Reseeding In Flooded Areas Of Spring Planted Forages

Jul 22, 2015

By Marvin Hall

Many fields of spring planted forages have areas where the forage didn’t survive the wet conditions. It is possible to reseed those areas this August or early September and have a solid stand next spring. The biggest concern of following a crop with the same crop (for example trying to seed alfalfa into a thin stand of alfalfa) has to do with pests and plant chemicals that have built up over time. Since last spring’s seeding never established in those low lying areas, these problems don’t exist. Lightly tilling or no-tilling forages back into those areas will have the same potential for success as if the area had been fallow. Remember the two rules for successful forage establishment.

Don’t plant deeper than 3/8 inch and
Ensure good seed to soil contact.

Source:psu.edu

Video: Residue Management

Residue Management conservation practice manages the amount, orientation, and distribution of crop and other plant residue on the soil surface year-round while limiting soil-disturbing activities used to grow and harvest crops in systems where the field surface is tilled prior to planting. This video explores how Ryan McKenzie implemented this conservation practice on his farm in Samson, Alabama.

Practice benefits:

• Increases organic matter

• Improves air quality

• Decreases energy costs

• Reduces erosion

• Improves soil health

The Conservation at Work video series was created to increase producer awareness of common conservation practices and was filmed at various locations throughout the country. Because conservation plans are specific to the unique resource needs on each farm and also soil type, weather conditions, etc., these videos were designed to serve as a general guide to the benefits of soil and water conservation and landowners should contact their local USDA office for individual consultation.