Newcomer

[wilagro]

In England grass comes back every year for 20 years how long will alfalfa and mixed grass last in sask
and if seeded in spring can you hay it
the same year
this may be obvious to you guys but
farming over there is entirely different to here
Roland

[emiled]

How long alfalfa and mixed grass stands last depends on things like the type of alfalfa or grass, the fertility program, disease issues, and growing conditions. For alfalfa, it can depend largely on whether the variety is a Siberian-creeping rooted type (long-lived 5-10 years) or a Flemish-taprooted type which is generally shorter-lived 4-5 years. More to come on this from our forage expert!

As far as taking a cut of hay in the year of establishment, it is possible provided growing conditions allow for reasonable growth... Without a cover crop!

[cowman]

What really affects how long we can leave a hay stand down in Central Alberta is how long the moles(pocket gophers) stay away. After about 4 years the field is hardly fit to walk over let alone drive machinery over. The little buggers have just about got me beat!

[emiled]

Here's some comments from Mark Johns Forage Specialist... on species longevity, etc

It is really dependent on species, management, and climate. There are
documented cases of Crested Wheatgrass stands remaining productive at
the research station in Indian Head for 40 years or more. Russian and
Altai wildrye are also reputed to be very long lived. However, if you
were to try and grow these species in the moister black and grey wooded
soil regions they may not demonstrate their longevity as well.
A mixed stand is a little harder to maintain for long rotations and I
think it would depend on the management and fertility. A dry-land
(creeping rooted) alfalfa would be the best choice as they are the most
dormant and least succeptable to winterkill. Seeded in a mixture with
crested wheatgrass or russian wildrye and cut once a year, it may be
possible to keep the stand in a long time. It would also be beneficial
if the fertility requirements of the alfalfa were constantly monitored
and met as required. Keep in mind that there are many factors that can
shorten the life of the stand; infestations of pocket gophers and
ground squirrels, extended drought, winter kill, and invasive weedy
species like bluegrass and quackgrass. It is also interesting to note
that some of the oldest hay stand are in fact native grass 'hay' leases
or permits.
In regards to being able to cut a stand the first year, it is entirely
dependent on precipitation. We can usually get one cut in the moister
parts of the black and grey wooded soil zones, but it would seem
unlikely in the brown or dark brown zones. Be cautious cutting first
year stands under very moist conditions as the young roots and crowns
are not fully developed and will be more sensitive to wheel damage.