Can you plant alfalfa in the fall

Band application at seeding is often more effective than broadcast because it places readily available phosphorus near the roots of new alfalfa seedlings. Alfalfa production on sandy soils often benefits from other nutrients, especially sulfur. Sulfur is most often needed where soil organic matter is less than 1 percent and irrigation water, if used, is low in sulfur.

Boron may improve yields on some sandy soils. Alfalfa also uses many other mineral elements, such as zinc, copper, iron, and magnesium. However, most Nebraska soils supply adequate amounts of these minerals. No yield increase has ever occurred from adding these minor elements in Nebraska research studies.

Nitrogen fertilizer is generally not beneficial when applied to alfalfa. Regardless of seeding time, it is critical that alfalfa be planted into a firm seed bed. Alfalfa seeds must have firm contact with soil particles and soil moisture to insure rapid germination and emergence. A firm seedbed also helps prevent seed from being planted too deep.

Leave just enough loose soil to cover seed after planting. Productive alfalfa will use up over pounds of nitrogen per acre per year.

SureTech Laboratories. Alfalfa has a wide range of recommended seeding dates. In the Upper Midwest, alfalfa fields can be seeded anytime from mid-April through May. Early June for northernmost dairy regions is fine. Like with any seed, soil temperatures and soil moisture together are important for germination.

Seeding too early in conditions that are too cold delays seedling emergence and potential stand density. Planting too late dries out the top layer of soil where we want the alfalfa seeds placed, making it more difficult for alfalfa plants to establish themselves. If you have land available for alfalfa in late summer, optimal seeding dates are July 15 through August in the Upper Midwest; closer to July 15 for northernmost regions.

For growers in warmer climates, seeding into early September is acceptable. Here are my five tips for successfully seeding your alfalfa fields. Perform a soil test. Control seeding depth. Plant alfalfa seeds three-eighths of an inch below the soil surface. In corn, we talk about precision planting, and the focus is on seed spacing.

Precision planting for alfalfa means controlling seeding depth. The goal is to establish about 30 to 35 plants per square foot at the end of establishment season. Check herbicide carryover. Consider the crop you had planted in that field last year. If it was corn and there was a residual chemistry from that crop, know before you grow. Any residual chemistry that is present could inhibit alfalfa establishment.

A dry, cool spring may increase the chances of herbicide carryover. If alfalfa stand is two or more years old we recommend waiting 2 years before reseeding. Fertility Have soil tested and follow lime and fertilizer recommendations for potassium, phosphorus, boron, and sulfur. Optimum pH level is 6. Liming should be done 6 to 24 months prior to planting. Phosphorus is critical to proper root and seedling development. Potassium increases yields and stand persistence. Fields with high available nitrogen levels may delay or prevent the formation of nodules.

Seed Bed Preparation Tillage is important to control perennial weeds prior to seeding, but do not dry out soil by over-tilling. Soil firmness is critical to insure proper soil-to-seed contact and preserve soil moisture. Pack soil before and after planting for best results If seeding into stubble, make sure you have good soil-to-seed contact and proper planting depth. Seeding Methods The same seeding rates and methods are recommended for late summer as for spring seedings.

Seeders need press wheels or you need a cultipacker to optimize seed-to-soil contact for fast establishment. No-till seeders should have heavy down pressure, coulters ahead of disk openers, disk openers with depth control mechanism and press wheels.

Weed Control Use a burn-down herbicide, such as Touchdown or Roundup, before planting to control perennial weeds and destroy any remaining vegetative growth from the previous crop. Do not use a cover crop with late summer seedings as it slows alfalfa establishment and may out-compete alfalfa for critical moisture. Proposal expands DOT farm truck exemptions A proposal to expand exemptions and modernize farm truck regulations has been Grow better hay, silage or pasture.

Subscribe for free. As far as succession planning, what category best describes you currently? Progressive Forage. Mission Statement. Provide forward-thinking forage producers with practical, unbiased, researched forage articles to educate and inform.

Create an open forum for industry discussion and an easy-to-read magazine of expert information about the forage industry. Assist forage producers in improving profitability and efficiency.

Contact Details. Forage Links. Forage Production. More Info. Connect With Us. Hidden Menu. Subscription Options.