Answering questions about alfalfa

Agriculture

Discussion

November 8, 2007

Keith Johnson The Rushville Republican Thu Nov 08, 2007, 09:51 AM EST

Several questions have been asked about alfalfa harvest now that a freeze or frost has occurred.

Consider the following:

The alfalfa crop should not begin regrowth again to help reduce the risk of a late-season harvest. This means that nighttime temperatures should be consistently less than 28 degrees F at night.

Making dry hay (less than 20 percent moisture at baling) will be difficult with projected temperatures. Consider making bale crop silage, traditional silage or using a propionic acid/acetic acid preservative if moisture content is greater than 20 percent. If there are cool-season grasses in the hay field, too, consider grazing the field after the alfalfa is dormant; employ bloat-preventive strategies.

Leave a higher than normal stubble to improve air exchange if ice accumulation occurs sometime this winter.

There will be more risk on soils that are prone to alfalfa taproot heaving as the insulating fall growth has been removed.

A good soil fertility level would be advised to help reduce plant stress caused by poor soil fertility.

Harvest only the acreage amount that would cause an “Oh shucks,” comment in early spring if the field does get damaged by winter. This late harvest is not worth the potential of economic hardship. The amount of risk taken is specific to the circumstances of the producer.

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