May 8, 2008
 

 FORAGES

 

Alfalfa Winter-Kill

 

            Although winterkill is not as widespread as in NE Iowa, there are many fields along and north of Highway 30 where stands have been thinned or lost. The main culprit was probably the ice sheets that formed after the early January thaw. Hay prices are already climbing dramatically and I’ve heard some rent figures for alfalfa fields that are hard to believe, so if the stand can be thickened up with some oats or ryegrass, it might be preferable to paying the high price for hay.

            Some may consider taking one cutting and then planting the field to corn. Roundup (up to 44 oz/A of Weathermax or Powermax) can be sprayed and the field cut for hay as soon as 36 hours later, but for a better kill it would be best to wait at least 5 days after spraying before cutting. Other herbicides (like 2,4-D) CANNOT be mixed with the Roundup if the alfalfa is to be fed.

 

CORN

 

Plant Corn or Apply N?          

 

Some have finished with their corn planting with the 2-3 days of field work we had available this week, but others haven’t started yet. I’d lean towards getting the corn in the ground at this point and worry about getting the N on later. Unfortunately if too many people have this idea there may not be enough sidedress equipment or liquid or day materials to go around.

 

Another concern is how long do I have to wait after applying anhydrous before planting or tilling? As long as the anhydrous is applied 6-8” and the corn is planted 2” there shouldn’t be a problem. Tilling usually isn’t a concern either with shallow tillage like a field cultivator. Sometimes the zone expands more towards the surface if the seal is not good or the anhydrous isn’t applied as deep as it should be which can lead to fertilizer burn on the corn seedlings. One way to reduce the impact is to apply the N at an angle to the row direction so entire rows of corn aren’t taken out. John Sawyer and Roger Elmore have a nice article in the ICM News regarding these concerns at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2008/0505JohnSawyerRogerElmore.htm.

 

 

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

 

SPRING FIELD DAY & SPECIAL SESSION FOR CCAs

SE IA RESEARCH FARM – CRAWFORDSVILLE

JUNE 26

 

            Certified Crop Advisors can obtain 5 hours of credit (including 2 hours of soil and water) by attending a special session in the morning followed by the afternoon tour at the ISU SE Iowa Research & Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville on June 26. This will include a tour in the morning featuring the soil drainage research on the farm.  More details will be posted soon.