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Passive seeding technique for improving marginal pasture
Project Details
Project Lead: Jane Thornton (Manitoba Agriculture - retired)
Collaborator: Mae Elsinger (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Years: 2019-2021
Project Status: Complete
Funding & In-Kind Support: Imperial Seed, Canadian Agricultural Partnership, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Location: First Street Pasture
Scope: Case Study
Keywords: Forage Rejuvenation, Perennial Forages
Purpose
This project introduces legumes into an existing forage stand by broadcast seeding around mineral tubs.
Key Findings
Low precipitation in all years impacted establishment success, with 2021 being the worst.
It is possible that in some cases germination was delayed until suitable moisture conditions arose.
In all years there was a mixture of high, moderate, and low establishment results for alfalfa, and low results for sainfoin. Cicer milkvetch did not do well in 2019 and was not in the seed mix for 2020.
One of the best plantings happened in 2019 on the feeding area where cattle were being trained to eat leafy spurge.
Good germination also happened near the end of June in 2020 where the big rain event (155 mm) led to a period of high soil moisture.
Full Reports:
2020 Interim Report:
2019 Interim Report:
Related Projects at MBFI:
Industry Resources:
Forage U-Pick - BCRC
Sod Seeding - BCRC
Livestock Seeding of Anik Alfalfa and Cicer Milkvetch Mix - Peace Country Beef & Forage Association