planting corn after alfalfa

was told by some fella's that it's not advisable to plant corn after alfalfa in a year like this with the draught as the alfalfa will have taken any moisture out up to 20 feet deep. i have a 4 acre patch of alfalfa, that is probably down to 1/2 grass 1/2 alfalfa, and really thinking of planting corn in it next year. any thought to pursuade me are appreciated.
Gary
 
I see their point, but - man the corn sure likes the N the alfalfa has left behind, it's a perfect rotation, I'd sure not give up on the idea if you get any snow or precip by spring? I'd be inclined to try the corn anyhow.

--->Paul
 
Plant corn , hope it rains and get a bigger truck . We always get over 200 bu.per A. with corn after alfalfa . You can wait a yr. if you think you need the moister but dont miss the chance to plant the rotation .
 
Burn it now, no till it in the spring. The corn roots will follow the old tap root channels right on down.
 
milo is not something done around here. thought corn would be my best option or beans, but it's been alfalfa for a number of years and the alfalfa is getting pretty thin. guess i will wait and see what the moisture does this fall and winter and go from there. just wanted others thoughts.
thanks
Gary
 

Well I'm in Kentucky so I'm sure this means nothing in Nebraska, but round here no till corn into old alfalfa/orchard grass stands is as good as it gets-- at least for me anyways, I'm sure many would disagree--we have silt loam well drained soils in this area, (40 acres is a big field though) all p and k broadcast up front when conditions allow pre-burn down--spray nitrogen on (or granular urea with urease inhibitor) with Gramoxone +atrazine in the early spring- plant-one pass of glyphosate and of course timely rains (unlike this year) and you've got yourself 200 bushel plus corn
 
alfalfa the year before=80 lbs/acre N credit according to the software handed out by the state for figuring our nutrient management program. Might as well let the corn suck that up...
 
Some guys tried it this year in Saline county. Didn't work. If we get some snow this winter and the ground freezes out, it will probably work to plant into alfalfa. If it stays dry, leave it in alfalfa. Might make just as much as corn if there's a hay shortage.
 

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