Complete replanting should be considered when a new seeding would not compete well under partial renovation, when weeds dominate the existing stand, or when your farming system involves rotating into an annual or different perennial crop. Complete replanting requires completely killing the existing stand, either by moldboard plowing or herbicide application.
Fertilization and Liming
Meeting but not exceeding nutrient requirements can be accomplished by fertilizing
Soil testing is the most common method of determining fertilization requirements. Proper methods of soil sampling, testing, and interpretation are needed. Soil testing documents
Tissue testing evaluates the concentration of nutrients in the forage, not simply the amount available to the plant. Development stage, plant part, and analysis techniques are important. Tissue testing documents
Weed Control
Controlling weeds may have a direct effect on establishment success as well as the future quality of the stand established by replanting. Some weed problems can be addressed by cultural control such as mowing, while time restraints or more persistent weeds may require herbicide application.
Removing the Existing Stand
Complete replanting requires either application of a broad spectrum herbicide or plowing the field to eliminate the existing vegetation.