How long does it take for lucerne to mature?
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.
Does lucerne regrow?
For long term productivity and persistence of lucerne stands, best practice management is to rotational graze with a minimum period of at least 35 days recovery. This spell period is critical as lucerne relies on stored energy in its roots to regrow.
How long does it take for lucerne to flower?
Levels in the roots are lowest about 2 weeks after grazing or cutting and reach their maximum at full bloom, somewhere between 4 – 8 weeks after the previous defoliation (dependent on time of year and winter activity level of the cultivar used).
How long does lucerne take to grow in South Africa?
around three to five years
After establishing a typical ley crop system using lucerne for a period of around three to five years, the soil should be sufficiently restored to cultivate annual grain crops under a CA system.
How many times can you harvest lucerne?
You can cut lucerne five or six times a year.
How often do you cut lucerne?
“Grazing periods of about 7–10 days is recommended. “To minimise the animal health risks when lucerne is grazed, we recommend not to introduce hungry or unaccustomed sheep to lucerne, and first allow them access to other pasture or hay.”
What is the lifespan of lucerne?
Lucerne may live for up to 20 years, although the life of an average stand is closer to five years. As swards age, inappropriate cutting or grazing management, weeds, disease and insects take their toll and the plant’s survival declines.
How long does a lucerne crop last?
This nitrogen allows the plant to maintain high protein levels and build up soil nitrogen. A good lucerne stand can add in excess of 140 kg N/ha to the soil in one year. Lucerne may live for up to 20 years, although the life of an average stand is closer to five years.
Does lucerne need a lot of water?
Lucerne requires about 1200 mm water/yr to give good production. The volume of water given during irrigation should be sufficient to wet the soil to its full potential (maximum that soil can absorb = field water capacity) while the frequency of irrigation (time between irrigations) should be left as long as possible.
When should you cut lucerne for hay?
The optimal time to cut lucerne is when 5-10% of the plants are flowering (early bloom). At this moment more than half of all plant should have a new sprout coming from the crown. When aimed for the maximal quality, harvest occurs in pre-bloom or late-bud stage.
How much water does lucerne require?
about 1200 mm water/yr
Lucerne requires about 1200 mm water/yr to give good production. The volume of water given during irrigation should be sufficient to wet the soil to its full potential (maximum that soil can absorb = field water capacity) while the frequency of irrigation (time between irrigations) should be left as long as possible.
How much is lucerne hay worth?
At $300 per tonne (ex-farm), this lot is exceptional value for money. We currently have lucerne listed online and ready for sale in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA.
How big is a lucerne Bale?
Product features With a size of 50 x 30 x 30 cm per bale, only little storage space is required. The bale with a weight of 20 kg can be easily distributed to the different compartments of the stable.
How much does a lucerne bale weight?
Lucerne bales. Small square lucerne bales. Average weight of one bale is ± 26kg. Transport can be arranged anywhere in South Africa.
How often do you water Lucerne?
How much does it cost to plant Lucerne?
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.
Is making hay profitable?
He says it costs about $297 per acre to seed and prepare hay ground. “You are going to get more than three years out of that, but if we use three years, that’s about $100 per acre per year,” Brown says. “If you are getting $125 per ton for quality hay, you are going to see a profit of $51 per ton, or $204 per acre.