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Review AccountAlfalfa/Grass Seeding: It’s Time
Jul 31, 2024
In Federated’s geography, now through mid-August is the best time to seed alfalfa/grass mixtures, as long as moisture is adequate to establish the plants (6-8 weeks) before a killing frost.
“We want [plants] to have a minimum of three trifoliates before the killing frost,” said Brad Hipsag, ag sales rep at Federated’s Ogilvie location.
There are also several alfalfa/grass “seeding opportunities” that arise from the season itself, according to Brent Wink, Land O’ Lakes sales development manager in Wisconsin:
Alfalfa/grass stands need adequate density of 25-30 plants/sq. ft. Fall is a good time to fix spring damaged stands; drill planters (where available) make that easier.
Hipsag offered the following key reminders and recommendations relative to late summer alfalfa/grass seeding:
Talk to your Federated Agronomist with any questions or concerns about alfalfa/grass seeding in the next few weeks. This article on late-planted alfalfa also provides useful information.
“We want [plants] to have a minimum of three trifoliates before the killing frost,” said Brad Hipsag, ag sales rep at Federated’s Ogilvie location.
There are also several alfalfa/grass “seeding opportunities” that arise from the season itself, according to Brent Wink, Land O’ Lakes sales development manager in Wisconsin:
- Seeding following harvest of winter wheat, winter rye, or triticale.
- Late seeding on prevent-plant acres.
- Seeding to repair thin, washed out, and drowned areas.
- This year many fields were damaged in the spring due to excessive rain.
Alfalfa/grass stands need adequate density of 25-30 plants/sq. ft. Fall is a good time to fix spring damaged stands; drill planters (where available) make that easier.
Hipsag offered the following key reminders and recommendations relative to late summer alfalfa/grass seeding:
- Consider herbicide carryover before planning grass/alfalfa seeding.
- Know what chemistry was used and be sure to check the rotation restrictions on the herbicide label. Carryover can adversely affect a new alfalfa/grass crop.
- Take a soil test before seeding anything. Good soil fertility and pH levels will help get seeds established, and will improve crop longevity.
- Alfalfa needs neutral soil pH, as close to 7.0 as possible.
- Applied lime (to adjust pH) will react more quickly when incorporated into the soil, so early testing, followed by incorporated lime applications before seeding, will ensure the soil is ready for seeding.
- The right phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur levels are also important.
- DAP, potash, and Gypsoil (or elemental sulfur) should also be applied and incorporated before seeding.
- Smooth the seedbed after incorporating any nutrients. Seed-to-soil contact is important. The seed bed should be smooth, firm, and free of any soil clods, with minimum crop residue.
Talk to your Federated Agronomist with any questions or concerns about alfalfa/grass seeding in the next few weeks. This article on late-planted alfalfa also provides useful information.