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.
Thereof How often do you cut lucerne? 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.
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.
Similarly, 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.
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 deep do you plant lucerne? sow lucerne seed 5-10 mm deep into a moist seedbed with narrow points to create a furrow.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Does lucerne need fertilizer?
Lucerne has no requirement for nitrogen fertiliser – apart from that needed for establishment in low nitrogen soils – after hungry crops, like cereals. Do not apply more than 30 kg N/ha to lucerne in the seedbed because higher N application can reduce nodulation and ability to fix N in the soil.
Is lucerne good for cattle? Preventing pasture bloat in cattle grazing Lucerne. Lucerne, also known as the ‘queen of forages’ is one of the most nutritious forages available for cattle. It can either be directly grazed or fed to cattle as hay and silage.
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.
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.
Don’t forget to share this post !