Recommendations for Seeding Forages Into Wheat Stubble - UNL CropWatch, May 31, 2012

Recommendations for Seeding Forages Into Wheat Stubble - UNL CropWatch, May 31, 2012

May 31, 2012

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Wheat stubble can be an excellent seedbed for forages, but planting into it may require a few management adjustments. Try these tips to get the forage stands you want.

No-till planting of alfalfa, turnips, summer annual grasses, or other cover crops into wheat stubble has many advantages. Soil moisture is conserved, erosion is reduced, weed seeds remain buried, and tillage expenses are eliminated. Despite these advantages, many growers still experience spotty stands.

To help ensure success when planting into wheat stubble, follow these steps.

  • Heavy residue can be a challenge and limit proper drill operation and seed placement or even partly smother new seedlings. Residue can be especially troublesome right behind the combine even when using a good straw chopper. The best way to minimize this problem is to bale and remove heavy residue levels and use a  well-functioning drill.
  • Weeds also create a challenge, either annual weeds that develop after wheat is combined or volunteer wheat that sprouts later in the summer. Control weeds prior to planting with herbicides like glyphosate and be ready with post-emergence herbicides like Select or Poast Plus for later emerging weeds or volunteer wheat.
     
  • Consider cross- or double-drilling. Plant one-half of the seed while driving one direction, then plant the other half driving in a different direction. This helps fill in gaps,
    develops canopy, and improves weed control earlier.  It  may even help you plant the right amount of seed if you commonly end up running out or have much seed left over.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist

 

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