No till corn on a center pivot sprinkler

Anyone done it?did it work?The unit currently has RR alfalfa and grass that is played out.I really dont want to plow it.

DeltaRed what are you referring to by RR you saying it been sprayed out with some non selective? how longs alfalfa and grass been there? im no expert but i'd be concerned on weather corn will be able to take root in that hard pack after germinating. I'll be intrested also in hearing some other reply's as I'll be in the same boat after this coming season. Rocko.

Its 'Round-up Ready'.It has not been sprayed yet.The corn will be planted in mid/late April.

I have no-tilled corn into alfalfa stands before. The issue used to be getting weed control. Now that is not as big an issue. Some pointers:
1) You will need at the least single disk openers to help the double disk openers get to the depth needed. A friend has a planter that has Zone tillage disk on it. It really works well if it is dry so the disks do not throw too much dirt.

2) If you have row cleaners on the planter then set then down to actually work the ground just a little. It really helps with seed to soil contact.

3) You need good row closing equipment. Cast closing wheels are a start. The inverted disks that CIH uses will not work unless the ground is real moist. The spiked closing wheels work if it does not stay dry too long and this should not be an issue since you are under irrigation.

4) Plant a triple stack seed corn. Don't just count on Round Up to kill everything. It works well on the grass but some times will not get a good kill on the alfalfa. Liberty will knock the alfalfa. If you can burn the alfalfa down the fall before with Round Up. It works well in the fall. The chemical is carried to the roots much better in the fall.

5) Fertility: Alfalfa uses a lot of Potash so make sure you apply enough for the corn crop. The nitrogen that the alfalfa fixes will not all be available. So don't cut it back too far.


I have had good results with the right weather. That being plenty of moisture. I have had some insect problems too. So plan to use a good insecticide. Cut worms are real bad if the hay was real heavy the year before.

I've done it and it works well. burning off the alfalfa in the fall is a good idea. I've always just planted it with a caseih planter.
One good thing is after it's planted, you can run the pivot around with enuff moisture to bring everything up. I'd spray Roundup twice.
both times maybe 1.5qts. I always use generic RU. I'd also have the soil test done. be ready to water it with extra rounds of the pivot.

They do it here all depends on the planter center pivot shouldnt make any difference its the soil condition and the planter.What does your seed corn supplier say.

Don't know why it wouldn't work. A lot of farmers in Ky haven't used a plow in years. If you have access to a no till planter and can get the alfalfa killed before planting, you should be good to go. You have the added advantage of being able to apply water, so germination shouldn't be a problem.

No till saves time and fuel, also harvest conditions are better. Just be prepared to do everything right the first time, and take your time planting, four and not more than five miles hour planting speed. God luck , Joe

Hit the alfalfa with 24D or banvel. It will do a good job on the alfalfa.