When to Consider Forage Rejuvenation

It is natural for a seeded perennial forage stand to decline in productivity over the years. The rate at which a forage stand declines can be influenced by several factors. When current forage production no longer meets expected yield or quality, rejuvenation options should be considered. Rejuvenation is any treatment that is applied to an existing seeded perennial forage stand to increase productivity of the land for livestock grazing or hay production.

Factors that cause a decline in forage production may include problems with soil fertility, salinity or texture, issues in long-term management or even unfavourable weather such as drought or untimely rain or frost. The cause of forage production decline is generally a combination of one or more factors. In situations where weather is not a factor, improper forage management and low soil fertility are the two most likely causes. The negative effects of this decline could result in lower yields, a shift from desirable (seeded) species being replaced by undesirable or weed species or woody vegetation to a point where the land no longer meets forage production goals.

If the land no longer meets production goals it is important to identify the current condition of the forage stand and the reason for the decline by means of an assessment. Once determined, the appropriate rejuvenation method or methods can be selected. Some rejuvenation methods are more costly and labour intensive than others, based on forage stand condition, so careful thought should go into the selection process. Forage stands assessed as poor condition will most likely require more aggressive and costly rejuvenation versus a stand in fair condition.

Some common methods include:

- Break and reseed, where the forage stand is terminated and can be seeded to an annual crop for a year or two and then reseeded to a forage stand. This is done in cases where the forage stand is in poor condition or you want to change forage species. This is an expensive option and means the forage stand will be out of production for a minimum of one year.

- Sod seeding or overseeding is another option to spread legume seeds such as alfalfa or cicer milkvetch into a grass stand. Seed can be added mechanically or broadcast on the ground. The idea is that the legume will provide addition forage production to a grass stand and the legumes will also provide nitrogen to the soil which can decreases the need for additional nitrogen fertilizer.

- Fertilization based on the results of a soil test helps you make an informed decision on what type of nutrients are required and application rate.

- Winter grazing can be a low-cost option to help manage and maintain fertility levels in a field through the distribution of livestock waste. Methods can include bale grazing or stockpile grazing.

- Forage management is generally the easiest and most cost effective. Good forage management means ensuring livestock are stocked at the proper grazing rates and fields are given proper rest between grazing intervals or hay removal to ensure plants recover. If forage needs are not being met, "rest" may be the most economical option.

Regardless of which rejuvenation method(s) is selected, long term success is determined by good management and favourable weather conditions.

If you have any questions about which forage rejuvenation method is best for your operation or have other forage related questions please contact your regional range management extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.