The optimal time to cut lucerne is when 5-10% of the plants are flowering (early bloom). At this moment more than half of all plant should have a new sprout coming from the crown. When aimed for the maximal quality, harvest occurs in pre-bloom or late-bud stage.
Thereof How often should I water my lucerne? Lucerne requires about 1200 mm water/yr to give good production. The volume of water given during irrigation should be sufficient to wet the soil to its full potential (maximum that soil can absorb = field water capacity) while the frequency of irrigation (time between irrigations) should be left as long as possible.
How deep do you plant lucerne? sow lucerne seed 5-10 mm deep into a moist seedbed with narrow points to create a furrow.
Similarly, What rate should I sow lucerne?
sow lucerne at 3-4 kg/ha (seeding rate may vary with rainfall district); seed must be sown at 10-20 mm. In non-wetting, sandy soils sow in furrows of 17-35 cm (7-14″) width and use press wheels to improve seed-soil contact; and.
How much does it cost to grow lucerne?
LABOUR REQUIREMENTS: – labour is not costed in this budget.
According to the above operations, labour required is 2.39hrs/ha. Then multiplying this by 1.25 to allow for machinery repair time etc, and using a basic labour cost of $21.00/hr, the cost of labour is $62.67/ha, increasing the costs to $271.94/ha.
How long does lucerne last? Lucerne may live for up to 20 years, although the life of an average stand is closer to five years. As swards age, inappropriate cutting or grazing management, weeds, disease and insects take their toll and the plant’s survival declines.
How many times a year can you cut hay?
How Many Times Can You Harvest Hay in a Year? Depending on your soil and grass growth rate, you can harvest hay two or three times a year. In some places, you can even stretch for a fourth crop, but the harvest won’t be as fruitful.
Is growing lucerne profitable? “Despite the fact that I have to spend a relatively large sum to re-establish the lands every five years, lucerne production remains decidedly more profitable for me than crops such as maize and sunflower.
How much is lucerne per tonne?
Based on historical experience and depending on quality, storage and location, cereal hay will generally market from $130-$300 per tonne ex farm and Lucerne around $200-400, and this is what we expect to see in this coming new season.
Is lucerne good for pigs? Lucerne is a versatile forage crop as it can provide valuable nutrients for pigs both as pasture and as silage. Lucerne contains between 15.4 and 24% crude protein and 1.15% and 0.27% lysine and methionine respectively (DM basis).
How much is lucerne per acre? Seeding rate will depend on expected productivity and end use of the lucerne. For dryland production, a sowing rate of 1–5kg/ha is recommended; for irrigated lucerne 10–15kg/ha.
Is lucerne good for chickens? Lucerne (also known as alfalfa) is a valuable plant for poultry and rabbit forage, providing nutritious, protein-rich leaves containing minerals and vitamins. … Feed Lucerne to rabbits, free range chickens, quails and other poultry. Lucerne can be used to boost a hen’s off-season diet and encourage laying.
Why do farmers leave hay bales in the field?
If they are scattered around the field the farmer is just waiting for a convenient time to pick them up and move them. If lined up along the edge of the field they are being stored there. Big round bales can handle being left outside, and even if the outside looks weathered the inside will be good for a year or longer.
How many bales of hay can you get from an acre?
With an average bale weight of around 40 pounds (with our Abbriata small square baler or any of our mini round balers), that’s 100 bales to the acre for a first cutting. Our farm aside, we can offer some guidelines to consider when trying to predict the productivity of your hay fields.
How do you mow a hay field? How to Mow a Hay Field
- Mow outside rounds first. …
- Leave room to turn around. …
- Mow the center in straight rows. …
- Continue mowing straight paths, back and forth across the field, until the entire center is mowed.
- Turn your tractor around and mow the outside round.
Does lucerne grow in shade? The value of trees as shade and shelter for livestock is well known. Mature tagasaste trees provide good shade and, if grown in closely planted hedgerows, form an excellent windbreak.
How many tons is a hectare of lucerne?
Average yield ranges between 15 000 kg to 30 000 kg per hectare. The first cutting gives an average yield of about 1.5-2 tons/ha. and then the yield increases during subsequent cuttings.
How many times a year can you harvest hay? In most areas of the country, grass hay can be cut twice, sometimes three times, per year. The first cutting generally has the largest yield.
Is lucerne hay good for cattle?
Lucerne is especially beneficial to animals when it’s harvested at an early growth stage, ie. when it has the highest amount of protein and the lowest amount of fiber. Harvesting Lucerne as hay is a nutritious source of feed for your cows.
Is lucerne a good mulch? Using Lucerne Mulch
Although lucerne hay makes fantastic mulch, it is considered premium mulch and may be more expensive than other types of mulch. However, you may find it for a good price at a farm supply store.
Is lucerne hay good for rabbits?
Herbivores such as rabbits and guinea pigs require a high fibre diet to ensure a good gastrointestinal health. … High calcium hay such as lucerne hay (very sweet-smelling in nature) should be avoided in healthy adults and should only be given to pregnant or juvenile animals in moderation.
What is pig feed called? What is another word for pig food?
| pigswill | slops |
|---|---|
| swill | mash |
| scraps | hogwash |
| pigwash | swillings |
| slop | wash |
What is harmony chop?
Hominy chop, a by-product from the maize-milling industry, can be used when available at a reasonable price. It is a product that can vary a great deal depending on the miller it is bought from. It is higher in fat content than maize and can be used as a partial replacement for maize.
What grains do pigs eat? Small grains, such as barley, oats, rye, triticale, and wheat can be useful feedstuffs in swine feeding programs. In many instances, pigs fed well-balanced small grain-based diets can perform as well as those fed corn-based diets.
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