What rate should I sow lucerne?
sow lucerne at 3-4 kg/ha (seeding rate may vary with rainfall district); seed must be sown at 10-20 mm. In non-wetting, sandy soils sow in furrows of 17-35 cm (7-14″) width and use press wheels to improve seed-soil contact; and.
Can you over sow lucerne?
It is recommended not to re-sow lucerne back into old lucerne stands due to disease and autotoxicity (Kehr 1983). Pastures could be over sown with subterranean clover or a cereal to increase forage production. Alternatively the pasture could be removed to sow an annual crop.
How deep should lucerne be planted?
5-10 mm deep
sow lucerne seed 5-10 mm deep into a moist seedbed with narrow points to create a furrow.
When should you plant lucerne?
Sowing time Early autumn to early winter; late April is ideal. In southern Australia districts with an 8 month or more growing season, lucerne is best sown between late August & October, ideally on a winter fallow. Late Spring sowings are dictated by wet years.
How long does lucerne take to grow?
Lucerne’s extensive root system enables the crop to produce good yields even under relatively dry conditions. It’s perennial nature means that once successfully established reliable production could be expected for the following 3 to 4 years.
What is the best fertilizer for lucerne?
Lucerne requires phosphorus and nitrogen at sowing to aid strong establishment. Single super phosphate at 250-300 kg/ha or M.A.P or D.A.P fertiliser at 80-100 kg/ha is recommended to be drilled with the seed.
How long does it take for lucerne to establish?
Lucerne’s limitations are: the cost, and slow rate (6-12 months) of establishment.
How often do you water lucerne?
water a year, including rainfall. Irrigation must be adapted to the climate and soil type. There are two main types of lucerne cutter – the traditional sickle bar mower and the disc mower, which uses rotating blades.
How much does it cost to grow lucerne?
LABOUR REQUIREMENTS: – labour is not costed in this budget. According to the above operations, labour required is 2.39hrs/ha. Then multiplying this by 1.25 to allow for machinery repair time etc, and using a basic labour cost of $21.00/hr, the cost of labour is $62.67/ha, increasing the costs to $271.94/ha.
How much water do you need to grow lucerne?
The research determined that for flood irrigation in the defined region an irrigator requires between 7 and 14 ML of water for every hectare irrigated for lucerne seed production.
How fast does lucerne grow?
During Establishment: Seedlings emerge within 1 – 2 weeks of sowing. Weeks grow quickly and should be sprayed with 2.4-DB as soon as the Lucerne seedlings reach the stage of having three trifoliate leaves, this will normally be about 4 – 6 weeks after the sowing date depending on the weather.
What height do you cut lucerne?
When harvesting for high quality, the first cut should be taken early in the season when the plants are around 30-40 cm in height. Leave a 7-10 cm residual after cutting to encourage a fast growth. The remainder of the cuts should be taken at the 30-40 cm height, up until the longest day; this is generally 35-45 days.
How much N do I need to sow Lucerne?
Although lucerne requires no N once established it can be beneficial to apply 25kg N/ha to an autumn sowing to promote rapid plant development. P and K requirements are higher than for grass and should be maintained at ADAS Index 2 to maintain yields.
When is the best time to plant Lucerne seeds?
Lucerne prefers fertile soil which is rich in organic matter, calcium, phosphorus, and potash. Like berseem, Lucerne also needs very fine seedbed, as the seeds are very small. One deep plowing with 2-3 harrowings followed by planking is sufficient. The best sowing time of the crop is mid-October to early November.
When to cut Lucerne for a conservation crop?
Priority has to be given to the lucerne with the cereal removed as soon as possible. If the cereal, usually spring barley, is cut as silage at the milky stage this provides a conservation crop in a year of establishment. A low seed rate of about 50% of normal is advised for the cover crop.
Which is better broadcast or line sowing Lucerne?
In the case of broadcast method, a seed rate of 20-25 kg/ha should be used while line sowing needs only 12-15 kg/ha but in case of intercropping, it requires only 6-12 kg/ha. Like berseem, seed treatment with Rhizobium culture is beneficial. Line sowing is preferred over broadcasting.