What’s the
Plan?
Proper pH and
fertility levels in fields should be tested the year prior to planting the
alfalfa seed to ensure the ground is properly ready for a successful crop. Picking the genetics that is best for your
operation is also very important. What
factors are most important: an intense
cutting schedule, type of hay, risk levels, RR Alfalfa—just to name a few, are
important factors to discuss with your Landmark agronomist in preparations for
a successful crop.
With shorter
rotations of alfalfa now being used, it is very important for growers to get
the most out of each rotation.
Therefore, when planting alfalfa it is best to start clean and take
advantage of alfalfa that will provide a healthier and more vigorous
stand. Growing crops with proper management
can allow for longer rotations on alfalfa, without sacrificing quality.
Do you ASPIRE
for Great Alfalfa Production?
Potassium,
sulfur and boron are the essential elements for alfalfa production. Although only small amounts of boron and sulfur are required
by the alfalfa plant and are considered micronutrients, in alfalfa production they should be treated as essential macronutrients. Until recently proper
distribution of boron granular was a challenge due to the small amounts applied
per acre, resulting in not all alfalfa plants receiving the necessary amounts
of boron.
Enter Aspire—a
new kind of potash that contains boron in every granular. This new way of applying macronutrients to
the alfalfa plant ensures that boron is properly received by each and every alfalfa
plant, resulting in maximum yields.
Application
of sulfur is important in two types—a mix of ammonium sulfate that breaks down
the sulfur fast, and elemental sulfur which will spoon feed the alfalfa over a
longer period of time, both of which are key to alfalfa success.
MICROmanage
your Alfalfa
In most
situations, micromanaging is less than ideal.
However, that’s not the case when managing alfalfa micronutrients. As with all crops, tissue sampling is
essential for the best results in alfalfa production. Once alfalfa is tissue sampled your Landmark
agronomist can customize a micronutrient package based on the results shown through
the tissue sampling, to ensure the most economic return to your farm.
If tissue
sample results indicate that additional micronutrients are needed for higher
quality alfalfa, simply micromanage them by impregnating the fertilizer with
added Wolf Trax nutrients that are very customizable to the needs of a specific
field. ZN, MN, CU and B can be
micromanaged to provide growers with the highest alfalfa efficiency.
Make Alfalfa "HEADLINE"s with a Bumper Crop
Production
and protection are two very important factors for the longevity of alfalfa. By applying Headline to the first two crops
of alfalfa, production significantly increases, resulting in more homegrown
feed and the need to purchase significantly less feed.. A third application of Headline during last
crop will ensure a healthier and more consistent stand going into the
winter. The primary advantage of
Headline application on alfalfa is the increase of leaf retention in the lower
half of the canopy, allowing the harvest of more protein per acre.
“Proper
alfalfa planning and management can significantly increase both the quality and
quantity of your alfalfa crops. Landmark’s
agronomy team has many tools in their toolbox to assist alfalfa producers and
help them grow, just as they have been doing since 1933,” notes Joe Slosarczyk,
Agronomy leader for Landmark’s East team.
 |
| Joe Slosarczyk is a Landmark Agronomist, Joe can be contacted at 608.669.0896 or joseph.slosarczyk@landmark.coop |
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