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• Upon review of Table 2.04.10-8 it becomes apparent that there are large variations in production <br />for the various operators. All operators indicated in interviews that they felt that the annual <br />production potential of their haylands is 3+ tons/acre. Only one operator, Goforth, achieved this <br />with an approximate total production after three cuttings of 4 tons/acre. As stated earlier, when <br />all operator's production were equated to first cutting values, production varied from a low of <br />1,168 pounds/acre to over 3,000 pounds/acre. Out of five operators harvesting hay, two took a <br />second cutting, and only one took a third cutting. To achieve 3 tons/acre production, the average <br />production for each of three cuttings would need to be 2,000 pounds/acre. The lower overall <br />production for most operators and the wide differences reflect the variation in management of the <br />operators and site variability. Differing management objectives and the level of applied <br />management in any given year (or season) result in short term variation in production, while site <br />characteristics, including topography and depth of soils, determine long term production. Soils <br />range from moderately deep to shallow loams, but most operators acknowledged the presence <br />of rock ridges with shallow soil cover in several of the fields. Topography affects the level of <br />efficiency for irrigation water application when using flood type irrigation. Undulating topography <br />with irregular contours results in areas receiving too little water and other areas receiving an <br />• excess, resulting in boggy conditions or the drowning out of more desirable species such as <br />alfalfa. <br />The varying management objectives and level of inputs are best illustrated by summarizing <br />information provided by the various operators during 1987. Goforth makes a conscientious effort <br />towards irrigation water management, fertilizes with approximately 150 pounds/acre of 18-46-0 <br />fertilizer and occasionally with 150 pounds/acre of potash, and does not overutilize the aftermath <br />in the hay fields during the non-growing season. The fields are also periodically renovated. <br />Periodic renovation and application of phosphorous fertilizer on a regular basis maintains a good <br />alfalfa component in a stand which significantly increases yields and forage quality (Heath et al. <br />1985 and Schumaker et al. 1967). By comparison, the Morgan hay fields (San Miguel property) <br />were grazed heavily by livestock during the late winter and into the early spring after growth had <br />started. Morgan does not fertilize regularly and alfalfa composition in the stand is low, while <br />poorer producing species, such as Kentucky bluegrass and buckhorn plantain, have a high <br />• (REVISED 8/15/00) 2.04.10 - 32 <br />