twinotterpilot
New member
Hello from Eastern Ontario, Canada. I'm looking for some advice on improving my 20 acre hayfield. We've owned the place for about 16 years. I have all my own equipment and have taken about 40-65 round bales off over the years. Per my seed store I have top dressed a couple of times, most recently 3 years ago, by using a seed spread on my ATV and applying very late winter or early spring before the ground gets soft, but temps are on plus side. Also an August application has been suggested.
I spread mostly composted horse manure (done yesterday) typically after a couple of frosts have hit. We are on the Canadian Shield and have shallow soil on top of solid rock, so 6 to 8 inches in some spots. We do not apply fertilizer, as I cannot justify cost for 3 horses, and now on a pension income. As we require the yearly hay, I cannot lose it for a year to till and resow. Just wondering should I be using a chain harrow (which I don't have) every few years, aggressive side or other? What about running a roller (I have an old one, but need some weight) to flatten out the bumps caused by seasonal frost and ruts with all the wheeled traffic over the years. When is the best time to run either the harrow or roller if their use is recommended. Any other ideas? Thanks for reading and responding.
I spread mostly composted horse manure (done yesterday) typically after a couple of frosts have hit. We are on the Canadian Shield and have shallow soil on top of solid rock, so 6 to 8 inches in some spots. We do not apply fertilizer, as I cannot justify cost for 3 horses, and now on a pension income. As we require the yearly hay, I cannot lose it for a year to till and resow. Just wondering should I be using a chain harrow (which I don't have) every few years, aggressive side or other? What about running a roller (I have an old one, but need some weight) to flatten out the bumps caused by seasonal frost and ruts with all the wheeled traffic over the years. When is the best time to run either the harrow or roller if their use is recommended. Any other ideas? Thanks for reading and responding.