22 acre dry farmed area
After we purchased the property we had the soil tested in the 22 acre farmed area. We plan to divide this area into four pastures, and keep most of our horses here.
(This photo shows the farmed area in the winter of 2008 before we owned the property. The crop of Oat Hay is low because of the drought.)
The results of the soil test indicated that the soil was low in five essential elements. It was also extremely acidic and compacted.
(Summer of 2008 after the oat Hay was harvested.)
The first thing we did was to add gypsum to improve the drainage and loosen the soil. Then we planted a cover crop of legumes. We added nitrogen at the same time. The purpose of a cover crop is to add nutrients and green material to the soil before the planting of the actual crop or grass you wish to grow. Before the cover crop went to seed we turned it into the soil. We will now wait for the fall to plant the grass for our horses. Unfortunately I did not take any photos of the cover crop.
(Right after the cover crop was turned into the soil)
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By Lolita, July 27, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
Hi!!! You should allocate some trees to count as ofsetts for methane extretions from your horses (i.e. farts)lol
By Diana, July 27, 2009 @ 6:00 pm
Thanks for your humorous comment! I have actually heard of studies on the amount of gas coming from cows…and it is quite substatial. I will ask around and let you know…but it is always a good idea to plant trees! ;>)
Thanks,
D