Alfalfa Pre-emergent Question

Anybody here ever use Eptam as a pre emergent when planting alfalfa? Was reading a white paper from Indiana U that says it works as good as it does in beans?

If so, I just might have to give that a run next spring.

Allan

I do not understand this idea that I need to "clam down". If I were any clammer, I'd probably fall outta my derned chair.

My point is, however, that I do like this idea of direct seeding alfalfa; it does go immediately to the task at hand and does tend to eliminate a few steps and costs, not to mention wasting the better part of a year in rotation, it would seem to me.

As far as using hay for a cash crop, no. That idea does not appeal to me and has never even crossed my mind.

Allan

Doubt it, this isn't Iowa.

This is dry land country and it takes a lot of pup to make a big dog out here. Getting more than one cutting just is not the norm in this area.

We can only count on maybe 1 ton per acre, two if you hold your mouth just right. So, 70 acres = 150 ton at the outside.

Sometimes it is better, like this year when we got the rains, but oftentimes it is not. Some years there is absolutely nothing 'cause it just burns up.

That's why ya never sell anything; 'cause some years you are either feeding two year old hay or you are selling off cows.

Dunno, with 100 acres of pasture and 70 acres of alfalfa, I think I'm really pushing my luck trying to feed 30 old cows year around. I think I need more ground into hay, to be real honest about it.

Allan

I took a cutting of hay off 1/3 of the pasture, couldn't get it eaten fast enough as it grew this year.

Sure is different conditions in different areas.

--->Paul

No, I 'taint worried 'bout squat. Just tryin' to figure out a better type of mouse trap is all.

A guy my age tends to do that. :>)

Allan

Not a bad idea, though I don't know of anyone who would want to feed pure alfalfa.

You gotta be kiddin'! They don't raise cattle in your area?

Allan

No, I'm not talking 'bout Roundup Ready seed. Just plain old, every day, run of the mill alfalfa seed.

I'm talking using a pre-emergent (Eptam) incorporated within the soil at planting time to stop any and all weeds and grasses for 30 days.

This gives the crop a "jump start" and it will usually canopy before the weeds can even get outta the ground.

But yes, I understand what Bill is saying. If a feller plants a hamburger-helper type grassy mix, it sure wouldn't work. :>(

Allan

2. You can't afford RR alfalfa. Don't even look into it. Add the extreme cost to the fact that 20% of your stand isn't even RR so you need to overplant the $$$$$ seed - don't even bother.

3. Won't be any RR orchard grass or other grass RR crops. They interbreed with natural grasses & would get out of control. Golf courses & cities would _love_ RR grasses, but won't happen until they figure a lot of other stuff out.

--->Paul

Yeah, the plain old alfafa seed brought tears to my eyes! Pocket book is still whinin'.

Allan

--->Paul

I used to use that stuff on beans all the time. Stopped everything in it's tracks except for legumes for a good month.

Always wondered if it would work on an alfalfa seedbed and always wanted to try it. I know they use it on taters too.

'Course back then, it was only $2.50 an acre or something like that.

Allan