March 31,2013
Lindsay:
We are continuing in our efforts to transition the groundcover in much of the central hillside to dryland alfalfa and perennial grasses. Last year, we used the pigs to 1) eat down the grasses and 2) turn over the soil, so we could then seed the alfalfa--using a rake to cover the seed with a thin layer of topsoil. During the height of summer the alfalfa looked rather sad and so I was concerned about how much would actually come back in the spring.
A patch of alfalfa seeded last spring
Well, I am quite pleased to say that, for the most part, the alfalfa is growing vigorously this spring. At this point in late March, there are still notable amounts of annual weeds growing in between the patches of alfalfa. However, my guess is that as the season progresses, the alfalfa--with its deep taproot-- will outcompete and potentially shade out some of the annuals. Over the course of a few years, the alfalfa will likely spread and self-seed, occupying more and more of the ground cover.
More Alfalfa!
Last year, we learned the hard way that it was best to seed the alfalfa immediately after the pigs had turned over the soil. The ground quickly became hard again and so we had to turn the soil again by hand (pick-mattock) before seeding. For good reason, we wanted to avoid this again. We also want to see how well the pigs can help seed the alfalfa.
So, we are placing the pigs in a relatively small pen for about 3* days. During this time, they eat up the existing grass, turn over the soil and add some fertilizer. On the 3rd day, Andrew or I go in and broadcast alfalfa seed, and then keep the pigs in that same pen for the rest of the day so they continue to turn over the soil and cover the seed. Then we move them over to an adjacent paddock and repeat the process. We want the pens to be relatively small because this concentrates the pig activity and ensures that all the vegetation is eaten and the soil disturbed. (*The 3 day rotation primarily has to do with the size of the pen: 16ftx16ft.)
Katie lending scale to the "southern garden"
The area we are currently using for the rotating paddock system we call the "southern garden". It is south of the annual vegetable garden. Currenty, the vegetation mostly consists of annual grasses and plants such as lambsquarters and mustard. With time, we would like this area to be home to more annual and perennial food producing plants. So, we are using alfalfa to help improve the soil with nitrogen and potentially provide a crop to harvest for the animals.
A section already seeded
So far, Willie, Franky and the two piglets seem to be enjoying the change of scenery and getting frequent belly rubs for doing good work. Andrew and I are enjoying not having to turn the soil by hand or having to employ a rotatiller. Its seems to be a good deal all the way around!
Piglet meet Sheep!