With only one month of summer left, it’s time to start thinking about the fast-approaching harvest season. Before we know it, harvest crews will be hitting the fields with hopes of a smooth running and successful season. In a recent Buckeye Dairy News article, Ohio State University extension educator John Yost highlighted some soil fertility-focused fall management practices. Doing things correctly in the fall will ultimately save time and money in the springtime.
Focusing on soil fertility may be one of the most important components when it comes to alfalfa management. The first step in maintaining quality soil is soil testing. Taking a minimum of 15 sample cores per 25 acres was recommended by Yost. When soil sampling, gather a large set of samples to achieve precision for your fertility program. If you are looking to find out more information about specific soil nutrients, gather 8-inch cores. If interested in learning more about soil pH, a collection of only 4-inch cores is needed. To help improve accuracy, consider using GPS technologies to keep track of sampling locations. “For every ton of alfalfa harvested, you are removing approximately 12 pounds of phosphorous pentoxide and 49 pounds of potash,” cited Yost. Soil test ranges for potassium and phosphorous are generally 30 parts per million (ppm) to 50 ppm and 120 ppm to 170 ppm, respectively.
Seeding alfalfa in the fall is not uncommon but is only successful if soil nutrient levels and pHs are in check. For example, if soil pH is below 6.5, you may need to consider adding lime and seeding in the spring instead of the fall. Depending on soil type and planting method, seeding rates should range from 10 to 20 pounds per acre. If the seed bed is prepared, consider reducing rates to 10 to 15 pounds per acre. Set your planting depth at 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. If no-till seeding, ensure that coulter depth is not set deeper than seed placement depth.
Anyone who plants crops knows firsthand that weeds are a nuisance and can become a larger issue if not addressed quickly. Weeds that emerge alongside the crop can often be the most damaging. Seeding in the fall offers less weed pressure due to changing temperatures. “Your goal should be for the first 60 days after planting to be weed free. If you will be no-till seeding, it is important to control existing vegetation prior to planting,” said the extension educator. Generally, eight weeks prior to the first frost is when planting should be wrapping up, with the final cutting being about six weeks prior to the first frost.
It is important to finish the growing season with a plant that has enough top growth that will not only protect the crown in cold temperatures but also allows the plant to increase its energy reserves for rapid growth as spring approaches. Pay attention to fall management practices to give you one less thing to worry about when spring rolls around.
