Fertilizing Alfalfa
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Topic: Fertilizing Alfalfa
Posted By: Curt IA
Subject: Fertilizing Alfalfa
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2012 at 9:46pm
When is the best time to fertilize alfalfa? Last year’s crop was a good stand but did not get any height. Last fall we added 18 tons of lime on 12 acres. Normally they put on fertilizer after 1st cutting here in central Iowa. thought about doing it now. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Curt
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Replies:
Posted By: overkill
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2012 at 10:07pm
We apply 1/2 the fertilizer after the first cutting and 1/2 after the third cutting.
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Posted By: michaelwis
Date Posted: 26 Mar 2012 at 10:14pm
Our Co-op custom applies in all months except winter Split apps are a good thing , but myself i like fall fertilizing ..Less compaction , and you can take advantage of a delayed billing cycle
------------- WD WD45 DIESEL D 14 D-15 SERIES 2 190XT TERRA TIGER ac allcrop 60 GLEANER F 6060 7040.and attachments for all Proud to be an active farmer
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Posted By: bill2260
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2012 at 6:49am
Fertilize in the fall after the growing season is not the best use for your money. Co-ops like this option to keep the cash flowing during off period of the year. I read in the farm magazines how large corn growers apply nitrogen in the fall. This N will be gone by spring. Never did understand that practice. Bill
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Posted By: CTuckerNWIL
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2012 at 8:27am
bill2260 wrote:
Fertilize in the fall after the growing season is not the best use for your money. Co-ops like this option to keep the cash flowing during off period of the year. I read in the farm magazines how large corn growers apply nitrogen in the fall. This N will be gone by spring. Never did understand that practice. Bill |
Something called N-serve was invented many years ago and N losses at lower ground temperatures are minimal. Loss of N also depends on your soil type and PH.
------------- http://www.ae-ta.com" rel="nofollow - http://www.ae-ta.com Lena 1935 WC12xxx, Willie 1951 CA6xx Dad bought new, 1954WD45 PS, 1960 D17 NF
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Posted By: D17JIM
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2012 at 9:21am
At my fertilizer plant we like the 1/2 after the first cutting and 1/2 in the fall. The fall app will help the alfalfa overwinter. Jim
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Posted By: Dick L
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2012 at 11:05am
When I raised alfalfa to sell I had my soil tested and was given a chart that told me how much fertilizer to put on and when. I my case it was 400 pounds per acre directly after each cutting for maximum yield.
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Posted By: bill2260
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2012 at 11:07am
Nserve was invented many years ago and many years later no reliable data that it is economical to do so. Snake oil in my agronomic opinion. Bill
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Posted By: D17JIM
Date Posted: 27 Mar 2012 at 1:58pm
N serve used in the correct soils with fall applied N works. I've seen it too many times and seen it compared and tested too many times in local trials.
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Posted By: jccleav
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2012 at 6:19pm
We use good old cow crap. Applied furtalider last year and did not seem to do anything. crap is the best for up and it is free.
------------- The joy is in the journey.
AC "B" and "WD" and "C"
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Posted By: HagerAC
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2012 at 8:58pm
N losses are mainly only experienced with a urea type product as they can turn into a nitrate more readily and be leached out, than say anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous losses are minimal if the ground temp is right, and the soil surface seals good after application, mininmizing volatiliztion losses to the atmosphere. I still prefer spring applications, but if conditions are right in the fall, and you have time, I would do it.
------------- 30+ A-Cs ranging from a 1928 20-35, to a 1984 8070FWA, Gleaner R52
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Posted By: HagerAC
Date Posted: 28 Mar 2012 at 8:59pm
As for the alfalfa fert, I would split applications as most do around here. Half after 1st crop, and the other half after the final cut of the year.
------------- 30+ A-Cs ranging from a 1928 20-35, to a 1984 8070FWA, Gleaner R52
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