Tiller Rejuvenating an old field

[scm12789]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and farming too. I have been brush hogging a field for many years and now want to improve the grasses growing on it since they seem to be deteriorating and giving way to wild strawberry runners. Soil test then lime for sure, but then what? Disk it? Rototill? I tried a test run with a plow but plow seemed to ride high, not much topsoil, clay underneath. Years ago this was used as a potato farm. I'd like to plant buckwheat as I've heard it would grow most anywhere, then till it under to add organics and maybe gradually add to the topsoil layer. I'm not expecting miracles. Any thoughts as to how to go about this? Thanks.

 

[gengine]

Welcome to TBN!

 

[scm12789]

thank you!

 

[jenkinsph]

First, Welcome to TBN.

Building up your topsoil is a long term process for sure. Increasing the organic matter over time will certainly help along with the correct amendments. I would suggest you contact your local USDA county agent to help you with the best methods for your locale and soil tests. In some cases for instance even weeds can help with green manure being tilled back in to the upper layer.

Last year I started collecting clippings, chips and pine needles as well as steer manure to combine into a pile for future top dressing. Bought a dump trailer and haul appropriate materials in from other jobs to increase the yield. If I can add 1/4" to 1/2" of finished top dressing to my lawn each year I am very satisfied.

 

[babypp2]

Last year I started collecting clippings, chips and pine needles as well as steer manure to combine into a pile for future top dressing.

 

[moored4]

:welcome: to TBN! :thumbsup:

Happy :tractor:ing!

 

[moored4]

Chicken houses and horse boarding places usually have an excess of organic material! If you contact them and let them know that you will take their clean compost, no trash, (feed sacks, hay string, and such) they should be happy to deliver it to you for free! Use it to top dress and then till it in! :thumbsup:

 

[MarkV]

If the end goal is just good field grass following the recommendations from the soil test will often bring the grasses back in a couple of years. Liming and fertilizing with mowing to keep the weeds down until the grass chokes them out can do wonders. With little top soil turning the ground can sometimes do more harm than good.

MarkV

 

[smstonypoint]

I agree with MarkV.

Also, you could apply a selective (broadleaf) herbicide to speed up the recovery of the grass.

Steve

 

[flusher]

Hi, I'm new to this forum and farming too. I have been brush hogging a field for many years and now want to improve the grasses growing on it since they seem to be deteriorating and giving way to wild strawberry runners. Soil test then lime for sure, but then what? Disk it? Rototill? I tried a test run with a plow but plow seemed to ride high, not much topsoil, clay underneath. Years ago this was used as a potato farm. I'd like to plant buckwheat as I've heard it would grow most anywhere, then till it under to add organics and maybe gradually add to the topsoil layer. I'm not expecting miracles. Any thoughts as to how to go about this? Thanks.

I'd just disc it and plant a cover crop (lana vetch/annual ryegrass mixture 50/50) and then till it in. You can broadcast the seed mixture The vetch is a legume that fixes atmospheric nitrogen in its root system which will help fertilize the soil.

Good luck.