CropWatch April 2, 2010: Use Full Soil Moisture Profile to Boost Pasture, Alfalfa Production

CropWatch April 2, 2010: Use Full Soil Moisture Profile to Boost Pasture, Alfalfa Production

April 2, 2010

For the first time in years, crop production areas across most of the state have full soil moisture profiles Take advantage of this situation by using the available moisture to enhance pasture and alfalfa production this spring.

First, consider pasture fertilization. Good moisture is needed to make full use of nitrogen fertilizer. Our university recommendations are based on available moisture for various areas. When soil moisture is high at the start of the growing season, like this year, heavier rates can be expected to produce economically higher grass yields. This is good as long as you can use the extra grass either for grazing or for hay. If so, apply an extra 10-40 pounds of nitrogen per acre.

Second, look at how your alfalfa production could benefit from this extra moisture. Dryland fields probably will benefit the most since they usually extract most deep profile moisture within three or four years of stand life. Most of our alfalfa fields tend to be low in phosphorus, especially if they haven’t been fertilized for several years. If your soils would benefit from adding phosphorus, this is a good spring to apply it since your alfalfa should be able to make immediate use of the increased nutrition to boost hay yields.

Third, use this moisture to plant and fertilize summer annual grasses or consider double-cropping forages after wheat if there is still extra moisture at that point in the season.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist

 

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