Alfalfa seedlings compete poorly with weeds. Control decisions can be difficult. Vigorous weed growth this spring might be making it extra tough for your seedlings to compete with these weeds.
When weeds, especially broadleaf weeds, threaten seedling alfalfa, one common method to control them is mowing. If used, adjust mowing height so several leaves remain on alfalfa seedlings after clipping to help your alfalfa seedlings regrow rapidly. Also, do not smother small seedlings with clippings. So mow weeds before they get so tall that they produce a large quantity of clippings.
If you would rather spray broadleaf weeds than mow them, use either Buctril, Butyrac, Pursuit, or Raptor. Buctril controls most small broadleaf weeds fairly inexpensively, but alfalfa injury can occur when temperatures exceed 80 degrees. If you expect those high temperatures when you spray, it might be better to use Butyrac, Pursuit, or Raptor. These herbicides control most small broadleaf weeds, but weeds must be less than three inches tall or results will be inconsistent. Pursuit and Raptor are more expensive but their soil activity will continue to control weeds throughout much of the season.
Mowing is not very effective with grassy weeds. To kill grassy weeds use Poast or Select. Use the appropriate adjuvant and make sure you spray before grasses get 4 inches tall or control will be spotty.
Weeds reduce growth of new alfalfa by shading and competing for moisture. You can prevent these problems by acting quickly. Exam your fields soon and control weeds as needed.
BE READY FOR FIRST CUTTING
Got all your corn planted? Working on the beans? Don’t look now, but alfalfa harvest is approaching fast.
You’ve been busy planting crops and getting work done with the late start this spring. But don’t relax just yet because your alfalfa soon may be ready to cut.
Being aggressive on the first cutting is critical if high forage quality is needed. Alfalfa’s forage quality changes faster during the first spring growth than at any other time of the year. Plants are maturing and temperatures are increasing; both cause quality to decline. So don’t delay if high quality is needed.
But what about alfalfa for beef cows? That might be a little different story, especially if you need to rebuild hay supplies. Normally we get our highest total yield by waiting until alfalfa is near full bloom. Not only is yield highest, this also uses available soil moisture most efficiently for alfalfa growth. Some dryland fields may need quite a bit more rain for good summer and fall harvests since many deep subsoils remain dry. But with a good first cut you at least will have some hay of good enough quality to feed your beef cows next winter.
Timing of hay harvest is important whether your needs are for high quality or for high yield. With alfalfa becoming ready to cut soon this spring, don’t miss your best time.
Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at [email protected] or calling 620-793-1910.