* Grass Yield Varies: The amount of dry matter grass produces per unit area depends on many factors including:
* Grass species: Different grasses have different growth habits and yields.
* Climate: Temperature, sunlight, and rainfall greatly affect growth.
* Soil type: Nutrient content and drainage impact grass health and yield.
* Management: Fertilization, mowing height, and irrigation influence production.
* Dry Matter Percentage: The percentage of dry matter in fresh grass also varies. It can range from 15-30% or more depending on factors like growth stage and weather.
To estimate the area of grass you need, you'll need to know:
1. The estimated yield of your specific grass type: This could be in pounds per acre, pounds per square foot, or other units. You might find this information from your local extension service or from seed company specifications.
2. The approximate dry matter percentage of your grass: This can be determined through laboratory analysis or estimated based on the growth stage and other factors.
Here's a basic example:
Let's say your grass produces an average of 4,000 lbs of dry matter per acre and you want 167 lbs of dry matter:
* Area needed = (Desired Dry Matter) / (Yield per unit area)
* Area needed = 167 lbs / 4000 lbs/acre
* Area needed = 0.04175 acres
To convert this to square feet:
* 1 acre = 43,560 square feet
* Area needed = 0.04175 acres * 43,560 sq ft/acre = 1820.5 square feet
Remember: This is just an example using simplified assumptions. For a more accurate estimate, you'll need to gather specific data about your grass type and its growing conditions.