Establishing Pastures: Types of Mixtures

Table of Contents

1. Complex Mixtures
• Table 2-3: Comparison of Red Clover Hay-pasture Mixture Yields
2. Simple Mixtures
• Table 2-4.1: Suggestions for Pasture Mixtures - Well Drained
• Table 2-4.2: Suggestions for Pasture Mixtures - Moderately Well Drained
• Table 2-4.3: Suggestions for Pasture Mixtures - Fair to Poorly Drained
3. Complex Versus Simple Mixtures
4. Types of Grazing Management
• Table 2-5: Suitability of Forage Species To Different Types of Harvest Management
  
5. Other Pasture Establishment Recommendations
   • Soil Test
   • Selecting a Seed Mixture
   • Seeding Rates
   • Legume Inoculation
   • The Seedbed
   • Seeding Technique
   • Weed Control When Seeding Forage Stands
6. Related Links

Complex Mixtures

Early and late maturing species and varieties are often combined in complex mixtures to produce a long and uniform supply of pasture over the season. These mixtures are based on the idea that different species and varieties come into peak production at different times in the season. Ideally this mixture would supply pasture for the entire grazing season. The yielding ability of mixtures and the distribution of that yield is associated with the species in the mixture rather than the complexity of it. (Table 2-3, Comparison of red clover hay-pasture mixture yields) It is important mixtures be made up of compatible legumes and grasses. As the number of species in a mixture increases, the opportunity for unbalanced competition among them increases.

Simple Mixtures

Simple mixtures contain 1 legume with 1or 2 compatible grasses. They are easier to manage over the short term for high yields and give a more predictable level of forage production throughout the season. Two or 3 simple mixtures planted in different fields can ensure a steady production of forage.

Table 2-4. Suggestions for Pasture Mixtures

Complex Versus Simple Mixtures

Management practices and environmental conditions influence the competitive abilities of each species differently. It is not possible to manage a very complex mixture for maximum production of 1 species without creating conditions that will harm another species. Yield from the species less adapted to the management will decrease and eventually the species will disappear as the plants die.

A review of the Ontario Forage Mixture Trials by Dr. Ann Clark in the early 1990s shows that historically mix-tures with 4 to 5 components tend to be better over the long term.

Text Equivalent of Image

Type of Grazing Management

The grass and legume species have different tolerances to being grazed. Some, like Kentucky bluegrass, can survive frequent close grazing, while others survive only if grazing is infrequent (Table 2-5, Suitability of Forage Species to Different Types of Harvest Management). Select a mixture where all species fit the grazing management.

HS = highly suitable
S = suitable
NR = not recommended

Related Links

... on forages and pastures, visit Forages and Pastures (OMAFRA)
... on weed control, order Publication 75 Guide to Weed Control: Forage Crops
... on agronomy for field crops, order Pub. 811 Agronomy Guide for Field Crops: Chapter 3 Forages
... on field crop protection, order Publication 812, Field Crop Protection Guide
... on livestock, visit Livestock (OMAFRA)