing with soil.
Fertilizers:
In Seed bed:
N : Ammonium Sulphate 60kg/ha N
P: Triple Super Phosphate 500 kg/ha P2O5
k: Potasium Chloride 80 kg /ha K2O.
Dressing during growth:
N : 60kg/ha as Urea twice per cut
P: 75 kg/ha P2O5 once in three months.
Weed Control:
MCPA / 2,4D for broad leaf weed control
Glyphosate for Nut grass and Bermuda grass
Pest Control:
Any contact insecticide for controlling Grass hoppers, Shoot fly & Locust in summer months along with adjuvant.
Irrigation:
Water application rate calculated fron class A pan evaporation. Frequency ranges from 1 to 2 days under Center Pivot irrigation system. Cease irrigation 2 days before cutting.
Field Management:
The sword is sub soiled once or twice in a year, depending on soil type, with a vibrating tined cultivator to a depth of 3- - 35 cm to relieve compaction and encourage vigorous root growth. This practice has maintained commercial yields for 7 years to date without re-seeding.
Hay making:
Cut 8-10 times a year. The crop is ready for cutting when flag leaf is fully developed (60 cm) but before senescence. Cutting height at 8 cm with saucer mower. Spread hay immediately after cutting and expose green material twice daily.
Yield:
30 -40 t/ha Dry Matter is realistic commercial yield in saline soils which at 12% moisture equates to about 40 t/ha of hay.
Autumn planting in October / November
Spring Planting in February / March
Varieties:
- Katambora is later flowering than Pioneer (which is replaced in most places now with improved varieties), so it remains more leafy and productive into autumn. It is also finer leaved and more stoloniferous.
- Callide is later flowering than Katambora, is less cold-tolerant and needs a higher rainfall than Pioneer or Katambora. Callide is more palatable and can be more productive than Pioneer or Katambora under conditions of higher fertility.
- Finecut Rhodes Grass is a leafy, extremely fine stemmed, early flowering diploid cultivar with improved dry matter production. It is a summer growing grass which spreads rapidly to form a dense mat, giving quick ground cover on bare soil. The creeping habit helps bind bare soil together and combats soil erosion. Finecut is adaptable to a wide range of soils from light sandy soils to heavy texture soils. This wide adaptation and ability to tolerate salty conditions makes Finecut the ideal choice for varied conditions.
- Topcut Rhodes grass is a leafy, extremely fine stemmed, early flowering diploid cultivar with improved dry matter production. It is a summer growing grass which spreads rapidly to form a dense mat giving quick ground cover on bare soil. The creeping habit helps bind bare soil together and combat soil erosion. Topcut Rhodes Grass is adaptable to a wide range of soils including sandy soils and heavy texture soils. Topcut is more erect and not as fine as Finecut but is still substantially finer than existing Rhodes grass cultivars.
- Reclaimer Rhodes Grass is a new Katambora type Rhodes grass selected and bred for its high level of salt tolerance, aggressive growth habits and improved grazing and haymaking characteristics. Reclaimer Rhodes Grass is a fine stemmed Rhodes grass with a very high leaf to stem ratio compared to other Katambora types. Aggressive growth and spreading habits makes Reclaimer the ultimate choice for hay or grazing production. Its high tolerance of saline soils also makes Reclaimer the perfect grass for reclamation work. Reclaimer has a high salt tolerance. Trials indicate that it will remain productive between 4-10 deci-siemen per meter (ds/M) and even survive levels up to 20 ds/M.
Seed bed Preparation:
A fine , even , shallow seed bed (5 cm) with the root zone free of compaction.
Seed Rate:
30 Kg /ha mixed with 150 kg feed barley. Drilled with a grain type seed drill followed by a light flexi coil roller to improve seed to soil contact. Barley germinates first and forms a nurse crop during sward establishment and dies out after two cuts. Seed can also be sown by mixing with soil.
Fertilizers:
In Seed bed:
N : Ammonium Sulphate 60kg/ha N
P: Triple Super Phosphate 500 kg/ha P2O5
k: Potasium Chloride 80 kg /ha K2O.
Dressing during growth:
N : 60kg/ha as Urea twice per cut
P: 75 kg/ha P2O5 once in three months.
Weed Control:
MCPA / 2,4D for broad leaf weed control
Glyphosate for Nut grass and Bermuda grass
Pest Control:
Any contact insecticide for controlling Grass hoppers, Shoot fly & Locust in summer months along with adjuvant.
Irrigation:
Water application rate calculated fron class A pan evaporation. Frequency ranges from 1 to 2 days under Center Pivot irrigation system. Cease irrigation 2 days before cutting.
Field Management:
The sword is sub soiled once or twice in a year, depending on soil type, with a vibrating tined cultivator to a depth of 3- - 35 cm to relieve compaction and encourage vigorous root growth. This practice has maintained commercial yields for 7 years to date without re-seeding.
Hay making:
Cut 8-10 times a year. The crop is ready for cutting when flag leaf is fully developed (60 cm) but before senescence. Cutting height at 8 cm with saucer mower. Spread hay immediately after cutting and expose green material twice daily.
Yield:
30 -40 t/ha Dry Matter is realistic commercial yield in saline soils which at 12% moisture equates to about 40 t/ha of hay.
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/published/rye-grass.jpg?250)
Forage Rye grass
Why grow Forage rye?
• Early turnout (reducing overwintering costs)
• Flexible sowing option after maize or cereals
• Big bale options
• Helps mop up residual nitrogen and prevents soil erosion
Soil Type/Site Selection:
As forage rye is primarily grown for its ability to deliver very early grazing in early spring, it is essential to make sure that the right field is selected. A weed-free, sheltered, well drained field is ideal and if it has a southerly facing aspect then even better. Although forage rye will grow on a very wide range of soil types it is best to avoid very exposed or badly drained fields.
Variety Profile:
Humbolt
Humbolt was purpose bred to produce an ‘early bite’; in fact its spring growth can be up to three weeks earlier than Italian Rye grass. Humbolt’s excellent tillering capacity and early vegetative growth ensures maximum intakes and palatability. Humbolt has excellent winter hardiness and can recover quickly after grazing or cutting. Humbolt is can thrive on a wide range of soil types.
Seedbed & Sowing Methods:
The seedbed for the forage rye should be reasonably firm and well consolidated. A seed rate of between 160-185 kg/ha (65-75 kg/acre) is adequate under most circumstances and the seed should be drilled to a depth of 3.5-5 cm. Cross drilling the forage rye usually helps to promote a thicker stand and direct drilling is an option if required. Direct drilling will eliminate soil disturbance and will give a much firmer footing for the stock in the spring. Forage rye is a catch crop so it can slot in between a cereal crop and then be followed by a crop of forage peas, fodder beet or kale. Drilling date can vary with the locality, but in general aim to get the seed in the ground between mid-August and late September. This ensures that the crop gets well established before the winter sets in.
Sowing period
September to October
Direct drill
185 kg/ha [75 kg/acre] pure sown or 125 kg /ha [50 kg /acre]
Forage Rye & 17 kg/ha [7 kg/acre] Italian Rye grass
Weeds, Diseases & Pest Control:
No herbicides should be needed as the crop suffers from few pests and diseases. Any leatherjackets, wireworms or slugs which are seen should of course be controlled using the appropriate chemical.
Yield & Feed Quality:
Average dry matter yield
5-6 tonnes/ha
Average fresh yields
20-24 tonnes/ha
Dry matter
25%
Crude protein
11-12%
Digestibility value
67%
Metabolisable energy
10M/kg DM
Why grow Forage rye?
• Early turnout (reducing overwintering costs)
• Flexible sowing option after maize or cereals
• Big bale options
• Helps mop up residual nitrogen and prevents soil erosion
Soil Type/Site Selection:
As forage rye is primarily grown for its ability to deliver very early grazing in early spring, it is essential to make sure that the right field is selected. A weed-free, sheltered, well drained field is ideal and if it has a southerly facing aspect then even better. Although forage rye will grow on a very wide range of soil types it is best to avoid very exposed or badly drained fields.
Variety Profile:
Humbolt
Humbolt was purpose bred to produce an ‘early bite’; in fact its spring growth can be up to three weeks earlier than Italian Rye grass. Humbolt’s excellent tillering capacity and early vegetative growth ensures maximum intakes and palatability. Humbolt has excellent winter hardiness and can recover quickly after grazing or cutting. Humbolt is can thrive on a wide range of soil types.
Seedbed & Sowing Methods:
The seedbed for the forage rye should be reasonably firm and well consolidated. A seed rate of between 160-185 kg/ha (65-75 kg/acre) is adequate under most circumstances and the seed should be drilled to a depth of 3.5-5 cm. Cross drilling the forage rye usually helps to promote a thicker stand and direct drilling is an option if required. Direct drilling will eliminate soil disturbance and will give a much firmer footing for the stock in the spring. Forage rye is a catch crop so it can slot in between a cereal crop and then be followed by a crop of forage peas, fodder beet or kale. Drilling date can vary with the locality, but in general aim to get the seed in the ground between mid-August and late September. This ensures that the crop gets well established before the winter sets in.
Sowing period
September to October
Direct drill
185 kg/ha [75 kg/acre] pure sown or 125 kg /ha [50 kg /acre]
Forage Rye & 17 kg/ha [7 kg/acre] Italian Rye grass
Weeds, Diseases & Pest Control:
No herbicides should be needed as the crop suffers from few pests and diseases. Any leatherjackets, wireworms or slugs which are seen should of course be controlled using the appropriate chemical.
Yield & Feed Quality:
Average dry matter yield
5-6 tonnes/ha
Average fresh yields
20-24 tonnes/ha
Dry matter
25%
Crude protein
11-12%
Digestibility value
67%
Metabolisable energy
10M/kg DM
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/published/sudex.jpg?1585032665)
Sudex
Sorghum-sudan grass hybrids (Sudex) are a top choice for renovating over-farmed or compacted fields. The hybrids are crosses between forage-type sorghum and sudan grass. Compared with corn, they have less leaf area, more secondary roots, and a waxier leaf surface, traits that help them withstand drought. Like corn, they require good fertility—and usually supplemental nitrogen—for best growth. Compared with sudan grass, these hybrids are taller, coarser, and more productive. Forage-type sorghum plants are larger, leafier, and mature later than grain sorghum plants. All sorghum- and sudan grass-related species produce compounds that inhibit certain plants and nematodes.
Sorghum-Sudan grasses yield slightly lower than corn when harvested for silage, but they have the advantage that they can be cut 2-3 times during the season and can also be stored as either chopped silage or wrapped bale silage, green chopped or pastured. Corn silage produces more tonnes per hectare but it must be harvested in the fall with specialized forage harvesting equipment. Sorghum-sudan grasses can also be harvested using a strip grazing system.
Caution
Members of the Sorghum family contain dhurrin, a glucoside that breaks down to release hydrocyanic acid also known as prussic acid. A sudden disruption of growth such as frost, drought or cutting, causes prussic acid to be released inside the plant at a more rapid rate. High prussic acid levels may be lethal to cattle. Prussic acid will breakdown in one to two weeks, so material made into hay or silage is safe to use.
Seeding
These warm season grasses must be planted into warm soil, which generally means delaying planting until the end of May or first of June. A seeding rate of 15 kg/ha (13.5 lb/ac) should be planted at a depth of 2-3.5 cm (1-1.5 in) in 18-36 cm (7-14 inch) rows. Packing may be required if the seedbed is dry.
Fertility
Recommendations for fertilizing corn should be used for the sorghum family, including the 100-125 kg/ha (90-110 lb/ac) nitrogen applied at planting. After each cut, 50 kg/ha (45 lb/ac) more nitrogen should be applied to encourage growth. Sorghum-sudan grasses can grow in a wide pH range with 5.5-7.5 as the optimum.
Weed Control
Under good growing conditions the competition from the plants will keep weeds in check. No herbicides are currently registered for use on these hybrids.
Insect pests
Chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus), sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola), corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis), corn earworm (Heliothis zea), green bugs (Schizaphis graminum) and sorghum webworm (Celama sorghiella) sometimes attack sorghum-sudan grass hybrids. Early planting helps control the first two pests, and may reduce damage from webworms.
Harvesting
The first cut will be ready for harvest about 60 days from planting. The plants should be over 65 cm (26 inches) in height, and just before head emergence when cut (usually early August). For a faster recovery of aftermath growth, leave at least 10 to 18 cm (4-7 inches) of stubble when harvesting. Optimum growth of these plants occurs under hot, moist conditions. A second cut should be ready 30-35 days later.
The crop may also be harvested just once, at the hard dough stage, to get maximum volume in a one cut system. You will sacrifice yield that you could have captured under a 2 cut system. If this is your goal you should reconsider corn silage as it would yield more in a one cut system.At cutting, the crop is about 70-75% moisture and requires wilting before ensiling. It dries slower than alfalfa. Yield data is limited, but 5- 7.5 tonnes per hectare (2-3 tons /ac) are reported from research and farm experience. Yields vary with season, moisture and warmth, and are higher in hot summers than in cool ones.
Feed Quality and Nutritional Value
Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids fit best in summer feeding programs. They are thick stemmed and hard to dry for hay but they can supply ample yields of silage, green chop and pasture when perennial grasses are slowing down or going dormant. Once Sorghum-Sudan grass begins to head out, the quality and feeding value drop drastically. It is difficult to meet nutrient requirements of high production or early lactation milking cows when Sorghum-Sudan grass is a large part of the forage intake. It is more suited to rations for dry cows, replacement heifers over 12 months of age, and beef cows and calves.
As the crop matures, protein content drops rapidly, while fibre levels increase. This decreases the feed energy value and rumen digestibility. High NDF1 levels increase the bulkiness of the feed and dramatically reduce dry matter intake potential. Sorghum-sudan grass can contain as much protein as mature alfalfa, but only if harvested at the vegetative stage. Energy levels in vegetative material are similar to corn and higher than alfalfa. Sorghum-Sudan grass forage should always be sampled and tested for feed composition because of the variability in nutrient value.
Sorghum-sudan grass hybrids (Sudex) are a top choice for renovating over-farmed or compacted fields. The hybrids are crosses between forage-type sorghum and sudan grass. Compared with corn, they have less leaf area, more secondary roots, and a waxier leaf surface, traits that help them withstand drought. Like corn, they require good fertility—and usually supplemental nitrogen—for best growth. Compared with sudan grass, these hybrids are taller, coarser, and more productive. Forage-type sorghum plants are larger, leafier, and mature later than grain sorghum plants. All sorghum- and sudan grass-related species produce compounds that inhibit certain plants and nematodes.
Sorghum-Sudan grasses yield slightly lower than corn when harvested for silage, but they have the advantage that they can be cut 2-3 times during the season and can also be stored as either chopped silage or wrapped bale silage, green chopped or pastured. Corn silage produces more tonnes per hectare but it must be harvested in the fall with specialized forage harvesting equipment. Sorghum-sudan grasses can also be harvested using a strip grazing system.
Caution
Members of the Sorghum family contain dhurrin, a glucoside that breaks down to release hydrocyanic acid also known as prussic acid. A sudden disruption of growth such as frost, drought or cutting, causes prussic acid to be released inside the plant at a more rapid rate. High prussic acid levels may be lethal to cattle. Prussic acid will breakdown in one to two weeks, so material made into hay or silage is safe to use.
Seeding
These warm season grasses must be planted into warm soil, which generally means delaying planting until the end of May or first of June. A seeding rate of 15 kg/ha (13.5 lb/ac) should be planted at a depth of 2-3.5 cm (1-1.5 in) in 18-36 cm (7-14 inch) rows. Packing may be required if the seedbed is dry.
Fertility
Recommendations for fertilizing corn should be used for the sorghum family, including the 100-125 kg/ha (90-110 lb/ac) nitrogen applied at planting. After each cut, 50 kg/ha (45 lb/ac) more nitrogen should be applied to encourage growth. Sorghum-sudan grasses can grow in a wide pH range with 5.5-7.5 as the optimum.
Weed Control
Under good growing conditions the competition from the plants will keep weeds in check. No herbicides are currently registered for use on these hybrids.
Insect pests
Chinch bug (Blissus leucopterus), sorghum midge (Contarinia sorghicola), corn leaf aphid (Rhopalosiphum maidis), corn earworm (Heliothis zea), green bugs (Schizaphis graminum) and sorghum webworm (Celama sorghiella) sometimes attack sorghum-sudan grass hybrids. Early planting helps control the first two pests, and may reduce damage from webworms.
Harvesting
The first cut will be ready for harvest about 60 days from planting. The plants should be over 65 cm (26 inches) in height, and just before head emergence when cut (usually early August). For a faster recovery of aftermath growth, leave at least 10 to 18 cm (4-7 inches) of stubble when harvesting. Optimum growth of these plants occurs under hot, moist conditions. A second cut should be ready 30-35 days later.
The crop may also be harvested just once, at the hard dough stage, to get maximum volume in a one cut system. You will sacrifice yield that you could have captured under a 2 cut system. If this is your goal you should reconsider corn silage as it would yield more in a one cut system.At cutting, the crop is about 70-75% moisture and requires wilting before ensiling. It dries slower than alfalfa. Yield data is limited, but 5- 7.5 tonnes per hectare (2-3 tons /ac) are reported from research and farm experience. Yields vary with season, moisture and warmth, and are higher in hot summers than in cool ones.
Feed Quality and Nutritional Value
Sorghum-Sudan grass hybrids fit best in summer feeding programs. They are thick stemmed and hard to dry for hay but they can supply ample yields of silage, green chop and pasture when perennial grasses are slowing down or going dormant. Once Sorghum-Sudan grass begins to head out, the quality and feeding value drop drastically. It is difficult to meet nutrient requirements of high production or early lactation milking cows when Sorghum-Sudan grass is a large part of the forage intake. It is more suited to rations for dry cows, replacement heifers over 12 months of age, and beef cows and calves.
As the crop matures, protein content drops rapidly, while fibre levels increase. This decreases the feed energy value and rumen digestibility. High NDF1 levels increase the bulkiness of the feed and dramatically reduce dry matter intake potential. Sorghum-sudan grass can contain as much protein as mature alfalfa, but only if harvested at the vegetative stage. Energy levels in vegetative material are similar to corn and higher than alfalfa. Sorghum-Sudan grass forage should always be sampled and tested for feed composition because of the variability in nutrient value.
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/editor/maize.jpg?1585032736)
Silage Maize
Maize is an extremely high yielding forage crop that produces high quality livestock feed at a very competitive price. It is an easy crop to grow once the basics are right with site selection being the most important. Maize can also be grown as a cash crop on tillage farms for sale to livestock farmers
Water use efficiency
In non limiting growing conditions (water, nutrients, light), maize or sorghum produces 40 kg of DM/mm/ha whereas wheat or ray-grass only produces 25 kg DM/mm/ha and alfalfa 20 kg DM/mm/ha . On other terms, grain maize and forage maize need less water to produce as much biomass as alfalfa or wheat (in non limiting conditions) because they have an excellent physiological water use efficiency.
.Site Selection:
The ideal maize field will be well sheltered, warm with good deep soil, south facing, well drained and less than 100m over sea level. As the site moves away from this ideal field you need to use earlier maturing varieties or consider using plastic. Avoid compacted soils. Maximum height over sea level is 120 m.
Rotation:
Maize can be grown continuously in the same field Weed control costs tend to increase and fungal disease attacks becomes more likely with continuous maize cropping but these challenges can be overcome.
Seedbed Preparation:
Till as for potatoes or sugar beet. A deep fine firm seedbed produced with a minimum number of passes is required for fast and uniform germination. Make sure to avoid compaction. Where compaction is a problem, sub-soiling will be required and this can only be done when soils are dry.
Silage Maize varieties:
Medium-late varietiy: Odeon
Very late varieties: Nikaïa and Giubileo
Ultra late varieties: Calcio , Mas 74.G
Sowing period:
Not too early and not too late. Maize is a slow starter and needs good growing conditions so wait until soil temperatures are over 8°C. It also needs every day of the Irish growing season to produce good yields of high quality silage so don’t delay sowing. Without Plastic: Sow from 15th April on good warm sites. Best crops will generally come from sowings done before 10th May. With Plastic: Sow from April 10th on good sites and best response from plastic will generally be achieved from sowings
Seeding rates:
Seeds are precision drilled usually in 75 cm rows and at 4-6 cm depth. Sow at 100,000 – 110,000 seeds per ha (40,000 – 44,000 seeds per acre). Later maturing varieties will benefit from the lower seed rates, starch levels and dry matter % will be improved.
Soil Reclamation:
Maize needs a pH level of 6.0 – 7.0 and soil analysis should be carried out before each crop.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizer applications should be in line with the Nitrates Directive
NPK can be applied as organic (slurry or FYM ploughed down) or chemical fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer is best applied prior to the last cultivation. Top dressing N after emergence should be avoided as it can cause crop scorch. It is recommended when sowing maize to combine drill a Phosphorus fertilizer, and possibly some Nitrogen and trace elements. Trace elements: Magnesium, Zinc and Manganese are most important. Carry out soil analysis to identify likely deficiencies. Trace elements can be applied at drilling in a starter fertiliser, this is recommended where severe deficiencies exist. Otherwise apply foliar trace elements from the 4 leaf stage.
Weed Control:
Maize will not compete with weeds so effective control is essential. Control perennial grassy weeds with Glyphosate before ploughing
Pest problems:
All seed should be treated with an insecticide e.g. Mesurol. This controls shoot fly and acts as a crow repellent.
Wireworm:
In fields where wireworm is likely to be a problem seed can be ordered treated with a systemic insecticide e.g. Cruiser. Slugs: They feed on the leaves and stems and can do a lot of damage. Broadcast slug pellets at first sign of damage.
Leatherjackets:
Roots Roots and stems are attacked and plants killed. Apply Draza slug pellets or spray Dursban 4 or Clinch. Cutworms: Occasionally cause problems in coastal areas and can cause lodging. Spray Dursban 4 or Clinch.
Rabbits:
Shooting, trapping and Rabbit Bait are moderately effective. Where numbers are very high put up a wire fence.
Disease:
Disease is not generally a widespread problem in maize. However in wet seasons and particularly in coastal areas a disease called Kabatiella (commonly know as eye spot) can cause premature senescence of the leaves. "Eye spot" spores can be carried over on maize trash or stubble from the previous year. The fungicide Punch C can be applied preventatively before the maize crop gets too tall to drive through and this lessens the severity of the disease. Helminthosporuim and Fusarium are diseases of less significance which can occur in wet seasons.
Harvesting:
Aim to harvest the crop at 28 – 32% dry matter and 25% plus starch (usually in Oct). The Storage harvester should have a grain cracker. Fill the clamp quickly and compact well. Information: Consider using an additive when crop dry matter is over 30% to avoid pit face heating at feed out. Reduce pit surface waste by applying salt at 3 kg /m² on the top and 6 kg /m² on the sides and shoulders of the pit. Roll the pit after salt has been applied. Cover with two polythene sheets to exclude air completely and weigh it down well. Leave the pit sealed for at least two weeks before opening. Protect the clamp from birds and rats.
Feeding Information :
Maize silage is a high energy low protein forage feed. It is an excellent feed for milking cows and fattening beef animals. Diets with maize silage must be properly balanced for protein, minerals and fiber and nutritional advice should be sought if in doubt.
Maize is an extremely high yielding forage crop that produces high quality livestock feed at a very competitive price. It is an easy crop to grow once the basics are right with site selection being the most important. Maize can also be grown as a cash crop on tillage farms for sale to livestock farmers
Water use efficiency
In non limiting growing conditions (water, nutrients, light), maize or sorghum produces 40 kg of DM/mm/ha whereas wheat or ray-grass only produces 25 kg DM/mm/ha and alfalfa 20 kg DM/mm/ha . On other terms, grain maize and forage maize need less water to produce as much biomass as alfalfa or wheat (in non limiting conditions) because they have an excellent physiological water use efficiency.
.Site Selection:
The ideal maize field will be well sheltered, warm with good deep soil, south facing, well drained and less than 100m over sea level. As the site moves away from this ideal field you need to use earlier maturing varieties or consider using plastic. Avoid compacted soils. Maximum height over sea level is 120 m.
Rotation:
Maize can be grown continuously in the same field Weed control costs tend to increase and fungal disease attacks becomes more likely with continuous maize cropping but these challenges can be overcome.
Seedbed Preparation:
Till as for potatoes or sugar beet. A deep fine firm seedbed produced with a minimum number of passes is required for fast and uniform germination. Make sure to avoid compaction. Where compaction is a problem, sub-soiling will be required and this can only be done when soils are dry.
Silage Maize varieties:
Medium-late varietiy: Odeon
Very late varieties: Nikaïa and Giubileo
Ultra late varieties: Calcio , Mas 74.G
Sowing period:
Not too early and not too late. Maize is a slow starter and needs good growing conditions so wait until soil temperatures are over 8°C. It also needs every day of the Irish growing season to produce good yields of high quality silage so don’t delay sowing. Without Plastic: Sow from 15th April on good warm sites. Best crops will generally come from sowings done before 10th May. With Plastic: Sow from April 10th on good sites and best response from plastic will generally be achieved from sowings
Seeding rates:
Seeds are precision drilled usually in 75 cm rows and at 4-6 cm depth. Sow at 100,000 – 110,000 seeds per ha (40,000 – 44,000 seeds per acre). Later maturing varieties will benefit from the lower seed rates, starch levels and dry matter % will be improved.
Soil Reclamation:
Maize needs a pH level of 6.0 – 7.0 and soil analysis should be carried out before each crop.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizer applications should be in line with the Nitrates Directive
NPK can be applied as organic (slurry or FYM ploughed down) or chemical fertilizer. Nitrogen fertilizer is best applied prior to the last cultivation. Top dressing N after emergence should be avoided as it can cause crop scorch. It is recommended when sowing maize to combine drill a Phosphorus fertilizer, and possibly some Nitrogen and trace elements. Trace elements: Magnesium, Zinc and Manganese are most important. Carry out soil analysis to identify likely deficiencies. Trace elements can be applied at drilling in a starter fertiliser, this is recommended where severe deficiencies exist. Otherwise apply foliar trace elements from the 4 leaf stage.
Weed Control:
Maize will not compete with weeds so effective control is essential. Control perennial grassy weeds with Glyphosate before ploughing
Pest problems:
All seed should be treated with an insecticide e.g. Mesurol. This controls shoot fly and acts as a crow repellent.
Wireworm:
In fields where wireworm is likely to be a problem seed can be ordered treated with a systemic insecticide e.g. Cruiser. Slugs: They feed on the leaves and stems and can do a lot of damage. Broadcast slug pellets at first sign of damage.
Leatherjackets:
Roots Roots and stems are attacked and plants killed. Apply Draza slug pellets or spray Dursban 4 or Clinch. Cutworms: Occasionally cause problems in coastal areas and can cause lodging. Spray Dursban 4 or Clinch.
Rabbits:
Shooting, trapping and Rabbit Bait are moderately effective. Where numbers are very high put up a wire fence.
Disease:
Disease is not generally a widespread problem in maize. However in wet seasons and particularly in coastal areas a disease called Kabatiella (commonly know as eye spot) can cause premature senescence of the leaves. "Eye spot" spores can be carried over on maize trash or stubble from the previous year. The fungicide Punch C can be applied preventatively before the maize crop gets too tall to drive through and this lessens the severity of the disease. Helminthosporuim and Fusarium are diseases of less significance which can occur in wet seasons.
Harvesting:
Aim to harvest the crop at 28 – 32% dry matter and 25% plus starch (usually in Oct). The Storage harvester should have a grain cracker. Fill the clamp quickly and compact well. Information: Consider using an additive when crop dry matter is over 30% to avoid pit face heating at feed out. Reduce pit surface waste by applying salt at 3 kg /m² on the top and 6 kg /m² on the sides and shoulders of the pit. Roll the pit after salt has been applied. Cover with two polythene sheets to exclude air completely and weigh it down well. Leave the pit sealed for at least two weeks before opening. Protect the clamp from birds and rats.
Feeding Information :
Maize silage is a high energy low protein forage feed. It is an excellent feed for milking cows and fattening beef animals. Diets with maize silage must be properly balanced for protein, minerals and fiber and nutritional advice should be sought if in doubt.
- Dry Matter yield: 12 – 18 t/ha
- Fresh yield: 35 – 65 t/ha
- Dry Matter %: 25 – 35 %
- Crude Protein: 7 – 9 %
- ME (MJ/kg DM): 10.2 – 11.2
- The first step in producing quality corn silage is to grow excellent maize corn. This will be allowed to mature until it reaches a stage where it will produce silage of between 30-40% dry matter.
- The corn is then harvested using a forage harvester and taken by trailer to the stationery bailing machine.
- The baling machine rolls the chopped corn into a round bale of between 800-1000 kg. This rolling compresses the material and expels all the air, which allows for excellent fermentation.
- The bale is held together with a wrap and is passed back the baler to the white plastic wrapper. This seals the material inside and allows fermentation to commence.
- The bales can be loaded, moved or stacked.
Forage Oats
Plant: tufted annual grows to nearly 2 m tall.
Stems: Stout hollow culm with conspicuous nodes.
Leaves: flat & wide and veined; taper to a fine point. Rolled in bud.
Seed head: Large pendulous spikelet, 15-30 mm long; 2-3 florets.
Seeds: 50,000/kg.
Pasture type and use
Sown in autumn for winter bulk. Some varieties suited to multi-uses - e.g. high quality hay export/grain production. Often used to provide weed control and soil preparation prior to renovating with perennial pasture. Robust so often used as a pioneer crop on new land.
Where it grows
Rainfall: > 400 mm.
Soils: Well drained. Tolerates a broad pH range.
Temperature: Avoid sowing when soil temperature < 12 C or >25 C.
Establishment
Seed treatment is used for protection against sucking & biting insects like Red Legged Earth Mites (RLEM) and Blue Oat Mite (BOM). This protection aids in the early control of aphid feeding damage and helps with management of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV). Early seedling growth responses also allows for quick establishment of the Outback Forage Oats. Withholding period before grazing is 9 weeks.
Companion species:
Legumes: clovers, peas, vetch, medics.
Grasses: annual Rye grass.
Sowing/planting rates as single species:
Sow into a cultivated seedbed to a depth of 35-70 mm at 60 - 120 kg/ha depending on soil type/region and expected rainfall.
Sowing/planting rates in mixtures: 15 - 50 kg/ha.
Sowing time: Sow late summer/early Autumn. Can be sown dry (sow >50 mm).
Fertilizer: Sow with 10 kg P/ha. If using MAP/DAP sow separately from the seed.
Management
Maintenance fertilizer: 35-70 kg N/ha, ensure P, K, S, Zn are adequate.
Grazing/cutting: Graze prior to stem elongation. Leave 12 cm residues/lowest stem node. Repeat grazings after a month's recovery. Where yield is high it is usually strip grazed by dairy cattle along a long front to minimize trampling losses. A back fence may maximise re-growth.
Ability to spread: Regenerates from self-sown seed.
Weed potential: Dropped seed may see plants regenerate for a season or two.
Major pests: Cereal cyst nematode, stem nematode, red legged earth mite, snails, cereal aphis (re BYDV transmission), cutworms, webworm, lucerne flea, army worm, Bruobia mite, wingless grasshoppers and Australian plague locust.
Major diseases: Leaf rust, stem rust, Septoria blotch, bacterial blight, barley yellow dwarf virus, halo blight, stripe blight, powdery mildew.
Herbicide susceptibility: Glyphosate.
Animal production
Feeding value: Winter feed typically 70% digestibility, 7-8% crude protein.
Palatability: Readily acceptable.
Production potential: Up to 7 t DM/ha by spring where moisture is available and soil fertility is good.
Livestock disorders/toxicity: Young plants can accumulate a high level of nitrates and lead to nitrite poisoning, especially in cattle. Slow growth, hot dry conditions or frost/hail damage can elevate nitrate level.
- Fast establishing autumn-spring growing fodder crop with high feeding value.
- High leaf to stem ratio.
- Opportunities for grazing/silage/hay production.
Plant: tufted annual grows to nearly 2 m tall.
Stems: Stout hollow culm with conspicuous nodes.
Leaves: flat & wide and veined; taper to a fine point. Rolled in bud.
Seed head: Large pendulous spikelet, 15-30 mm long; 2-3 florets.
Seeds: 50,000/kg.
Pasture type and use
Sown in autumn for winter bulk. Some varieties suited to multi-uses - e.g. high quality hay export/grain production. Often used to provide weed control and soil preparation prior to renovating with perennial pasture. Robust so often used as a pioneer crop on new land.
Where it grows
Rainfall: > 400 mm.
Soils: Well drained. Tolerates a broad pH range.
Temperature: Avoid sowing when soil temperature < 12 C or >25 C.
Establishment
Seed treatment is used for protection against sucking & biting insects like Red Legged Earth Mites (RLEM) and Blue Oat Mite (BOM). This protection aids in the early control of aphid feeding damage and helps with management of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV). Early seedling growth responses also allows for quick establishment of the Outback Forage Oats. Withholding period before grazing is 9 weeks.
Companion species:
Legumes: clovers, peas, vetch, medics.
Grasses: annual Rye grass.
Sowing/planting rates as single species:
Sow into a cultivated seedbed to a depth of 35-70 mm at 60 - 120 kg/ha depending on soil type/region and expected rainfall.
Sowing/planting rates in mixtures: 15 - 50 kg/ha.
Sowing time: Sow late summer/early Autumn. Can be sown dry (sow >50 mm).
Fertilizer: Sow with 10 kg P/ha. If using MAP/DAP sow separately from the seed.
Management
Maintenance fertilizer: 35-70 kg N/ha, ensure P, K, S, Zn are adequate.
Grazing/cutting: Graze prior to stem elongation. Leave 12 cm residues/lowest stem node. Repeat grazings after a month's recovery. Where yield is high it is usually strip grazed by dairy cattle along a long front to minimize trampling losses. A back fence may maximise re-growth.
Ability to spread: Regenerates from self-sown seed.
Weed potential: Dropped seed may see plants regenerate for a season or two.
Major pests: Cereal cyst nematode, stem nematode, red legged earth mite, snails, cereal aphis (re BYDV transmission), cutworms, webworm, lucerne flea, army worm, Bruobia mite, wingless grasshoppers and Australian plague locust.
Major diseases: Leaf rust, stem rust, Septoria blotch, bacterial blight, barley yellow dwarf virus, halo blight, stripe blight, powdery mildew.
Herbicide susceptibility: Glyphosate.
Animal production
Feeding value: Winter feed typically 70% digestibility, 7-8% crude protein.
Palatability: Readily acceptable.
Production potential: Up to 7 t DM/ha by spring where moisture is available and soil fertility is good.
Livestock disorders/toxicity: Young plants can accumulate a high level of nitrates and lead to nitrite poisoning, especially in cattle. Slow growth, hot dry conditions or frost/hail damage can elevate nitrate level.
![Picture](/uploads/1/0/7/0/10709207/published/barley2.jpg?250)
Forage Barley
Barley prefers cool, dry growing areas. As a spring cover crop, it can be grown than any other cereal grain, largely because of its short growing period. It also can produce more biomass in a shorter time than any other cereal crop. Barley establishes readily in prepared seedbeds, and can also be successfully no-tilled. It prefers adequate but not excessive moisture and does poorly in waterlogged soils. It grows best in well-drained, fertile loams or light, clay soils in areas having cool, dry, mild winters. It also does well on light, droughty soils and tolerates somewhat alkaline soils better than other cereal crops.
Inexpensive and easy to grow, barley provides exceptional erosion control and weed suppression in semi-arid regions and in light soils. It also can fill short rotation niches or serve as a topsoil- protecting crop during droughty conditions in any region. It is more salt tolerant than other small grains and can sop up excess subsoil moisture to help prevent saline seep formation.
Seed agronomy table
Maturity :Early
Min Rainfall (mm): 350
Seeding Rate Kg/Ha : Dry land 60-80, High Rainfall / Irrigation: 80-120
Enterprises for this Crop
Sheep
Beef Cattle
Diary Cattle
Horse
Hay & Silage
Strengths
Pasture type and use
Sown from autumn to late winter for quick production. Offers quick recovery from grazing in most enterprises can offer up to 5-6 grazings over season. Multi use in forage grazing systems to export hay markets with awnless varieties such as Moby. Often used to provide weed control and soil preparation prior to renovating with perennial pasture.
Where it grows
Rainfall: 350 mm.
Soils: Well drained. Tolerates a broad pH range.
Temperature: Avoid sowing when soil temperature >22oC.
Establishment
Companion species: Legumes, clovers, peas, vetch, medics.
Sowing/planting rates as single species: Sow into a cultivated seedbed to a depth of 35-70 mm at 60 - 120 kg/ha depending on soil type/region and expected rainfall.
Sowing/planting rates in mixtures: 25 - 50 kg/ha
Sowing time: Sow early Autumn. Can be sown dry (sow >50 mm).
Inoculation: Not applicable.
Fertiliser: Sow with 10 kg P/ha. If using MAP/DAP sow separately from the seed.
Management
Maintenance fertiliser: 35-70 kg N/ha, ensure P, K, S, Zn are adequate.
Grazing/cutting: Graze once they pass the twist and pull test. This usually occurs at the 3 leaf stage when plants are anchored and have grown secondary roots. Where yield is high it is usually strip-grazed by dairy cattle along a long front - to minimize trampling losses. A back fence may maximise regrowth.
Ability to spread: Regenerates from self-sown seed.
Weed potential: Dropped seed may see plants regenerate for a season or two.
Major pests: Cereal cyst nematode, red-legged earth mite, snails, cutworms, webworm, lucerne flea, army worm, Bruobia mite, wingless grasshoppers and Australian plague locust.
Major diseases: Powdery mildew, Leaf scald, Net blotch.
Herbicide susceptibility: Glyphosate.
Animal production
Feeding value: Winter feed typically 75% digestibility, 7-8% crude protein.
Palatability: Readily acceptable.
Production potential: Up to 7 t DM/ha by spring where moisture is available and soil fertility is good.
Livestock disorders/toxicity: Young plants can accumulate a high level of nitrates and lead to nitrite poisoning, especially in cattle. Slow growth, hot, dry conditions or frost/hail damage can elevate nitrate level.
Barley prefers cool, dry growing areas. As a spring cover crop, it can be grown than any other cereal grain, largely because of its short growing period. It also can produce more biomass in a shorter time than any other cereal crop. Barley establishes readily in prepared seedbeds, and can also be successfully no-tilled. It prefers adequate but not excessive moisture and does poorly in waterlogged soils. It grows best in well-drained, fertile loams or light, clay soils in areas having cool, dry, mild winters. It also does well on light, droughty soils and tolerates somewhat alkaline soils better than other cereal crops.
Inexpensive and easy to grow, barley provides exceptional erosion control and weed suppression in semi-arid regions and in light soils. It also can fill short rotation niches or serve as a topsoil- protecting crop during droughty conditions in any region. It is more salt tolerant than other small grains and can sop up excess subsoil moisture to help prevent saline seep formation.
Seed agronomy table
Maturity :Early
Min Rainfall (mm): 350
Seeding Rate Kg/Ha : Dry land 60-80, High Rainfall / Irrigation: 80-120
Enterprises for this Crop
Sheep
Beef Cattle
Diary Cattle
Horse
Hay & Silage
Strengths
- Fast establishing autumn-winter growing fodder crop with high feeding value.
- Exceptional production even in the middle of winter.
- Targeted to fill traditional feed gap periods during winter.
- Early planting susceptible to heat stress and leading to early grain development.
Pasture type and use
Sown from autumn to late winter for quick production. Offers quick recovery from grazing in most enterprises can offer up to 5-6 grazings over season. Multi use in forage grazing systems to export hay markets with awnless varieties such as Moby. Often used to provide weed control and soil preparation prior to renovating with perennial pasture.
Where it grows
Rainfall: 350 mm.
Soils: Well drained. Tolerates a broad pH range.
Temperature: Avoid sowing when soil temperature >22oC.
Establishment
Companion species: Legumes, clovers, peas, vetch, medics.
Sowing/planting rates as single species: Sow into a cultivated seedbed to a depth of 35-70 mm at 60 - 120 kg/ha depending on soil type/region and expected rainfall.
Sowing/planting rates in mixtures: 25 - 50 kg/ha
Sowing time: Sow early Autumn. Can be sown dry (sow >50 mm).
Inoculation: Not applicable.
Fertiliser: Sow with 10 kg P/ha. If using MAP/DAP sow separately from the seed.
Management
Maintenance fertiliser: 35-70 kg N/ha, ensure P, K, S, Zn are adequate.
Grazing/cutting: Graze once they pass the twist and pull test. This usually occurs at the 3 leaf stage when plants are anchored and have grown secondary roots. Where yield is high it is usually strip-grazed by dairy cattle along a long front - to minimize trampling losses. A back fence may maximise regrowth.
Ability to spread: Regenerates from self-sown seed.
Weed potential: Dropped seed may see plants regenerate for a season or two.
Major pests: Cereal cyst nematode, red-legged earth mite, snails, cutworms, webworm, lucerne flea, army worm, Bruobia mite, wingless grasshoppers and Australian plague locust.
Major diseases: Powdery mildew, Leaf scald, Net blotch.
Herbicide susceptibility: Glyphosate.
Animal production
Feeding value: Winter feed typically 75% digestibility, 7-8% crude protein.
Palatability: Readily acceptable.
Production potential: Up to 7 t DM/ha by spring where moisture is available and soil fertility is good.
Livestock disorders/toxicity: Young plants can accumulate a high level of nitrates and lead to nitrite poisoning, especially in cattle. Slow growth, hot, dry conditions or frost/hail damage can elevate nitrate level.