June 29, 2007

Protect Future Yields

Hay bales scattered among recently harvested fields is a common site right now across the state. While it may not be convenient to immediately pick up the bales, delaying this too long can cost future yields. When more harvests are expected off that field, delaying removal can be harmful.One problem is directly under the bale or stack. Plants underneath often are killed if covered for more than a week or two. This may not hurt yield too much, but it can contribute to weed growth and create problem weed areas that can later spread. Most damage is due to wheel traffic on the regrowth. Studies have shown that when fields are dry, plants driven on before regrowth occurs yield about 5-7% less at next cutting. Even worse was waiting to remove bales. Just seven days after cutting, when regrowth shoots had started to grow, yield was reduced over 25% and plant survival decreased.

Worse yet is removing bales when fields are wet. Wheel traffic will cause even much more compaction, leading to typical losses exceeding 30%.

These studies emphasize the benefits of baling and removing bales from hay fields as quickly as possible after cutting to minimize driving on wet soils. To control wheel traffic and reduce losses from compaction, follow the same trail previously used when removing bales or stacks from fields.

Bruce Anderson
Extension Forage Specialist