Table of Contents
One of the most important purposes of the agriculture industry is to provide the rapidly growing human population with a consistent source of food.
A key process involved in food production is animal husbandry. Since the domestication of animals dated around 9000 years ago, forage crops have been a major focus point for humans in the rearing of livestock.
So, what is the most effective way to ensure that livestock on farms has an adequate supply of food?
The answer lies in crop forage management.
Providing animals with a steady supply of food through forage crops also serves as a branch of sustainable farming. Another type of grass that is similar to forage crops and is a part of sustainable agriculture is turfgrass.
Forage crops provide a source of food for animals while turfgrass promotes sustainability by protecting the environment. Their fundamentally different purposes mean that they also have separate management.
Despite the differences, effective crop forage and turfgrass management is vital to fully reap the benefits of both plants.
Moreover, if you own a crop, livestock, mixed farm, or indoor farm, software like AgriERP can help make crop forage and turfgrass management more efficient.
What is crop forage management?
Forage crops are crops grown as feed for livestock. They are composed of all the edible parts of plants other than the grain.
Forage crops form an important base for sustainable agriculture. They are especially important because other than providing feed for grazing animals they can be used to increase biodiversity, protect wildlife and maintain soil health by reducing chances of erosion.
Forage crops also have a grass root system which increases the soil nutrients. This makes the land more fertile. The crops also contain nutrients and proteins that make an especially healthy feed for livestock. The crops are also noted to prevent weed growth.
Crop forage management refers to the careful selection and growth of a crop so that it can be utilized effectively to maximize its benefits. Hence efficient management is important because it boosts farm productivity and profitability.
Crop forage management ranges from recognizing and selecting the types of crops you want to plant to overseeing factors that impact the growth of your forage.
Here you will find a compilation that explains all the points crucial to crop forage management.
Different types of Forage Crops
There are several different types of forage crops. Deciding which crop to plant according to the farmer’s primary needs is a key step in the management of forage crops.
Annual forage crops-
These are crops that complete their lifecycle in one growing season. Meaning the germination, growth, production of seeds and eventual death of the crop all occur in one season.
Examples of these crops include grasses, legumes, and brassicas.
Production of new seeds is easier because germination, growth, and maturation all take place in one growing season, making the process more time and cost-effective.
Biennial forage crops
These are crops that complete their life cycle over a span of two growing periods.
The first season consists of vegetative growth which is composed of roots, stems, and leaves, while in the second season the plant produces flowers, fruits, and seeds. The second season ends with the death of the crop.
Examples of these crops are the brassica family which includes turnips and kale, and the legume family which includes sweet clover.
Perennial forage crops
These are crops whose lifecycle spans for longer than two growing periods/two years. These crops may also have dormant periods during their life cycle.
Examples of perennial crops include Alfalfa, Red Clover, White Clover, and Timothy.
Factors impacting the establishment of Forage crops
The initial stage of crop forage management comprises establishing the crop to ensure its proper growth.
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Selection of type of forage crop
The selection of the type of crop depends on the specific function it is meant to serve. The type of crop chosen will depend on the quality and quantity of feed it is supposed to produce.
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Soil nutrition
Adequate soil nutrition is imperative in ensuring that the forage crop grows to produce enough fodder for livestock.
Soil nutrition levels are determined by taking a soil test. Through this, farmers will know the type and amount of nutrients present in the soil and the ones lacking so that specific fertilizer can be used.
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Ensuring sufficient seed germination conditions
Proper seed germination is vital for forage crop growth. The main factor affecting seed germination is the contact between the seed and the soil.
Appropriate seed to soil contact can be achieved through conventional, minimum-till, and no-till sowing.
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Weed control
Weed control needs to be implemented at the time of sowing to secure a sufficient supply of nutrients for the forage crop.
Weed control can be achieved through using herbicides, weed killers, or regular crop rotation.
Factors impacting the growth of Forage crops
Once the forage crop has been chosen and planted, the next stage of management is the growth of the crop.
This phase is particularly important because careful management enables the crop to be used fully during its most productive periods of growth.
Well-planned grazing and cutting strategies allow the crop to be utilized to its full potential and help minimize wastage.
What is turfgrass management?
Turfgrass refers to lawn grasses that are mowed regularly and are designed for activities like walking or golfing.
Turfgrass, like forage crops, is relevant to sustainable agriculture and helps protect the environment. One of the reasons for this is because protects the soil from erosion, prevents excess water absorption, removes carbon dioxide from the air, and absorbs surrounding pollutants.
Turfgrass is also important because it does not require any pesticides in its management. This prevents chemical damage to the soil and helps it retain its nutrient levels. It also decreases the speed of flowing water, which reduces runoff. Reduced runoff results in decreased soil erosion which leads to lower levels of nutrient contamination in water supplies.
Turfgrass is aesthetically pleasing in lawns, parks, and golf courses. Its management is also less costly than other grasses. It acts as a protective measure since it can prevent the spread of fire, reduce the number of pests and regulate temperature.
Turfgrass management, like forage crop management, includes overseeing the selection and growth of a crop to fully utilize its benefits.
The first step to turfgrass management is recognizing the different types of turfgrass and selecting which one to grow depending on the location and the function it is meant to serve.
Different types of Turfgrass
Cool-season grasses
These are grasses that grow in cooler climates. Examples include Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Red Fescue.
Warm-season grasses
These are grasses that are acclimatized to areas of high temperature and humidity. Examples include Bahia, Bermuda Grass, Buffalograss, Zoysia, and Carpetgrass.
Transition zone grasses
These are grasses that grow in moderate climates (between hot and cold). Examples include cool season and warm season crossovers like Kentucky Bluegrass and Zoysia.
Factors involved in managing Turfgrass during its growth period
Mowing
It is recommended to mow turfgrass infrequently using a sharp mower. Early morning is the preferred time for mowing.
Irrigation
Turfgrass should not be given excess water. Water should only be applied till the point that it is absorbed by the soil. Overwatering can cause an increase in surface runoff so it should specifically be avoided.
Pest problems
Turfgrass should regularly be inspected for disease or insect infestation as these conditions are not be detected during the dormant period.
Herbicide should be used sparingly during turfgrasses’ dormant period. Overwatering should be avoided because it can lead to an increase in weeds.
Renovation
Renovations should occur during periods of drought.
Fertilizers
Fertilizers should be used based on a soil test that deduces the nutrient level of the soil.
Comparison of crop forage and turfgrass management
Although forage crops and turfgrasses have some similarities, their management is considered different because the crops serve different purposes.
Turfgrass management generally aims to achieve a dense, uniform, and all plantation, while forage crop management aims for a vertical growth of leafy grasses that is less rigid and compact.
Turfgrasses also grow at a much slower rate compared to forage crops. This is why regular mowing is not required for turfgrasses.
Lastly, turfgrasses have a shallow root system where excess water can cause foliar disease, hence extra care is taken to not overwater them. Foliage crops do not have a very shallow root system so their irrigation schedule is not as strict.
Conclusion
Both forage crops and turfgrass are useful in the farming industry and form an important part of sustainable agriculture. Due to this, careful management of both these plants is important to ensure that they grow adequately and can be fully utilized.
Whether a farmer chooses to grow forage crops or turfgrass or even both, he will need to carefully plan and factor in farm elements like location, weather, and soil type. The entire process of planning and regulating the growth of his crops is integral to crop forage and turfgrass management.
A farmer can also always lean on his local crop management companies for advice. This will help him map out his management plan so that his crops grow to maximize productivity and profitability.
