Farmers deal with a lot of challenges, but there are smart ways and new tools to help make fields green and healthy. One big problem is unwanted plants like cheatgrass and wild oats, which tend to grow in overused or thin fields.
Scientists from the University of Nebraska found that using special plant-killers with rimsulfuron and imazapic can help, but you need to use them right and watch the weather.
New plant-killer called Rejuvra™ from Bayer. It stops cheatgrass seeds from growing and can work for up to two years! But remember, you need to use it early in the fall before the seeds start growing.
For fields with warm-season grass, you can use another plant-killer after the grass stops growing to control unwanted plants without hurting the good grass. Always remember to use plant killers safely by following the instructions.
For alfalfa plants, it’s good to cut them about six weeks before the first frost so they can stay healthy during winter. Using a method called Growing Degree Days (GDD) can help figure out the best time to cut. Dr. Dan Undersander from the University of Wisconsin found that having at least 500 base 41°F GDD after cutting is important to keep the plants healthy in winter.
Don’t forget about the fall armyworm caterpillars! They have caused problems in eastern Nebraska, eating alfalfa and other crops. It’s important to find them early when they are small because big caterpillars can eat a lot quickly. You can use bug-killers like Mustang Maxx, Besiege, and Sevin, but be sure to follow the rules for safe use.
By using these smart methods and keeping a close eye on the fields, farmers can grow more good grass and have healthy and green fields.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-0shut0
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Alfalfa, Livestock, Weather