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Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years

need advice

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Gordie N

01-23-2003 13:33:15

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I will be opening up a field that is quite grown over this spring - it is around 12 acres, full of sumac, thorn bushes, long grass, small maples and dogwood and it is on a fair slope (south facing which is ok). Any ideas on how to get this cleared up? thanks in advance for any advice

Gordie

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Firetruck

01-24-2003 16:58:09

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Gordie, I'm going to chime in with the guys preaching for the goats. It's amazing what they'll eat. Cornell University has a program going where they graze them in sugar bushes after a select cut to control trash. Make small inclosures so they graze it hard. Good Luck. Stay away from the chemicles if you can.

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Firetruck

01-24-2003 16:56:02

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

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Slofr8

01-24-2003 13:24:20

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Gordie, I don't have much useful advice but find this thread interesting. I'm going through the very same thing here in Maine. Bought some land last year and I have 12 to 15 year growth taking over a couple fields. Maybe lost 6 or 8 acres because of it. It's way to big for my brushhog. I don't need the fields but I can't stand to see it grow up in junk wood after some old feller worked his butt off clearing it a hundred years ago. I just want to grow hay and let a neighbor cut it for his cattle. It'll look much better from the back porch (when we build) then what's there now. I can't justify the expense of a dozer since I don't need the land to make a living so I'm doing what my neighbor did. I just cut it down with a chainsaw flush to the ground, pile it and burn the piles and will keep running the brushhog over it as needed. I have about one and a half acres done so far. I very seriously considered the goats. I even joined a couple of "goat" groups on yahoo for information. Seems like it takes a LOT of fence to keep goats in though. I will give it a try when we move up there and have power for the electric fence. Sheps idea of burning sounds good and I'll definitely look into that too. Good luck. Slofr8.

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Gordie N

01-27-2003 08:01:46

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Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Slofr8, 01-24-2003 13:24:20

Thanks for the comments Slofr8

I agree with your thoughts completely, it is true that it is a shame to see a field that was so hard to clear by hand a century ago go to brush - that thought crossed my mind as well.

I can't burn it ( too chicken, I'd hate to loose control of it...). I wouldn't mind putting some goats on it, but I don't think I could spare the coin for the fencing right now - so I may pull them out one at a time (my son needs the exercise..haha) with a chain on the drawbar of my little 8N. I would sure like to put some goats on it though...maybe old split cedar rails...

Gordie

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Gordie N

01-27-2003 08:01:42

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Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Slofr8, 01-24-2003 13:24:20

Thanks for the comments Slofr8

I agree with your thoughts completely, it is true that it is a shame to see a field that was so hard to clear by hand a century ago go to brush - that thought crossed my mind as well.

Gordie

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Gordie N

01-27-2003 08:01:37

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Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Slofr8, 01-24-2003 13:24:20

Thanks for the comments Slofr8

I agree with your thoughts completely, it is true that it is a shame to see a field that was so hard to clear by hand a century ago go to brush - that thought crossed my mind as well.

Gordie

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Gordie N

01-27-2003 08:01:32

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Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Slofr8, 01-24-2003 13:24:20

Thanks for the comments Slofr8

I agree with your thoughts completely, it is true that it is a shame to see a field that was so hard to clear by hand a century ago go to brush - that thought crossed my mind as well.

Gordie

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ShepFL

01-24-2003 10:24:43

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Did a similar thing this past 2 yrs. on some land I am leasing.

First 50 acres I mowed, raked then opened her up with a disk plow (round disks not harrow). Followed up with disking and cross disking. Let it sit for 3 months and repeated process.

Second 50 acres I had Forest Service cut a fire break, burned it all down, raked it up. After that I used the disk plow again and turned it. Disked and cross-disked it. Both fields been sitting idle since Oct.

Getting ready to plant spuds and the like in the 1st field, watermelons etc. The 2nd field will be planted with ground cover this yr. to become a hay field next yr.

Burning the field off was the easiest for me. Also buring reveals all the "hidden" surprises such as holes, stumps etc.

Pic shows RH side that was burned off and on LH what land was like prior to burning. Burning greatly reduced workload which was helpful for me as I can only do this part time. Word to the wise though, when working that burned ground the soot will get everywhere and I mean everywhere! Wife may not let you back into the house.
FWIW

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ShepFL

01-24-2003 10:12:47

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Did a similar thing this past 2 yrs. on some land I am leasing.

First 50 acres I mowed, raked then opened her up with a disk plow (round disks not harrow). Followed up with disking and cross disking. Let it sit for 3 months and repeated process.

Getting ready to plant spuds and the like in the 1st field, watermelons etc. The 2nd field will be planted with ground cover this yr. to become a hay field next yr.

Burning the field off was the easiest for me. Also buring reveals all the "hidden" surprises such as holes, stumps etc.

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smirkey

01-24-2003 08:14:18

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

you have a new beginning with the 10 year old existing plants capturing carbon from the sun and air.sending roots and earthworms down deep in the soil. this plant material is the soil organic matter that buffers the soil and provides nutrients for your new crops in the comming years. be careful not to destroy it without first thinking about a good multi year plan. . i would look at alternative ways in dealing with the land and crops instead of the plow. a turning plow will help oxidize the carbon back into the air loosing lots of dollars. i like the fence and animal idea, even if only a patch at a time. you can probably reclaim it back into free native grass pasture that's almost already there and adapted to your soil and climate. dirt farming is costly especially with improved varieties, fertilizer, lime, herbicides. check what you'll have in the end. i like being a grass farmer. it's low input.

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Thanks for the Advice, Gordie N

01-24-2003 07:56:52

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Thanks for the Great Advice and relating your stories of tackling the same thing - Gives me a good idea of what to do now, how to prepare and set up for the seasons ahead. I was planning on putting in some alfalfa initially, then planting some corn. I don't know the exact slope, but 20 to 25 % sounds about right in the middle but it levels off at the bottom and top. I have a 5' bush hog, but I think most of the trees are just a little too big for it now (2" diameter or more up to 4" near the treelines). If I had the money for fencing materials and goats - I'd go that route - maybe I still will if I can find some cheap fencing

Thanks again for the comments - this board is great.

Gordie

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paul

01-24-2003 11:43:44

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Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Thanks for the Advice, Gordie N, 01-24-2003 07:56:52

That's pretty steep for row crops! Alfalfa, hay, or pasture sounds good, but think about it before putting rowcrops on that much hill. Going up & down will wash all the dirt away, and going cross-ways will be difficult to find a brave combine operator to go in there without tipping...

Difficult to say tho without seeing it & knowing the climate & soil type, just something to think on. :)

--->Paul

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david

01-24-2003 10:33:41

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Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Thanks for the Advice, Gordie N, 01-24-2003 07:56:52

Hey Gordie,

20-25% slope makes a world of difference. That would map as class E land, suitable for hay or pasture, not cropping. Try getting your local NRCS agent or County Agent out to look at it and give you a good slope determination.

Now, and I'm sure not a goat man, you can fence with 1 wire electric and put goats on it cheaper than anything else. Forget corn on those slopes and acreages, can buy it way cheaper than you could grow it. Alfalfa's ok if the soils are right, check the Agent on that.

That said, were it mine I'd bush hog it off or run a dozer over it, let the bushes sprount, spray it, bog it, disc it, and seed it down for grass hay or pasture. I've get the equipment to do it and don't want to fool with goats.

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Bret

01-27-2003 04:46:15

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Re: Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to david, 01-24-2003 10:33:41

Not trying to rain on anyones parade, but there's not a goat in the world that'll stay behind 1 hot wire. Better figure 5-6 wires 10 inches apart with a really good ground, and the biggest, hotest charger you can afford. A goat is just a small deer, and you know what they'll go through. Page wire will work, but you're talking a lot of money for a temporary fence. Also, goats want to go for the nearest major hiway for some reason. The reason they had goat herders years ago was because goats will follow a man and stay with a man, but left on their own they get in all sorts of trouble. My wife has about 40 goats. I don't have any.

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Bret

01-27-2003 04:46:01

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Re: Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to david, 01-24-2003 10:33:41

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Bob F.

01-24-2003 04:58:48

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Gordie
Just another quick suggestion. Depending on where you are located and what your long term plans are, I would get the soil tested for P, K and soil pH levels. If you ultimately end up plowing it and the soil is acidic you might need to apply some lime at that time. Moldboard plowing is a good way to incorporate lime if any is needed. Like I said I don't know where you are or what the slope and crop conditions are like. Just my 2 cents worth (I'm an agronomist in IA and couldn't resist the question)

Bob F.

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Bob

01-23-2003 21:12:13

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Gordie, did the same thing on 40 acres 4 years ago with the same type of junk your dealing with and used 2 different methods. Both worked and the result was about the same. Have hayed them every year since and production has increased each year on both.
1) Tested soil, bush hogged, plowed, disked, raked junk off and broadcasted fertilizer, alfalfa and fescue. Got fair stand. 1st year let go to seed in the fall and ran mower over it. Production has increased each year.
2)Tested soil, bush hogged, burned down with 2 applications of roundup, disked and broadcasted fertilizer, clover, fescue, and brome. 1st year let go to seed in the fall and ran mower over it. Stand has improved each year.

I recommend that you cut any hay late May and if you don't hay it be sure you clip it in the fall to get rid of the next years trash. If you do hay it the 1st couple years use a side delivery rake as a wheel rake will pick up to much residual trash and you will have trouble running it through a baler.

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been there

01-23-2003 20:09:10

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Brush hog it as soon as the snow is off( those little trees cut good in cold weather) plant Round Up ready beans,no-till and spray twice, next year plant what you want.

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paul

01-23-2003 17:43:52

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

Are they small enough to bushhog?

I hear fencing & running a lot of goats on it for 2 years can really clean things up, never done it.

What is the intended use, open pasture, or row crops, or hay? Makes a difference how you handle the roots & such.

--->Paul

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kydavid

01-23-2003 16:35:17

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

What do you plan to use the field for and how much slope? Pretty good is "pretty broad". To me that means less than 20%, to someone in the central flat lands it might be 8%. Climate and rainfall would help , too.

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Charles Story

01-23-2003 13:57:15

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Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Gordie N, 01-23-2003 13:33:15

If stll small enough to bushhog then put a two blade pan plow on it.

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old fart

01-23-2003 23:31:27

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Re: Re: Opening up a field that hasn't be used in 12 years - need advice in reply to Charles Story, 01-23-2003 13:57:15

:Been There: sounds like that best choice, if you can control it, burn it off as soon as the grass is dried off in the spring.You will get rid of alot of trash to fight with. I have done that repeatedly on crp acres in the spring before the frost is completely out, thus preventing a chance of a ground fire in a buildup of humis or dry vegetation that has accumalated. Good Luck, will make a good vegetale patch in a couple years.

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