Factors to Consider When Establishing Pasture

• Fertility Status of Soil: Determine fertilizer/manure needs.

• Condition of the Land: Must be free from waterlogging.

• Location of the Land: Should be near a water source.

• Distance from Milking Parlour/Shed: Important for dairy cattle management.

Methods of Pasture Establishment

1. Broadcasting

   • Steps:

     • Divide the field into small plots.

     • Distribute seeds per plot.

     • Cover seeds lightly with soil.

     • Add fertilizer based on soil fertility.

   • Advantages:

     • Cost-effective

     • Minimal labor

     • Quick to implement

   • Disadvantages:

     • Seed wastage due to wind/birds

     • Uneven seed distribution

2. Undersowing

   • Planting seeds in an existing crop (nurse crop) like maize.

   • Advantages:

     • Reduces initial establishment costs

     • More reliable

     • Preserves soil structure

   • Disadvantages:

     • Difficulties in harvesting main crops

3. Oversowing

   • Introducing new species into unimproved grassland.

   • Preparation: Reduce height/density of existing forage.

   • Advantages:

     • Protects seedlings

     • Improves pasture quality

     • Reduces soil erosion

     • Maintains soil moisture

   • Disadvantages:

     • Competition for sunlight/nutrients

     • Requires higher management skills

4. Drilling

   • Sowing seeds with a seed drill; considered the best method.

Seed Rate

• Definition: Amount of seed used per hectare, expressed in kg/ha.

• Effects: Influences spacing and population density.

• Importance: Affects growth rates and yield.

Calculating Seed Rate

• Formula: Seed Rate=Average weight of one seed×No. of seeds/hole×No. of holes​ /number of hectares

Factors Affecting Pasture Seed Rate

1. Size of the Seed: Smaller seeds require lower rates.

2. Soil Tilth: Better tilth allows lower seed rates.

3. Growth Habit: Spreading species need lower rates.

4. Type of Pasture: Mixed pastures require lower rates to avoid competition.

5. Method of Sowing: Broadcasting generally requires a higher seed rate than drilling.

6. Purity Percentage: Pure seeds need lower rates.

7. Germination Percentage: Lower viability seeds require higher rates.

Methods of Pasture Treatment

1. Hulling

   • Definition: Removal of the outer covering (husk) of seeds, mainly legume seeds.

   • Importance:

     • Promotes faster seed growth post-planting.

     • Increases water absorption rates.

2. Scarification

   • Definition: Weakening the seed coat to enhance germination.

   • Methods:

     • Mechanical Method: Rubbing seeds with sandpaper or rough surfaces.

     • Hot Water Method: Immersing seeds in hot water briefly; requires monitoring.

     • Acid Treatment Method: Soaking seeds in concentrated acid (e.g., sulfuric acid) in a lab setting.

   • Importance:

     • Makes seed coats permeable to water and air.

     • Speeds up germination.

3. Inoculation

   • Definition: Introducing nitrogen-fixing bacteria into legume seeds.

   • Procedure:

     • Place seeds in a clean polythene bag.

     • Add water or milk to moisten seeds.

     • Mix in inoculant thoroughly.

     • Allow seeds to dry in the shade.

     • Plant the seeds.

   • Precautions:

     • Avoid sunlight exposure.

     • Use viable inoculants.

     • Keep away from acid fertilizers.

   • Importance:

     • Ensures presence of Rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation.

     • Increases soil bacterial levels.

4. Pelleting

   • Definition: Coating seeds with inert materials to standardize size and shape.

   • Importance:

     • Enhances oxygen availability in the soil.

     • Ensures accurate seed spacing.

     • Reduces seed rates.