By Blake Jackson
As summer comes to a close, it's time to focus on managing forages and pastures for optimal fall growth and spring success. Extension agronomists Leanna Duppstadt and Justin Brackenrich offer valuable tips to help you maximize fall tonnage and usage while ensuring your forages are in the best possible condition.
Adjusting harvest heights in the fall is crucial for winter-hardy and spring-ready stands. For alfalfa, increase mowing heights to 3-4 inches, while grass stands should be maintained at a minimum of 4 inches. This promotes faster regrowth and prevents overgrazing, which can hinder spring development.
Timing is essential. Allow for adequate regrowth time before a killing frost, ideally four to six weeks. Consider planting alfalfa varieties with improved weather hardiness for later cuttings but be cautious as stand survivability depends on fall regrowth.
Fall is an excellent time for field assessment and awareness. Take advantage of the slower pace to inspect pastures and hay fields for signs of fertility issues, uneven stands, and weed infestations. This will help you plan for spring seeding and address any problems proactively.
Soil testing is recommended in the fall to ensure your spring regrowth has the necessary nutrients. Conducting a three-year fall testing schedule helps maintain consistency and accuracy. Lime additions can address pH and magnesium issues, while phosphorus and potassium can improve root growth and winter hardiness.
Fall is also an ideal time for weed control applications. Target perennial weeds like common milkweed, Canada thistle, bramble species, and multiflora rose. Biennials like common burdock and wild carrot can also be effectively managed during this time.
For pastures, consider mowing and dragging to reduce overgrown areas, promote decomposition, and distribute manure nutrients. These tasks can be beneficial during the slower fall period.
By implementing these fall management strategies, you can optimize forage health and productivity, ensuring a successful spring season.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-mvburling
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Hay & Forage