Published: September 11, 2008 09:43 am            

Free seminar explores use of legumes

Skyrocketing fertilizer prices have forced many livestock producers to consider alternative sources of nutrients to grow needed forage.

One alternative that is being put forth is the addition of legumes. Legumes are capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen, which is unavailable to plants, into plant available forms. The amount of nitrogen produced will depend on a variety of factors including; species of legume, initial soil conditions, water availability, and grazing management. It is up to each individual producer to determine if legumes can benefit their grazing system.

On Sept. 25, a free seminar will be held at the Mayes County Agriculture Center. This seminar will explore the use of legumes to improve pastures and reduce fertilizer requirements. Dr. Bob Woods, NE Area Agronomy Specialist with OSU Cooperative Extension, will address common legume systems used in Oklahoma. He will discuss the amount of nitrogen one can expect to accumulate and how this can affect fertilizer needs. He will also help land managers identify the key variables that affect the success of this strategy.

In addition Natural Resource Conservation Service personnel will be collecting public input to aid in determining the focus of future Farm Bill programs in Mayes County. All interested area producers are encouraged to attend this meeting.

The seminar begins at noon and should conclude by 1 p.m. A lunch of sandwiches, chips, and drinks will be provided by Mayes County Conservation District at no charge. The Mayes County Agriculture Center is located at the fairgrounds complex on NE 1st Street in Pryor. For more information call Kenneth Hitch at 825-3392.

While the seminar is free of charge, participants are asked to preregister on or before Sept. 24 to get a lunch count. To pre-register, call 825-3392.

        

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