Do you have low spots in your field where excess water drowns your crops or do you struggle with managing salinity? Fall dormant seeding of perennial forages may offer a solution to help manage these areas.
Input costs can quickly add up in marginal areas affected by excess moisture and salinity limitations, as these acres often underperform in yield. When annual crops are flooded, stunted by excess moisture or when salinity inhibits growth, these conditions create opportunities for weeds to thrive. In particular, saline areas can become breeding grounds for weeds like kochia, which can spread seed into surrounding cropland.
Converting marginal areas to forages can provide more stable production in both wet and dry years. In saline areas, perennial forages may also help reduce salinity over time by intercepting salt-laden water before it reaches the soil surface. In addition to lowering input costs, perennial forages offer various environmental benefits, such as improved carbon sequestration, enhanced water filtration, and providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife. Creating pollinator habitat can positively impact neighbouring insect-pollinated crops like canola.
While spring is generally the best time to plant forages due to abundant moisture, wet areas may be inaccessible during the season. Therefore, fall dormant seeding is an option for seeding these acres. However, timing is critical for successful dormant seeding. If seeding is done too early, some seeds may germinate prematurely and be at risk of not surviving over the winter. When dormant seeding, soil temperatures should be below 2°C. Generally, the later you seed in the year, the better, as this reduces the risk of germination during unexpected warmer temperatures. It is also recommended to increase dormant seeding rates by 20 to 30 per cent to account for any seed mortality over the winter. In saline areas, you may need to further increase seeding rates by an additional 20 to 30 per cent.
When establishing a forage stand, it is crucial to start with high-quality seed, such as Certified #1 or Common #1 varieties. Proper seeding depth is also essential, as forage seeds are typically small and can fail to germinate if planted too deeply. A firm seed bed ensures optimal seed-to-soil contact, which is critical for successful germination. The correct seeding rate should always be used, with higher rates recommended for fall dormant seeding, broadcast seeding or planting in challenging environments like saline soils. Controlling perennial weeds before seeding is vital, as they are difficult to manage once established in a new forage stand. Lastly, ensuring adequate soil fertility through a soil test can help identify any nutrient deficiencies that need to be addressed for optimal forage growth.