Laserfiche WebLink
Upon review of Table 2.04.10-8 it becomes apparent that there are large variations in <br />production for the various operators. All operators indicated in interviews that they felt that the <br />annual production potential of their haylands is 3+ tons/acre. Only one operator, Goforth, <br />achieved this with an approximate total production after three cuttings of 4 tons/acre. As stated <br />earlier, when all operator's production were equated to first cutting values, production varied <br />from a low of 1,168 pounds/acre to over 3,000 pounds/acre. Out of five operators harvesting <br />hay, two took a second cutting, and only one took a third cutting. To achieve 3 tons/acre <br />production, the average production for each of three cuttings would need to be 2,000 <br />pounds/acre. The lower overall production for most operators and the wide differences reflect <br />the variation in management of the operators and site variability. Differing management <br />objectives and the level of applied management in any given year (or season) result in short <br />term variation in production, while site characteristics, including topography and depth of soils, <br />determine long term production. Soils range from moderately deep to shallow loams, but most <br />operators acknowledged the presence of rock ridges with shallow soil cover in several of the <br />fields. Topography affects the level of efficiency for irrigation water application when using <br />flood type irrigation. Undulating topography with irregular contours results in areas receiving <br />too little water and other areas receiving an excess, resulting in boggy conditions or the <br />drowning out of more desirable species such as 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 <br />effort towards irrigation water management, fertilizes with approximately 150 pounds/acre of <br />18-46-0 fertilizer and occasionally with 150 pounds/acre of potash, and does not overutilize the <br />aftermath in the hay fields during the non-growing season. The fields are also periodically <br />renovated. <br />Periodic renovation and application of phosphorous fertilizer on a regular basis maintains a <br />good alfalfa component in a stand which significantly increases yields and forage quality <br />(Heath et al. 1985 and Schumaker et al. 1967). By comparison, the Morgan hay fields (San <br />Miguel property) were grazed heavily by livestock during the late winter and into the early <br />spring after growth had started. Morgan does not fertilize regularly and alfalfa composition in <br />the stand is low, while poorer producing species, such as Kentucky bluegrass and buckhorn <br />plantain, have a high <br />. (REVISED 9/99) 2.04.10 - 36 <br />