Grass Plots

There is an increasing demand for pasture and range improvement in Kinney County. Alternate means are being sought to increase range productivity. With the numerous improved grasses available today and the increasing interest in the number of animal units one can run on a per acre bases, producers are seeking the most desirable grass to aid in improving and increasing range productivity. Currently we have applied 13 observation plots to evaluate forage production.

Choosing the right grass to increase range productivity can be difficult due to the variety of topography here in Kinney County. Land owners and producers need data collected here in Kinney County to determine what grass species are most productive. Winter hardiness and durability are vital to the establishment of grasses and their forage production.

A site was selected in 1999 by our Agricultural Board to set up the demonstration plot. The goal was to provide a site where county land-owners and producers could tour and look at results of these established plots.

Plots were set up by using a common practice; the area was roller-chopped and grasses seeded after the area was prepared. Hand held seed applicator was used to apply seed on each plot at the recommended rate.

Although data is not complete, plots were toured in spring of 1999. Forage clippings will be taken annually on each plot to determine their productivity as well as freeze dates noted to determine winter hardiness. In addition, spring data will be collected to determine forage quality and quantity. After completing data collection a chart will be developed showing all the statistics. This information will be available for land-owners and producers in the county.

Producers face crucial decisions about increasing production every day. If the choices are made based on information learned about impact on land and environment, the decisions should be more beneficial. It is our goal to provide information to the producer so that their decision making powers will be easier and mor productive.

The Kinney County Office of the Texas Agricultural Extension Service gratefully acknowledges Douglass King Co. for providing this seed and the cooperation and assistance of Jimmy Bendele for his contribution and support of this demonstration.

Backpack sprayers sell for $50.00 to $150. Both diaphragm and piston pumps are used, either work well. �Solo� backpack sprayers are one of the most common brands available, and can be purchased for approximately $80 on sale. A padded shoulder harness is often available for an extra $23 to $35. This add-on is well worth the money.

Plastic Tanks (10 to 24 gal.) For 4-wheel ATV sprayers

Northern Hydraulics 800-533-5545

Ag Enterprises 913-472-4114

Coop�s, Farm & Ranch Supply Stores and Chemical Dealers

Many Chemical dealers sell these types of tanks. To insure ATV stability, tank size should be restricted to 25 gallons or less. Costs vary considerably between retailers. A good price for a 25 gallon tank is approximately $50.

12 volt (1.8 g.p.m.) Shurflo pump

Herbicides (Remedy and Reclaim), Emulsifiers (Triton x-100 or Sponto 712), Surfactants (Surf-Wet) and Dyes (HiLite Blue Dye)

ChemTech 210-997-4371

Bes-Tex 915-651-6995

Tri-State Chemicals, Inc.

Central Valley Chemicals

Mid Valley Chemicals

Coop�s, Farm & Ranch Supply Stores

Note: Helena, Tri-State, Central Valley and Mid Valley Chemicals have regional retail outlets across the state. Refer to your phone directory for the outlet nearest you.

Remedy sells for approximately $80/gallon and Reclaim for $162/gallon. Both can be found at many general farm and ranch stores. Both are available in 1 gallon containers. Emulsifiers sell for $20 to $25/gallon, and are available in 1 or 2.5 gallon containers. Surfactanta such as Surf-Wet sell for approximately $7 in a 1 gallon container. HiLite Blue Dye sell for approximately $37/gallon and is available in 1 or 2.5 gallon containers.

The above list is not intended to be all inclusive, but to provide initial direction in procurement and cost of the equipment required to effectively utilize the stem from leaf spray techniques.