Alfalfa

Triticale — For successful double cropping, small grains like triticale should be planted now through early April, grazed from the third week of May to early June, and then followed by a summer annual grass.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Double Cropping Forages, Alfalfa Dormancy

March 21, 2023

In this installment: Strategies and tips for successfully double cropping annual forages this year, and a breakdown on what fall dormancy means for alfalfa growth during the next growing season.

Alfalfa and corn fields — As it aggressively scavenges nitrogen in the soil, alfalfa can greatly reduce nitrate contamination of groundwater with no negative implications for future crops if planted in rotations.

Alfalfa in Rotation with Annual Crops Reduces Nitrate Leaching Potential and Increases Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration

March 30, 2023

This UNL research study provides insights on the rotation of annual crops with alfalfa as a highly effective means of reducing nitrate-nitrogen contamination in groundwater.

Pasture landscape — Fertilization of smooth bromegrass pastures should begin soon, by late March through April

Pasture and Forage Minute: Winter Survival in Alfalfa, Fertilizing Cool-Season Grass

March 16, 2023

Tips on choosing winter survival traits in alfalfa without compromising yield, and timing and application rates for fertilizing cool-season grass pastures.

Alfalfa field — Spring is a critical time to control weeds in alfalfa, as weeds grow faster than stressed alfalfa, leading to thin stands, weakened plants and lower yields.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Increasing Alfalfa Productivity with Grass Mixtures, Spring Weed Control

March 9, 2023

Interseeding cool-season perennial grasses into alfalfa and applying herbicides in early spring are reliable methods of improving alfalfa production and health this growing season.

Calf in clover — Clover is one of several legumes that can fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide high quality forage in pastures if interseeded into fields with adequate phosphorus levels and good seed placement.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Legume Frost Seeding, Spring Planting Alfalfa

March 2, 2023

Extension educators share techniques for finding success while frost seeding legumes in pastures and establishing new alfalfa stands this growing season.

Nebraska 2022 Crop Values Down 10%

February 28, 2023

The value of Nebraska's crop production is down for all major crops, with deficits ranging from 9% deficit in corn to 22% in winter wheat.

Nebraska 2022 Annual Crop Production Summary

January 13, 2023

Nebraska's 2022 crop production report estimates grain sorghum has the highest deficit, with total bushels down 65% from last year. Grain corn down is 22%, and soybeans are down 21%.

Cattle in snow — Studies have shown that providing windbreaks for cattle leads to increased calving success and improved body condition.

Pasture and Forage Minute: Snow Cover for Alfalfa, Critical Cold Considerations

January 5, 2023

Extension educators review ways to maximize the benefits of snow cover on alfalfa and maintain animal health during periods of extreme cold and wind.

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