Understand the features of soil (i.e., texture, structure, chemistry, fertility,...) that are important for forage establishment

Understand how to calculate pH

Understand the importance of adjusting soil pH and when it is best to apply lime

Understand the proper timing and methods for soil testing

Know how pH affects nutrient availability

Understand the impact of lime-coated seed on soil pH, seedling establishment, and seed costs

Understand the importance of P and K on seedling establishment

Understand how nutrients interact with the soil, and how this can alter bio-availability to plants

Be able to calculate nutrient removal by forages given information on yield and tissue nutrient analysis

Understand the benefits and problems associated with applying N at seeding

Understand the impact of N fertilization on a grass-legume mixture

Know the proper seeding rates and seeding depths for the forage species we have discussed in class

Understand how to select forage species suitable to a particular site

Know the most suitable times to seed forage grasses and legumes and why

Understand the reasons for seedling death during establishment

Understand the proper use of a companion crop for establishing forages

Be aware of the implements that can be used to seed forages and their strengths and limitations.

Understand the best management practices for no-til establishment of forages

Be able to compare and contrast broadcast seeding and drilling as methods for forage establishment

Know how a seedbed must be prepared for successful forage establishment

Know how weed control impacts successful establishment of forages, and methods that can be used to control weeds

Understand why seeds fail to germinate, may not emerge, and may fail to grow after emergence ("Why Forage Seedings Fail" handout)