By Justin Brackenrich and Leanna Duppstadt
As summer winds down and fall quickly approaches, we notice regrowth returning to the cool-season grasses that had been growing slowly for the past three months. This gets us thinking – Do we capitalize on this growth and cut it? Maybe we graze it or stockpile it for later feeding? What should we be doing now to improve our forages for spring? There are quite a few fall management tips that can help maximize this period of rapid growth, all the while, making smart decisions with our time and resources to ensure that our forages are in the best position for success in the spring.
Harvest and heights
Adjustments need to be made in the fall to ensure winter hardy and spring ready stands. If alfalfa would typically be mowed at 2"- 2.5" during the spring/summer, adjust those to 3”-4” in the fall. If grass is the predominant species, maintain a 4” minimum height to promote faster regrowth. The same rules apply to grazing management in pastures. Overgrazing can inhibit the growth and development of the forages for spring, so implementing a managed grazing system can improve your ability to monitor plant heights.
It is important to cut at the proper height, so the forage has time to regrow before a killing frost. Image Credit: L. Duppstadt, Penn State Extension.
Timing is also important because there needs to be enough time for the plant to regenerate vegetative material before a "killing frost." A general rule is 4-6 weeks. For alfalfa, different varieties exist with improved weather hardiness and will allow for later cuttings. Stand survivability, however, can depend largely on this fall regrowth, so be cautious when trying to harvest late. How Fall Forage Harvest Can Affect Spring Stands , discusses harvest heights and timing in more detail, including cutting heights, root regrowth, and carbohydrate storage, for grass and alfalfa management. In short, allow enough time for some fall regrowth and lift the mower to leave behind more vegetation.
Field assessment and awareness
Fall is a great time to get out and take a look at what is happening. Ideally, scouting is occurring all year, but take advantage of the slow down this time of year. Another benefit to looking at things in the fall is that you will have a better view of the pasture or hay fields which may have previously been covered by tall vegetation. By this time of the year, most of Pennsylvania, aside from the southeast, are likely past a time to overseed this fall, but scouting can get you started on a plan for the subsequent spring to drill in additional forages or frost seed clovers into the stand. Noticing lack of vegetation, uneven stands, and weed infestations, can be an indication of fertility issues.
Fertility adjustments
Fall is an ideal time to get out in the field and correct soil fertility, which will ensure that your spring regrowth has what it needs to be successful. Taking a soil test now, and continuing a 3-year fall schedule, keeps you consistent on timing, but also keeps results consistent by always testing at the same time of the year. Soil testing after all forages have been removed for the year allows for easier sampling and more accurate lab recommendations. If pH or Mg adjustments are required, lime additions in the fall will have adequate time to begin neutralizing acidity and help improve nutrient availability. Applying phosphorous can help stands improve root growth and tillering in the spring, while potassium will aid in winterhardiness. If considering a nitrogen application to boost leaf growth, this should be done before October 1, with adequate moisture availability and at low rates, less than 40 lbs. per acre.
Weed control now
Not only is it one less job in spring or summer, but for some species, fall is the optimum time for weed control applications. Some of our perennial weeds, such as common milkweed and Canada thistle, are still active now and can be controlled well. Bramble species and multiflora rose are also actively growing and can be controlled with fall applications. Buttercup and dandelion, which are beginning to grow, can be controlled once a rosette forms. The same can be said for other biennials like common burdock and wild carrot, which are easier to control in the rosette stage. For more information on fall weed management in forages, read Weed Control in September and Beyond .
Pasture Management
If you are specifically considering pastures, now is a good time to think about mowing and/or dragging. Mowing can be a useful weed control measure but will also reduce some of the overgrown areas and aid in dethatching. Cutting down tall and standing material promotes decomposition during wither snow and rains, reducing dead plant matter in the field by spring Dragging this time of year can get manure nutrients to different areas of the paddock and help it decompose faster. If paddocks are small enough, this usually isn't necessary, but it can be helpful in some situations.
Clipping fields can help reduce weeds and incorporate standing plants into the field as residue over the winter. Image Credit: L. Duppstadt, Penn State Extension.
This "slow" time of year in the fall, between hay season and spring chores, is sometimes the best chance we have to get some extra work done. Prioritizing and using this short list can help make sure that forages have the best chance for survivability and a healthy start in the spring.
Source : psu.edu