March 2021 Issue

Page 8 March 2021 EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN By Penn State Extension As we move into late winter and early spring, we may consider our pasture restoration plans. For those looking to thicken pasture stands or introduce additional spe- cies, frost seeding is a very viable and economical restoration tool. Frost seeding (or overseed- ing of pastures in general) is not a substitute for poor fertility of pastures. Proper pH and fertility are essential for desirable produc- tion of pastures. Soil tests should be taken regularly (at least every 3 years), and corrective measures taken. Although using some type of tillage to renovate pasture has a higher rate of success, using frost seeding is a less expensive option that can be effective if done at the right time and managed properly. One major factor in frost seeding success is achieving maximum seed-to-soil contact. Oftentimes, a pasture that has been very aggressively grazed into the fall will present a good opportunity for frost seeding. Using a chain drag or running over the field lightly with a disk can open the stand as well. Another way to achieve good seed to soil contact is through the trampling effect of livestock. Frost seeding works as the ground “honeycombs” during this time of year. As temperatures climb to above freezing during the day, but drop below freez- ing at night, the soil opens and closes, working the seed down- ward, into the soil surface. Early morning frost seeding, before the soil surface begins to thaw, is recommended. If the soil surface is “slimy”, wait to seed until you get another morning when the soil has frozen again. Most often, we recommend using frost seeding to introduce forage legumes into an estab- lished stand. Legumes have a much better success rate than grasses. Red clover is usually the species most recommended for frost seeding, because of factors including seedling vigor and wide tolerance to pH, fertility, drainage, and drought. Obtaining a desirable stand of grass species from frost seeding is much more difficult. Research at the University of Wis- consin (West and Undersander, 1997) showed that perennial rye- grass and orchard grass exhibited the best establishment success. If you plan to attempt frost seeding of a grass, be aware that you will need to make a separate pass with your seeder, as grasses will not spread as far as legumes. Frost seeding can be done with any type of a broadcast seeder. This can be done by hand, tractor 3-point hitch, or ATV. Now is the Time to Frost Seed Your Pastures Remember...tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian!