Frost Seeding Your Pasture

Frost seeding, sometimes referred to as overseeding, is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to establish legumes in existing grass pastures. Frost seeding is simply broadcasting legume or grass seed on existing grass pastures in late winter or very early spring when the ground is still frozen. The best time to frost seed is usually from mid-February to the end of March. Freezing and thawing, plus early spring rains, provide the only seed coverage. All commonly grown legumes can be established by frost seeding. Because of their greater seedling vigor, red clover, alsike clover, and ladino clover have quicker establishment than birdsfoot trefoil. Alfalfa seedlings are less vigorous in competition with pasture grasses than in more traditional new hay or pasture seedings. Though frost seeded alfalfa stands often appear thin in the seeding year, they usually are much improved by the second and third years. Grasses also can be established by frost seeding, but experience is limited. The grasses best suited for frost seeding, in order of their chance of success, are: orchardgrass, timothy, tall fescue, and bromegrass.

Frost seeding is viewed as a low-cost method for livestock producers looking to renovate pastures while increasing yields and improving quality with little commercial nitrogen.

Pastures which provide a good seed-to-soil contact are the best areas for frost seeding. Closely grazed or mowed fields will help open the stand.

All seed should be inoculated for best results. Coating on seed has proven to help seed-to-soil contact and the heavier particle has a tendency to reach the soil through heavier foliage.

Popular legumes

The following are some of the more popular legumes used for frost seeding:

Red clover - Red clover is probably the most widely used forage species when it comes to frost seeding. Red clover has high seedling vigor, is tolerant of a range of soil pH and fertility conditions, and tolerates drought better than white clover. However, red clover is a short-lived perennial, typically persisting in a stand for only a couple of years. Research is under way to find varieties with improved longevity. Use 8 lbs. per acre

• 021-11645- Coated Cinnamon Plus Red Clover
• 021-11580- Common Red Clover
• 021-11585- Coated Common Red Clover

White clover - White clover is a perennial clover and begins its production in the cooler spring weather. White clover is a low-growing legume, meaning that in order for the white clover to thrive, the grass must be grazed down shorter so that light can get through.

• Ladino Clover: Use 1-2 lbs per acre
• 021-11541- Coated Will Ladino Clover
• 021-11658- Coated Resolute Clover

Alfalfa - Alfalfa has been tried as a frost seeded legume with variable results. Alfalfa has higher fertility requirements than clovers and it also requires a soil pH above 6.5 for best establishment results. Use 10 lbs per acre.

• 021-11281 Coated Evermore
• 021-11283 Coated Withstand
• 021-11271 Coated Phoenix
• 021-11010 Coated Forage Queen
• 021-11251 Alfalfa Lancer

Annual lespedeza - Annual lespedeza is receiving more attention as a frost-seeding legume. Annual lespedeza is a non-bloating legume that is drought tolerant. Although annual lespedeza will tolerate acidic soils (pH 5.0 to 5.5) and low phosphorous level soils, it will also respond to applications of lime, phosphorus and potassium. However, applications of nitrogen will decrease lespedeza yields. Lespedeza is a warm-season forage that can be used to fill in the “summer slump” period that cool season grasses experience. Use 15 lbs per acre.

• 021-27000 Korean

Forage Grasses - Although grasses do not generally work as well as legumes, research has shown that perennial and annual rye grasses and orchard grass are suitable for frost seeding. With the outstanding price we have on Benchmark Plus, this spring is a great time to renovate.

• 021- 42405 BenchMark Plus Orchardgrass: Use 2 to 5 lbs per acre
• Perennial Ryegrass: Use 3 to 5 lbs per acre

Note: Because of density differences in grass and legume when broadcasting you may want to seed separately.

 

Information Resources

Try frost seeding to renovate pastures by Farm and Dairy Staff Friday, January 23, 2009
Include Clover in 2010 Forage Plans by Dr. Mark A. McCann, Extension Animal Scientist, VA Tech, Feb 2010
Frost-Seeding Pastures Posted March 19th, 2007 in Agriculture & Food: Animal Agriculture
Improving Pasture by Frost Seeding Prepared by Stephen K. Barnhart, ISU Extension agronomist, Feb 2002
Establishing and Managing Horse Pastures Jimmy C. Henning, Garry D. Lacefield, Department of Agronomy; Robert J. Coleman, Laurie M. Lawrence, Department of Animal Sciences, University of Kentucky
Frost and Walk-in Clover Seedings Edward B. Rayburn, Extension Specialist, October 1995, West VA University Extension Service