Bruce Anderson
emeriti
- Emeritus Professor Agronomy & Horticulture University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Work
402-472-6237
On campus, dial 2-6237
Applying Manure Before Seeding Alfalfa
April 7, 2017
If you're looking for a place to spread manure, a heavy dose before planting alfalfa can pay big dividends. Applying manure before seeding alfalfa may seem counter productive since alfalfa is not likely to benefit from any nitrogen in the manure, but manure also is rich in phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and many micronutrients that alfalfa needs in large quantities.
Pre-Season Alfalfa Irrigation May be Advisable
March 23, 2017
With low soil moisture levels in many areas of the state, early spring often is the best time to irrigate alfalfa. A good goal would be to have at least six feet of soil at field capacity at first cutting. Irrigating now also helps build a reserve water source to encourage deeper rooting.
Reduce the Cost of Planting Roundup Ready Alfalfa
March 23, 2017
Roundup Ready alfalfa seed can be expensive, but establishing a new field may not cost as much as you think if you follow these recommendations.
Consider Planting Grass-Alfalfa Mixtures this Year
March 22, 2017
Are you planting a new hay field this year? Instead of automatically planting pure alfalfa, consider mixing grass into your planting. A grass-alfalfa mixture that includes orchardgrass, smooth brome, festulolium, or other grasses offers several advantages and may be the best choice for your operation.
Use Care When Burning Grasslands
March 22, 2017
Prescribed burning CRP or pasture can improve stands, prepare them for interseeding, control weeds and trees, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve forage quality, but it must be done safely. The best time is from mid-April to early May when warm season grasses are just starting to grow.
Pasture Rental Rates
March 16, 2017
What should it cost to rent pasture this year? Preliminary results from the Nebraska Farm Real Estate Market Survey (Tables 1 and 2) released this week list average pasture rental rates by district and quality level as well as rates for cow-calf pairs.
Converting Cropland to Pastureland
March 16, 2017
At a time when crop production costs remain high as crop prices decline and cattle compete for scarce pastures, converting cropland to pasture might make sense. If you’re considering this change, take time to plan and do it right.
Checking Alfalfa For Winter Injury
March 10, 2017
Alfalfa had started to green up and grow in many areas prior to this cold spell. When growth begins again, stands need to be evaluated soon.