Interseeding into Pasture Stands
Interseeding into Pasture Stands
We’ve told you before about our formula for interseeding into pastures, but what should you use when interseeding? That depends on what your goal for the stand is, but we have a few options…
- Renovator – Throughout the life of a pasture stand, many variables can cause the stand to thin. If your goal is to add more grasses to a pasture, Renovator at 10-15 lbs per acre can be a great option. We have found that this blend of Soft-Leaf Tall Fescue, Meadow Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Orchardgrass, Timothy, and Italian Ryegrass works very well being interseeded into existing stands. The Italian Ryegrass will be your quick to establish portion and the rest of the blend will add persistent diversity with proper management.
- Diversifier – At PCS, we are proponents of having legumes in your pastures link to karls. If you are looking to increase the legume percentag3e of your pastures, Diversifier is what you need. It does just what the name says, diversifies your stand with red clover, white clover, alfalfa, crimson clover, alsike clover, and birdsfoot trefoil. The recommended rate to interseed with would be 5-8 lbs per acre. This multi-species blend adds in a combination of fast establishing legumes along with more persistent varieties. This pairs very well with Renovator if you are needing to add grasses and legumes.
- Freedom! MR Red Clover – This simple, mildew resistant legume addition can really boost a pasture. Freedom! MR is easy to establish and works well in existing stands. It is free of non-glandular hairs which make it more palatable and gives you the option of dry hay if pastures get ahead of your livestock.
When interseeding anything, remember the formula:
Graze/Cut → Drill in new species → Graze/Cut when established stand begins to fill in
This sequence gives new seedlings the maximum amount of light to establish and boost your pasture stand!