Mark Miller
County Agent
Courthouse, Box 430
Rolla, ND 58367
Phone: 477-5671
mamiller@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Issue #2
May 15, 2001
COMPANION CROP SEEDING FOR ALFALFA
Compared to direct seeding, companion crop establishment has been shown to reduce seedlings established, plant vigor and forage yield. However, companion crops provide a cash return in establishment year, provide protection against wind and water erosion, soil drifting, soil crusting and help in weed control. Reduce companion crop seeding rates by 1/2 or more depending on moisture. Seed companion crop first, then cross seed to establish legume.
SMALL GRAIN SEEDING AFTER ANHYDROUS AMMONIA APPLICATION
Farmers have been applying spring NH3 shallower in order to conserve soil moisture. With this in mind, a common concern is the timing of small grain seeding after NH3 application to prevent seed injury.
When NH3 is applied deep and small grain is seeded shallow, the seeding operation can begin immediately after NH3 application. In general, if a minimum of 1" of soil separates the seed from the NH3 saturation zone, this should provide adequate seed protection.
If the NH3 saturated zone is located in the immediate area where small grain seed will be placed, wait 7-10 days before seeding. Since most producers will not wait this interval out, and because the interval may not prevent some stand loss under some conditions, it is recommended that pre-plant NH3 applications be made at an angle to planting. Then if some plants are injured and germination reduced, it does not follow a row a long distance and neighboring plants can compensate. The NH3 saturated zone is normally 2-3" in diameter. Conversely, high NH3 rates, wide applicator shank spacing and dry or sandy soil expand the NH3 saturated zone diameter.
As a general recommendation, a farmer will need to monitor NH3 and seeding depths during field work to provide an acceptable buffer zone for seed protection.
WINTER WHEAT WEED CONTROL
Spring: Winter wheat and especially winter rye provide more competition for weeds than spring wheat and durum. If weeds become a problem, most herbicides approved for spring wheat are also cleared for winter wheat. Winter annual weeds need to be controlled in April or early May when in the rosette stage of growth.
SEEDING RATE FOR SOYBEANS
Seeding rates from 150,000 plants to 225,000 plants per acre do not change
soybean yields in North Dakota. However, higher seeding rates, (about
180,000-200,000); are suggested for narrow rows, (12 inches); compared to
wider rows, (24 to 30 inches). Fewer seeds per foot of row in narrow rows
may have more difficulty emerging than wider rows if soil crusts should occur.
Planting more seed may help overcome emergence problems. Soybean seed lots
vary in number of seeds per pound. Seeding rate should also be adjusted for
percent germination.
For example: 180,000 desired plants Divided By % Germ (.90) and then divided
by 3,000 seeds per lb. Equals Seeding rate (67 lbs. per Acre)
COOL SEASON GRASSES
Smooth bromegrass or brome performs well on good moisture soils throughout the state. Little difference in yield and stand persistence has been noted between northern and southern strains of brome in North Dakota. Standard crested wheatgrass has performed well on droughty soils in central and western North Dakota, especially for early season grazing to defer use of native ranges. Fairway crested wheatgrass is considered more drought tolerant than standard, but standard is preferred for pasture.
Slender, intermediate and/or pubescent wheatgrass should be included in most dryland grass seed mixtures. They are considered "insurance" grasses because their seeds germinate quickly and produce vigorous, fast-growing seedlings that provide considerable forage while other grasses and legumes are becoming established. These grasses are poor competitors in forage stands and will tend to disappear with time, especially under grazing conditions.
Russian wildrye is a special use grass that can be managed more intensively for grazing if seeded in pure stands. Its high nutrient-retaining quality allows early spring and summer growth to be saved for late summer and fall grazing. Russian wildrye seedlings cannot compete well with weeds or a companion crop, so if soil conditions permit, seed without a companion crop. It is not suitable for hay production.
SMALL GRAIN SEEDING AFTER ANHYDROUS AMMONIA APPLICATION
Farmers have been applying spring NH3 shallower in order to conserve soil moisture. With this in mind, a common concern is the timing of small grain seeding after NH3 application to prevent seed injury.
When NH3 is applied deep and small grain is seeded shallow, the seeding operation can begin immediately after NH3 application. In general, if a minimum of 1" of soil separates the seed from the NH3 saturation zone, this should provide adequate seed protection.
If the NH3 saturated zone is located in the immediate area where small grain seed will be placed, wait 7-10 days before seeding. Since most producers will not wait this interval out, and because the interval may not prevent some stand loss under some conditions, it is recommended that pre-plant NH3 applications be made at an angle to planting. Then if some plants are injured and germination reduced, it does not follow a row a long distance and neighboring plants can compensate. The NH3 saturated zone is normally 2-3" in diameter. Conversely, high NH3 rates, wide applicator shank spacing and dry or sandy soil expand the NH3 saturated zone diameter.
As a general recommendation, a farmer will need to monitor NH3 and seeding depths during field work to provide an acceptable buffer zone for seed protection.
MARK'S STRESS SHOP!
While working for an organization that delivers lunches to elderly shut-ins, a man took his four-year-old daughter on his afternoon rounds.
She was unfailingly intrigued by the various appliances of old age, particularly the canes, walkers and wheelchairs.
One day, the man found her staring at a pair of false teeth soaking in a glass. As the man braced himself for the inevitable barrage of questions, she merely turned and whispered, "The tooth fairy will never believe this!"
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