GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PLANTING
GRASSES.
Establishment:
1) No Till Method: For the best conservation practice, no-till the
seed into the stubble of a previous crop or the existing stand of
another species that has been successfully eradicated. Pay close
attention to previous land use practices. If a row crop has been
planted for many years in succession a herbicide carryover is
possible. For chaffy seed, use a native grass seed drill.
2) Conventional Method: If you feel you must plow up the site before
planting, prepare your seedbed like you would for any other crop. The
seedbeds need to be firm, not fluffy, so the seed will not be planted
at an inappropriate depth. Use a cultipacker to firm your seedbed or
some other type of roller that will create a smooth planting area that
is not too hard.
3) Plant the seed no more than ½ inch deep. Emerging seedlings lack
the strength to push through too much overlying soil. More seed has
been lost to poor planting practices than anything else; this is
especially true of seed depth. Again, use a native grass drill.
4) If weeds are a problem or a potential problem, consider using a
herbicide recommended for warm season grasses. WE MAKE NO
RECOMMENDATIONS. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY. DO NOT TANK MIX A
PESTICIDE WITH A HERBICIDE. REMEMBER MORE IS NOT NECESSARILY
BETTER.
5) Broadcasting Method:
You can broadcast the seed onto a prepared seedbed. Roll Lightly. You
will probably need a carrier. Some people use a 0-13-13 fertilizer.
Management:
1) We do not recommend the use of fertilizer the first year, at least
not nitrogen. Moderate levels of phosphorus and potassium are
beneficial, especially for root establishment, which is the primary
activity of the plant the first year. Use a soil test to help you
decide the rate. Fertilizer may be applied the second year to enhance
vigor and production of forage. It is not necessary to fertilize at
all, but stand strength may be compromised without it.
2) We recommend a controlled burn every 1-3 years if possible. If not,
then a mowing pattern should be established in order to control woody
species invasion and prevent thatch build up. If you mow, mow no lower
than 8 inches and no later than August 1.
3) Rotational grazing or flash grazing is another good
management tool. Care should be taken to prevent the livestock from
grazing the warm season grass to a level that would not rebound after
grazing. Use 6 inches as your stopping point and a re-growth of 12
inches.
4) There should be no harvest the
first year of establishment. If using the stand the second year, the
grass should be at least 20 inches tall. Grazing or cutting should be
to no less than eight inches.
Root System that is established during first year’s growing period
Sharp Brothers Seed Co.
396 SW Davis St. - LaDue
Clinton, Missouri 64735
Phone: 1-800-451-3779
or Phone: 1-660-885-7551
Contact: General inquiries use our contact form.
Also visit Sharp Bros. Healy's website at
www.sharpseed.com
Copyright © 2004 Sharp Brothers Seed Co.
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