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Implement Alley Discussion Forum

Challenge with Alfalfa Field

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Tip

03-12-2006 05:10:50




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I planted a 6 acres patch of alfalfa with oats as a cover crop last spring. Due to some equipment challenges and general "not getting around to it", I managed to not harvest the oats straw off of the field before we got snow (PA/NJ/NY border). Most of the staw, and it is pretty thick, is now laying down. I am trying figure out what to do to try and save the alfalfa.

Too late? Maybe.

Otherwise, I though about hoping for a few good cold nights, frozen ground and taking a heavy disc through the field to cut the straw up a little and hope for the best?

I don't think a rotary cutter would pick enough up to really do much, but maybe.

Experience and suggestions most welcome.

Tip

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JK-NY

03-17-2006 18:05:06




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 Re: Challenge with Alfalfa Field in reply to Tip, 03-12-2006 05:10:50  
I agree with everyone else- leave it and hope for the best. I dont envy you the first time you try to cut it unless you have a disc mower, and it will still be pretty rough hay with all that old straw mixxed in.If you pick up alot of the straw when mowing the first time, maybe that would be the time to brush hog it.



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Jimmy King

03-12-2006 14:32:32




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 Re: Challenge with Alfalfa Field in reply to Tip, 03-12-2006 05:10:50  
Leave it along if you got a stand you might be surprised at the results, and anything left on the ground will not hurt if.



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Tip

03-12-2006 11:26:07




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 Re: Challenge with Alfalfa Field in reply to Tip, 03-12-2006 05:10:50  
Thanks guys. I left standing oats in the field. It is still early for us here - yesterday and today are the first really warm weather days we have had and we are going to be in the 20's at night for the next week - ground is still cold.

I'll see if the alfalfa comes through the oats - and keep you guys posted.

Regards, Tip



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Michael Soldan

03-12-2006 08:52:46




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 Re: Challenge with Alfalfa Field in reply to Tip, 03-12-2006 05:10:50  
Listen to the Cowman, leave it alone, you will ruin it now if you try discing or any other machining. New plants will grow towards the light and many of them will find their way through the cover of the straw. It may take a little longer but you may be surprised at how much will come through...Mike in Exeter Ontario



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Tim(nj)

03-12-2006 07:51:51




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 Re: Challenge with Alfalfa Field in reply to Tip, 03-12-2006 05:10:50  
Anything you do to it now will destroy the new alfalfa. All I can say is see if it comes through. You might be looking at reseeding.



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JMS/MN

03-12-2006 09:40:59




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 Re: Challenge with Alfalfa Field in reply to Tim(nj), 03-12-2006 07:51:51  
I was unclear if he meant windrows of straw, or standing oats was left in the field- standing, I'd also say to leave it alone. If windrows are left on the field, the alfalfa underneath is already smothered out. However, reseeding the field may not work because of autotoxicity, even of a failed stand.



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Nebraska Cowman

03-12-2006 07:15:57




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 Re: Challenge with Alfalfa Field in reply to Tip, 03-12-2006 05:10:50  
I'd think a heavy disking would sure kill any alfalfa. My thought would be to leave it alone. If there is a stand it should come through the stubble. Maybe your alfalfa didn't take?



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