NDSU Extension specialists provide guidance on protecting alfalfa through the winter.
Dry weather has created hay shortages in many areas of North Dakota, with crops down to 50% of normal. Drought-damaged cereal crops that normally would be harvested for grain have been shifted to hay, which will help reduce the strain on hay demand.
The need for additional forage may alter fall forage management decisions, especially for alfalfa, affecting long-term persistence, according to North Dakota State University Extension specialists.
“The rule of thumb for late summer and early fall management of alfalfa is ‘no cut September,’” says James Rogers, NDSU Extension forage crops production specialist. “This allows alfalfa time to translocate nutrients from the top of the plant to the roots and crown for winter survival and spring growth.”
Source : ndsu.edu